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Folkestone Invicta striker Ian Draycott closing in on Jimmy Dryden's club goalscoring record

Ian Draycott has one eye on Jimmy Dryden’s all-time goalscoring record at Folkestone Invicta.

Draycott took his career tally to 119 on Saturday with the winner against Brightlingsea Regent and that means he needs another 22 to join Dryden on 141.

The 29-year-old has averaged two goals every three games since joining Folkestone in 2014 and is determined to keep that up.

Ian Draycott challenges for the ball against Brightlingsea Picture: Paul Amos
Ian Draycott challenges for the ball against Brightlingsea Picture: Paul Amos

Draycott said: “One of the players asked if I knew who the Folkestone record-holder was and Mev (Micheal Everitt) said Jimmy Dryden must be up there.

“It’s nice to be recognised for the work you’ve done anywhere, so having my name at the top of the list is something I’d be pretty proud of.

“When people see your name on the scoresheet, they automatically think you’ve had a great game but I can think of games when I’ve picked up a couple of goals and haven’t done anything else.

“I like to think I’m a team player and appreciated for more than just my goals.”

It took Draycott until October to open his account for the season but he’s now scored six goals in his last five games and 14 in total.

He said: “I’m always confident that if I get chances, I’ll score goals.

“Last season I didn’t get as many chances with us being lower in the table but this season, and especially recently, I seem to be getting more opportunities.

“You have to be more consistent at this level. It’s hard and physical but it’s been enjoyable and when there’s confidence in the team and we’re playing the way we are, it makes my life easier.”

Folkestone, on course for the Bostik Premier play-offs, have scored 89 goals in all competitions with summer signing Ade Yusuff leading the way on 22.

Draycott said: “Ade reminds me of me when I was younger, lots of energy and work-rate, constantly putting defenders under pressure.

“As I’ve got older, I’ve got a bit cleverer not to do that any more, so I end up in different positions.

“It’s all about building relationships and we’ve got them across the pitch.

“This is a brilliant team to play in. You know you’re going to get chances.

“If we keep a clean sheet, we know we’re going to win the game and I can’t imagine there’s many teams in our league or other leagues who can have that attitude.

“It’s positive for us strikers but I’m not sure how happy the defenders are!”

Folkestone continue their promotion push away to Worthing on Saturday.

Draycott said: “If you look at our record against the top-10 teams, we’ve taken points off most of them.

“We scored three against Margate, Hendon and Dulwich and five against Leiston so we’re in confident mood, especially with a lot of home games between now and the end of the season.”

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