Ira Jackson is pressing for a start at Folkestone after producing another moment of magic.

The winger came off the bench on Saturday and lit up the Buildkent Stadium with a goal of real quality.

Jackson’s superb free-kick, three minutes from time, earned Invicta a 1-1 draw against Leatherhead which extended their unbeaten start to the season.

He’s already got two goals to his name with the latest one of his very best.

“It’s not the first time he’s done it,” said manager Neil Cugley.

“He did two of them last year and once he’s on the ball, you fancy you’re going to get something from him. His technique is brilliant.

“He’s been really lively and it won’t be long before he starts a game, I’m sure.

“It works both ways though. He chose to go to Dover in pre-season (on trial) so he’s got to work his way back.

“To be fair, Johan ter Horst scored the other day, Kieron McCann’s been playing well and Jerson Dos Santos has scored goals so he knows there’s a bit of competition up there.

“Ira’s good as gold and it was never a big issue.

“He wanted to be a full-time footballer and that didn’t come about but he’s a good lad and he’s been no problem at all.”

Folkestone have taken seven points from a possible nine so far and are fourth in the Isthmian Premier.

Cugley said: “We’ve played some good football, Saturday not as good as the others but generally I’m quite pleased.

“On Saturday we had Ronnie Dolan on the bench as well (as Jackson). We’re lucky at the moment that we’ve got a strong bench.

“It might not last forever but at the moment it’s strong and that’s important at this time of year.”

Folkestone’s double-header over the Bank Holiday weekend starts with a trip to Potters Bar on Saturday before they entertain last season’s play-off finalists Merstham on Monday.

“You have to accept in this league that you’re going to get some nicer grounds than others,” said Cugley when asked about Potters Bar.

“You know what it’s going to be like and you get on with it.

“There’s a couple of niggly little injuries that you get when you play three games in such a short period so I’m not disappointed to have a week off.

“We’ll train, see how we are and get ready for a busy weekend.

“I keep saying it but there are no easy games. You’ve got to work hard every single game you play and that’s what this league’s about.”

Ian Draycott and Josh Vincent are still out injured.

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