Simon Austin has returned to Cheriton Road to help boost the lack of firepower in the Folkestone team.

The striker (pictured), who left Invicta in April for local rivals Hythe Town, is back for an initial four-game spell to help Neil Cugley’s team maintain their impressive start to their Ryman League, Division 1 South campaign.

Boss Cugley said: "We lost our leading scorer in Stuart King through injury and with Paul Jones also out, all of a sudden we’re having to go with five at the back again.

"We want to play more attacking football but you need forwards to do that. Simon hasn’t played many games recently but he’ll give us more options for the weekend."

Invicta return to league action with a trip to Sittingbourne on Saturday for a Kent derby before facing Godalming away on Tuesday night.

Cugley, who is without King for two or three more weeks, will assess whether there is a chance to move for Austin permanently after the busy period ends.

He said: "That gives me extra options and gives us more strength in depth. We’ll see how the move goes and we’ve got four games in two weeks coming up.

"After that, we’ll speak and go from there. Simon is experienced, he’s a good lad to have around and might be important to us."

Jones is expected to be back in contention this week after an ankle injury.

Richard Atkins (collar bone) remains out but Roland Edge could start after suffering with illness.