Neil Cugley believes things are on the up at Folkestone Invicta after his side marched into the third qualifying round of the FA Trophy.

Invicta have endured a troubled start this year with injuries hitting their small squad but a 3-1 win over Thamesmead Town and the imminent return of several key players has left Cugley an excited man.

"We’re starting to turn things round and I’m delighted with the boys," said Cugley whose side now face Eastleigh away in the Trophy.

"In the last six games we haven’t really played well and we’ve got four wins and a draw. When you get results and you’re not playing at your best, it’s always a boost.

"The win over Thamesmead was superb. We deserved to beat them and to bounce back from Saturday’s draw like we did was excellent. The money is important too, especially at a club like ours.

"We’re getting some of our key men back. Robbie Kember started on Tuesday, James Everitt is back for Saturday and Jimmy Dryden should be back playing in two weeks. Things are looking good."

And the upturn in fortunes comes at a perfect time for Invicta.

Cugley’s men are back in Ryman League, Premier Division action against Canvey Island on Saturday, the start of what the Folkestone boss describes as a "crucial" eight-day period in the season.