Neil Cugley predicts the current top six sides will be the ones battling it out for the promotion spots.

Third-placed Invicta moved 14 points clear of Kingstonian in ninth after second-half efforts from Dave Smith and Ade Yusuff on Saturday, despite a bizarre decision to award Kingstonian’s Ollie Cook a goal when neither side appeared convinced the ball had crossed the line.

Most teams now have 10 league fixtures or less to play, although Cheshunt have played only 30 league matches and could yet force their way into the reckoning. But the gap between seventh and sixth stands at eight points.

The Isthmian Premier champions will go up automatically, while second to fifth will qualify for the play-offs.

Asked if he expected five sides from the current top six to be in the leading places come the end of the season, Invicta boss Cugley replied: “I think so.

“Margate and Cheshunt are there or thereabouts. But they probably would need to win every game now - although they might do that!

"But it’s a big ask.”

Both Smith and Yusuff fired past Julian Schwarzer - the son of former Middlesbrough and Chelsea goalkeeper Mark - who has recently joined Kingstonian on loan from Fulham.

It was top scorer Yusuff’s 24th of the season and Smith’s 22nd - albeit his first in more than a month.

“They are both in the 20s. But with the way we play, I would be disappointed if they didn’t have that number of goals,” noted Cugley, whose team came from behind to beat Isthmian North Barking 2-1 on Tuesday through second-half efforts from Alfie Paxman and Smith as they progressed to the Velocity Trophy semi-final.

“They were both good goals. Dave got one, which was good because he hadn’t scored recently.

"If you play for Folkestone, you should score goals. I think they should both get around 30.”

Folkestone earned the win without defender Josh Vincent (foot) and midfielder Scott Heard (hamstring).

“He picked up a foot injury but he had it X-rayed and it’s not a break,” Cugley said on Vincent’s injury.

“Scott Heard will be back on Saturday as well. They are both big players for us.

“Having them out, it would have been difficult (in the past) but it’s presented others with opportunities and they have done well.

“Touch wood, we could have a full squad of 17 to choose from.”

The only sour note from another good afternoon was the decision made by the officials to award the hosts a controversial goal.

Cugley reflected: “They were one of the favourites to win it or to be in the play-offs. So to do the double over them is pleasing (Invicta beat Kingstonian 5-1 at Cheriton Road in October).

“The only disappointment on Saturday was the goal that was given to them. It was a bit frustrating because we have had a few clean sheets recently.”

This weekend Invicta visit Bowers & Pitsea, who are not quite yet clear of the relegation places.

Cugley admitted: “To be fair, they came to our place and got a 2-2 draw (last month) - and deserved it.

"So we have got to be ready for that one.”

Goalkeeper Connor Collins was also back on the bench for Invicta at Kingstonian, having recently joined Southern Counties East Hollands & Blair on loan.

“I think he did well, he got that experience and played in front of 800-odd people at Chatham,” Cugley enthused.

“We think very highly of Connor.”

Folkestone are joined in the Velocity Trophy semi-finals by Kent rivals Margate who beat Carshalton 4-1 at Hartsdown Park on Tuesday.

Invicta visit Brightlingsea Regent in the league next Tuesday.