Folkestone Invicta boss Andy Drury looks to leave days of playing himself behind as they aim to build on Isthmian Premier derby 2-0 win at Margate

Manager Andy Drury hopes to leave the days of playing himself firmly behind him after a tough start in charge of Folkestone.

Invicta moved out of the Isthmian Premier relegation zone on New Year’s Day with a much-needed 2-0 derby victory at Margate, as striker Dave Smith netted twice inside five first-half minutes to complete a league double.

It was a first win for Drury since he replaced joint-bosses Roland Edge and Micheal Everitt in November, and came after six consecutive defeats - the latest of which saw Invicta beaten 3-1 at home by Hashtag United last Saturday, despite forward Tom Derry’s goal.

Former Football League midfielder Drury, 40, left himself out of Folkestone’s squad entirely for just the second time in the league as he returned to Hartsdown Park.

“It’s incredibly difficult to play and manage,” Drury admitted.

“You don’t see the full picture.

“I’ve had to do it (play) a few times - but certainly, if I don’t have to do it, I won’t do it.”

Drury has added former Sittingbourne manager Chris Lynch to Invicta’s backroom staff.

Report: Margate 0-2 Folkestone

Smith back with a bang for Invicta

“He’s very knowledgeable about the game,” said Drury. “He’s always on the end of the phone for me.

“He lives 10 or 15 minutes from my house and is a good guy.

“If someone becomes available, we might look at adding to our Folkestone staff. But we’re in a decent place.”

Winger Jordan Ababio has rejoined Folkestone after his loan spell at Faversham ended. The 22-year-old impressed on his return at Margate and won the penalty for the first of seven-goal Smith’s two strikes.

Drury said: “I don’t think there were any questions from any of their players about the penalty.

“Jordan came in and tired a little bit after 60