Folkestone Invicta manager Neil Cugley was this morning pleased to announce the signing of Darren Smith from Kent neighbours Chatham Town - and tells us that Darren will be straight into his squad for tonight's League Cup clash with Tilbury at the Buzzlines Stadium.

He is predominantly a midfielder, but can also play right back and is very experienced and comfortable on the ball. Darren (right) was a former captain at Chatham and is good friends with Invicta assistant manager Scott Lindsey - they both played together at Gravesend & Northfleet, now Ebbsfleet United.

It was from Darren's free-kick in the 1-1 FA Trophy draw that Liam Friend deflected past Charlie Mitten, before Jimmy Jackson rescued the Seasiders with a simple goal after a cross by Friend.

The signing is good news on top of that regarding the signing of the returning Joe Neilson from neighbours Hythe Town.

The double swoop will help bolster the Seasiders' threadbare squad, with forward Neilson signing in time to make his return in the victory at Walton Casuals on Saturday.

Invicta manager Neil Cugley told www.kentnews.co.uk today : “Darren's a good player, a proper footballer and he gives us real versatility because he can play in midfield or up front. When you have a squad as small as ours it's important to have players who can play in several positions.

“Joe's a local lad and he will also give everyone a bit of a lift, he did quite well coming on for his debut on Saturday.”

www.folkestoneinvicta.co.uk will be speaking to Neil following tonight's encounter with Tilbury for a full reaction on the past two games and these latest signings.

Folkestone Invicta v Tilbury - 7.45pm Kick off
Tues 2nd December 2008 - The Buzzlines Stadium