New defender Jason Fregene will be prepared to “run through brick walls” for Folkestone, according to manager Andy Drury.

Fregene has joined Isthmian Premier Invicta and made his debut in last weekend’s 1-1 draw with play-off chasing Wingate & Finchley.

The left-back arrives from divisional rivals Hastings. He helped Invicta’s neighbours Hythe reach the Isthmian South East Play-off Final last term and counts Sittingbourne – where he worked under new Folkestone assistant Chris Lynch - and Sevenoaks among his former clubs.

Drury said: “We have been chasing him for a couple of weeks now.

“He had his options, took his time and, thankfully, chose us. He offers leadership and he can play all across the backline.

“Jason will run through brick walls for everyone. If they (his team-mates) aren’t doing it, he will let them know.

“He probably could play holding central midfield if we wanted him to as well, which is quite handy.”

Invicta midfielder makes team-of-the-week

Fregene was introduced midway through the second half against Wingate & Finchley - a team relegation-threatened Folkestone thrashed 4-0 on the opening day of this campaign, although they seem to have found their groove since.

“We could have nicked it,” reflected Drury. “But with where we are at the moment, I would have taken a point against the team in fourth.

“We were not fully at it in the first half and I let the boys know at half-time. To be fair, their reaction was brilliant.

“It shows how far we have come because I don’t think we would have got that reaction four or six weeks ago.”

Seidou Sanogo scored early in the second half as the hosts came from behind in front of a crowd of 586 at Cheriton Road after striker Dave Smith had headed midfielder Ade Cole’s delivery into his path.

It was the midfielder’s first goal for the club.

Drury said: “He came in and his first game was against Horsham. He hadn’t played a great deal of football leading up to that game.

“Along with Tom (Derry) and Sess (Chris Sessegnon), he’s getting up to speed as we go. Seidou has done well. He took his goal very well.

“He’s one that will get better and better.”

Invicta will visit another promotion-chasing team in Enfield this Saturday and host Cray Wanderers on Tuesday.

On the trip to Enfield, Drury, who has allowed forward Andre Coker to join AFC Croydon Athletic on loan until the end of the season, said: “They keep on coming.

“We seem to be playing every team up towards the top of the table. They’re up there in the league with a couple of games in hand.

“But there’s no reason we cannot go and get a result if we’re fully at it.”

Folkestone were also handed a fitness boost against Wingate & Finchley, as forward Ira Jackson made a cameo substitute appearance.

Now 26, Jackson’s form in 2020 earned him a Football League move to Grimsby but he rejoined Invicta in August 2022 and hasn’t featured for the club since November due to injury.

“He has just come back from six weeks out, similar to Dave Smith with his foot problem,” explained Drury, involved in the latest club fans’ forum on Monday night.

“We need Ira Jackson back to his best. We will have a chat with Ira this week as to what to do and when in order to do that.

“But Ira Jackson on form got a move to the Football League, so everyone knows what he can do.”

Striker Luke Holness and keeper Luke Watkins have left the club.