Dave Smith made the most of a first competitive start in more than a month in Folkestone’s Isthmian Premier derby victory at Margate on New Year’s Day.

Striker Smith netted twice inside five first-half minutes - his opening goal a penalty - to help guide Invicta to a first competitive success since Andy Drury was appointed as their manager in November, winning 2-0 at Hartsdown Park.

Smith hadn’t started for Folkestone in the league since November 25, although he did net twice in a friendly triumph against Sittingbourne just before Christmas, and got another brace at Margate.

Drury said: “He has had a problem with his foot and we have nursed him back over the last couple of weeks, with a friendly and we’ve brought him on for 20 minutes here or there.

“We thought today was the right time to give him a start and he has got two goals, so well played.”

Smith broke the deadlock at Margate in front of a 557-strong crowd with a 17th-minute penalty after winger Jordan Ababio - who is back from a loan stint at Faversham - had been fouled. He then nodded in a fantastic right-wing midfielder Scott Heard cross.

“I’m delighted with the boys’ work-rate, and their fight and desire to get the three points,” reflected Drury, who revealed defender Jake Goodman had travelled for the game from hospital after his partner had given birth. “It was comfortable in the end.

Report: Margate 0-2 Folkestone

“We did a number on them in the first half, went 2-0 up and, in the second half, we were pretty comfortable. We could have got a third or fourth on the break.

“I think they had one chance from a corner that we headed off the line. That was it, really.”

Folkestone remain three points ahead of fourth-bottom Cheshunt - and have played a league fixture more - despite moving out of the relegation zone.

Asked if a lack of confidence had been an issue during the club’s six straight losses since he took the helm at Cheriton Road, Drury replied: “Possibly.

“Over the course of the season, there’s been a lack of fight, desire and hard work to go and get three points.

“You don’t get a freebie at this level anymore. You have to work your socks off for 90 minutes and outwork the opposition to get three points.

“We have come unstuck not doing that too many times this season. But today, we did it and we got three points.

“I said to the boys that we have probably worked really, really hard as a group five or six times this season - and we have won every single one of those games.

“We have attacking threats in Tom (Derry), Smithy and Jordan Ababio has come back, and he was a handful.”

The derby triumph seemed to be one Drury, sacked as Margate manager on Boxing Day 2022, particularly enjoyed as he was given a vocal reception from the home faithful.

“I’m not sure about giving the opposition manager stick when you’re losing 2-0 and your team hasn't looked the best,” said the 40-year-old. “But I don’t really care about Margate.

“They’re in a worse position than when I left them - I’ll worry about Folkestone.”

Invicta host play-off occupants Wingate & Finchley this Saturday after they edged to a 3-2 win over struggling Cheshunt on New Year’s Day.