By Craig Tucker

Folkestone are taking no chances with their small squad ahead of the Ryman League Division 1 South opener at home to Worthing on Saturday.

The players were given Tuesday night off training and there will be just a light session on Thursday with boss Neil Cugley (pictured) anxious to avoid injuries.

He said: "I’m just hoping nothing happens between now and Saturday. We’ll need a bit of luck with injuries if we’re going to have a good season.

"We had it when we got out of this league a couple of years ago with the same XI playing every week.

"When you have a small squad, the whole season could change if a major player picks up an injury."

Josh Vincent (groin) and Darren Smith (holiday) are the only players missing for the match against a Worthing side who are tipped to be among the front-runners.

Cugley is expecting an early test of Folkestone’s promotion credentials but has every faith in his young team.

He said: "We’re looking forward to it. Worthing are similar to us in that they’ve been up and down over the years. I’m sure they’ll be one of the better sides but we’re ready to give it a good go again this season."

Smith will be available for Invicta’s first away game at Sittingbourne, which has been moved to Wednesday (7.45pm).