Neil Cugley believes Folkestone will be a force to be reckoned with when four of their star men return to fitness.

Scott Heard's comeback continued with another substitute appearance in the 1-0 defeat at Haringey on Saturday while Sam Hasler and Ronnie Dolan are both on the mend.

Johan ter Horst is waiting for a scan on his knee before a decision is made on his reintegration to the Invicta squad.

All four will bring creative quality to a Folkestone side which has failed to score in three of the last four games.

Cugley said: "We've been playing all right for the last couple of months and if we can get our injured players back, we'll be a force again.

"We couldn't break Haringey down in the second half and Whitehawk was similar (that game finished goalless).

"We're playing three up, with Ian Draycott in behind and attacking midfielders so it's not for the lack of trying.

"Sometimes you've got to give credit to the other team if they're defending well or the goalkeeper's playing well."

Folkestone have scored more goals (33) than Bostik Premier leaders Lewes but have conceded only two less (33) than rock-bottom Whitehawk.

Cugley, though, said: "You can look at things forever. Recently we've defended well.

"I can't moan at the defence at all; Matt Newman and Callum Davies have been excellent.

"Early on, yes, we were conceding too many goals and having a bad time but the last few weeks we've been good.

"We generally play good football, we're not conceding loads of goals and we're scoring at home.

"It's just away that we're not quite hitting the target."

Folkestone's last two games before Christmas are both at the Fullicks Stadium.

They face Bishop's Stortford on Saturday, having won the reverse fixture 1-0 back in September.

Cugley said: "When we played them they were not that strong but Jamie Cureton's become manager and he's turned them right around.

"Nearly every game is difficult in this league and you've got to be on song because otherwise teams will find you out.

"They've improved no end since we beat them up there but I think we have as well."

Folkestone's Velocity Trophy quarter-final away to Bracknell Town has been scheduled for Tuesday, January 15.