Neil Cugley feels things are finally starting to settle down again at Folkestone.

It’s been a challenging start to the season for Invicta, with boss Cugley pointing to a combination of squad upheaval and injuries for their mixed start.

But they won 2-1 at Brightlingsea Regent in the Isthmian Premier on Saturday - their first away win - to move up to 15th place after eight games.

Alfie Paxman opened the scoring on his first start after recovering from a broken hand and David Smith made it two before Jake Clowsley replied.

“It was a good win,” said Cugley. “It’s not an easy place to go but we’ve started to get players back and that helps.

“We’ve had a lot of changes to the squad, which is quite unusual at Folkestone, and it’s taken a little while to settle down, plus we’ve had quite a few injuries.

“It’s been difficult but we’re getting over that now."

Cugley praised his goalscorers, with Paxman making a welcome return while Smith continued his promising start in Folkestone colours.

“It was Paxman’s first full game since he broke his hand at Potters Bar,” said Cugley. “It was good to have him back and to score made it even better.

“He’s such a versatile player, he’s a good left-back but we played him on the left side up front and he did well.

“I’m really pleased with David Smith as well. There’s a few little things to work on but generally he’s done great.

“He’s a really strong lad, he’s only 21, and he’s got a great attitude.

"As you know, we have to take a gamble on players from the league below but he’s done well.

“It’s up to him where he goes. If he keeps progressing like he has, then who knows?

“We’ve sold quite a few on over the years - why can’t he be the next one if he keeps working at his game?

“If he gets 25 goals at this level, you’ve got something about you.”

Cugley, whose side travel to Walton Casuals in the FA Trophy third qualifying round this Saturday, is enjoying having former AFC Wimbledon midfielder Sammy Moore at the club.

Moore joined Invicta after a season in charge at National South club Hemel Hempstead.

He’d been manager at Concord before that but the 33-year-old is in no rush to return to the dugout.

Cugley said: “If the right offer comes up he might do it but he said to me he’s not that keen.

“He’s quite enjoying not having the hassle of it all but you never know.

“He’s enjoying his football, he likes being at the club and he’s at an age where he can still play, unlike me.

“I might get the boots on but I couldn’t get the shorts on!

“He might as well do a year or so here and then see what comes up."

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