Boss Andy Drury is challenging Folkestone’s new-look squad to earn contracts for next season ahead of a tough run of matches.

An upturn in form since the start of 2024 has helped move Invicta away from the Isthmian Premier relegation zone.

Folkestone are at promotion-chasing Billericay this Saturday, having been scheduled to host frontrunners Hornchurch tonight - a day after ex-Ebbsfleet boss Daryl McMahon was appointed manager, although he won’t officially take charge until Saturday.

They then return to Cheriton Road to finish a run of three games in seven days against Cray Wanderers on Tuesday.

“It’s a good opportunity for the boys to show how good they are over the next two or three months,” said Drury, close to signing a utility player with international and National League experience.

“They need to show me that they want to be part of the project, moving forward and they don’t want to go somewhere else.

“This will be a good club to be at for the foreseeable future.

Folkestone forward makes team-of-the-week

“It’s pretty much down to them to keep their shirt and perform for a contract for next year, really.”

Two-goal forward Tom Derry and midfielder Seidou Sanogo ensured Folkestone drew 3-3 at home to play-off chasing Carshalton last Saturday - four goals coming in the first 20 minutes.

Drury, also expecting one or two players to depart this week, reflected: “First half, it was quite a good game of football, really.

“We started really well and then showed good character to come from 2-1 down to go in at half-time 3-2 up.

“For 70 minutes, I thought we were pretty comfortable and the better team. Then, they got on top for the last 15 minutes.

“On the whole, I’d say we deserved to win, but they’re doing well and on a good run of form.

“So, we’ll take the draw.”

On Derry’s double, he added: “I’ve seen Tom play over the last couple of years. He does give you that focal point.

“He’s really good in the air and works hard, and is a tidy footballer, as well. He has got five goals for us since he’s signed.

“He’s doing really well and has been a really good signing.”

The draw in front of a crowd of 697 came after they had lost for the first time this year, going down at Canvey Island 2-1 despite a goal from experienced defender Jake Goodman.

“Obviously, it was a shame not to get three points on Saturday but I’ll take a lot of positives from the way we played,” said Drury, who himself was dismissed against Carshalton.

“Canvey was an awful game played in really awful conditions. A draw would have been a fair result.

“We had a goal disallowed for no reason and we should have had a clear penalty. It was just one of those games, going over to Essex and not getting anything from the referee.

“That’s been the story of our season, really. We don’t seem to get anything from referees.

“On Saturday, Tom Derry did a really, really good tackle - and the referee blew for a free-kick and gave Tom a yellow card. Even their bench and the (Carshalton) player were saying what a great tackle it was!

“On the whole, it was a good reaction from a loss, really, and we probably didn’t deserve to lose that game on Tuesday, as well.

“We’re doing all right at the moment.

“It will be nice to get some wins as we go through February but the group is doing really well.

“They’re gelling really well together.”

Invicta could do a league double over Billericay this term after they beat them 1-0 at Cheriton Road in mid-November.