Local lad Finley Marjoram, 19, nets on Folkestone Invicta debut in 3-2 Isthmian Premier victory at Burgess Hill Town as defender leaves Crystal Palace

Local lad Finley Marjoram made an instant impact on his Folkestone debut.

The 19-year-old scored Invicta’s first goal in their 3-2 Isthmian Premier victory at Burgess Hill last weekend.

A Folkestone boy who attended St Mary’s Primary Academy, he signed for Premier League club Crystal Palace at the age of eight and progressed through their Academy ranks to play for the under-18 and under-21 sides before he left this summer.

Defender Marjoram also played on loan at AFC Croydon Athletic last season but is now with Jay Saunders’ side.

Captain Kevin Lokko said: “He has come in and I think he’s only had one training session.

"He slotted straight in on the left-hand side, which isn’t his natural side, and got a goal.

“It shows how good we are as a group. It’s a good group and it’s pretty easy for people to come into.

“If you look at Pigs (Joe Pigott) as well, it shows the group is such a welcoming one and good to be around, off the pitch, as well as on it.

"It’s all looking good so far.”

Striker Pigott added to Marjoram’s opener with his first club goal at Burgess Hill before half-time.

The hosts hit back with goals either side of half-time, only for midfielder Donell Thomas to get the winner, his fifth in as many matches.

“It was a good win,” reflected centre-back Lokko. “We definitely weren’t at our best when you compare that to other games.

“We have had a couple of games in Aveley (last Monday’s 5-2 win) and Burgess Hill where we’ve conceded a couple of goals.

“We’re not happy with that because we want to keep clean sheets - but it’s still two wins. We’re still unbeaten but disappointed we’re conceding goals.

“That’s good signs.”

Victory at Burgess Hill was an eighth in a row for early play-off occupants Folkestone after