Manager Neil Cugley is demanding an improvement from his underachieving defence after a poor run which has seen Folkestone slide down the Ryman League Division 1 South table.

The 4-3 defeat at Crawley Down on Saturday saw them drop to sixth. Midweek results elsewhere cost them another two places and it could be a similar story this weekend, with Invicta not playing.

Cugley (pictured) has always backed his players during the tough times off the field at Cheriton Road, but hinting at a degree of impatience about the recent form, he said: "The loyalty card can only last for so long, we can’t keep running with it for ever.

"They are young, but still very experienced and have to show they have still got the appetite and want it. We need to improve, do better and kick on."

Cugley has been pleased with striker Richard Atkins, wide-man Nat Blanks and Ryan Philpott, all of whom have shown up well having been given their chance

Invicta resume next week after a 10-day break with three successive away games – the visit to Walton & Hersham next Tuesday, followed by trips to Horsham and newly promoted Herne Bay. The enforced rest will allow Invicta injured players the chance to continue their recovery.

Lee Gledhill (hamstring) and Josh Burchell (ankle) both made the bench at Crawley Down, with the latter getting a run-out 20 minutes from the end

Josh Vincent is also on his way back after a lengthy lay-off with a groin injury.