Former Folkestone Invicta full-back Ryan Philpott could be the answer the Hythe Town manager Tim Dixon’s striker conundrum.

Philpott is on trial with Hythe, who open their pre-season campaign with a home friendly against Ashford United on Saturday.

A defender during his time with Invicta, Philpott played further forward with Deal Town last season and now he’s caught Dixon’s eye.

Dixon said: "He was told he was a right-back but I think he’s a centre-forward. He turned up at our trial, he’s a physical lad and I like him.

"He scored against us (Ramsgate) in a friendly last year, when he was playing for Deal. He was a bit of a handful and I thought he was decent at Folkestone."

Sam Conlon, who was Ashford’s top scorer in Southern Counties East last season, has also been training with Hythe.

Dixon said: "They both want to have a go at this level, so for me, it’s a no-brainer.

"Sam scored a few goals for Ashford last year and he was previously with Hythe. It wasn’t a great spell, first time round but he’s well up for giving it a go and I’d be foolish not to have a look at him."

Meanwhile, midfielder Dave Pilcher is set to join Hythe from Dover Athletic.