Flying winger Jon Pilbeam is making a case to start for Folkestone Invicta every single week.

Pilbeam, a summer signing from Tunbridge Wells, has made 32 league appearances for Neil Cugley’s side this season – although almost half of those have come as a substitute.

But a two-goal salvo at Herne Bay on Saturday and increasingly mature displays are pushing Pilbeam’s case for regular selection.

Folkestone boss Cugley said: "He’s had to wait for his chance but he’s been spot-on in what he’s done.

"He’s disappointed he’s not been picked more often but he came in and played a really good game. He’s cemented his place for Saturday now.

"He needs to learn a little bit more in terms of his positional play and sometimes we want him to work on tracking back but in general, he’s done alright. He’s been unlucky to have been left out."

Pilbeam played for Tunbridge Wells at Wembley in the 2013 FA Vase final but stepping up from the Southern Counties East League to the Ryman League means more is expected of him now.

Cugley said: "It’s about getting to know what we want from him. If we play him down the right, we’re going more attack-minded and we can lose an extra body in midfield.

"But the first goal on Saturday summed him up. Edgy (assistant manager Roland Edge) has been talking to him about coming inside (which he did) and he took his goal well.

"Edgy was shouting out to him during that move and he had a smile on his face when the goal went in."

Read the full story in the Folkestone & Hythe Express.