The return of Paul Jones would be like a new signing for Folkestone Invicta, said manager Neil Cugley.

And his imminent comeback from a groin injury, which has kept him out of action since November, could be the solution to Invicta’s striking woes.

Despite two promising performances in a 4-2 defeat at Billericay in the Ryman League, Premier Division, on Saturday, and a 2-2 draw at Hastings on Tuesday, Cugley is not content.

He said: "Tuesday felt like points dropped, rather than one gained.

"We had enough chances to have finished them off in the first half and I was disappointed with the result. We hit the bar, and had one cleared off the line."

Even if Jones (pictured) is not ready to join the squad for Saturday’s trip to Carshalton, Cugley will hope to have him available next week.

Cugley said: "We have missed his presence up front, and he will be like a new signing for us."

Teenager Gary Lockyer was left out of the squad for Tuesday’s match, but Cugley is keen to retain him.

Carshalton have proved elusive opponents, with the home game between the sides postponed three times this season, due to weather problems and cup commitments.