Invicta boss hails his new hot-shot

Folkestone Invicta manager Neil Cugley has hailed the signing of striker Joe Taylor by the Ryman South club.

The 24-year-old former Sittingbourne hot-shot, pictured, is set to go straight into Invicta’s squad for Saturday’s FA Cup tie against Kent rivals Margate at The Fullicks Stadium.

The ex-Brickies forward was invited to Sweden to trial with second-tier side Ostersunds KF in February before joining Farnborough in the summer and Cugley believes he has all the attributes to become a firm favourite with the fans.

Cugley said: "He’s quick and a natural goal scorer and can play wide right, through the middle or on the left. I’ve seen him do well quite a few times for Sittingbourne - including a couple of games against us when he always caused us problems.

"He had a spell abroad [in Sweden] earlier this year and joined Farnborough last summer and we’re delighted he’s now agreed to join us. I wasn’t seriously intending to look for anyone else at the moment but when I heard that he might be available we didn’t waste any time.

"He can be a big player for this football club and he’s got family connections in Folkestone as well. He’s a clever, skilful player and signing him shows we are now ready to kick-on."

Taylor’s former clubs also include Margate and his new manager added: "It’s a big, big game for us. They’ve made a great start towards justifying their position as title favourites in the Ryman Premier Division. But we did pretty well against them in pre-season [losing 2-3] and we’ll be giving it everything we’ve got!"

In team news, midfielder Matt Newman is still away and unavailable for the FA Cup First Qualifying Round tie while Paul Booth could start from the bench. Lively 20-year-old fullback and midfielder Jordan Wright is in with a shout after playing his part against Erith & Belvedere in the Preliminary Round Replay win and again in Tuesday’s hard-earned 2-1 league success over Walton & Hersham.