Folkestone have been forced to scrap their home pre-season friendly matches in a bid to preserve their newly-laid pitch.

Invicta were due to play Dartford at The Buzzlines Stadium on Saturday, July 24 while troubled Kent rivals Ashford and Ramsgate were also planning to visit before the league season commences.

The goalmouths were re-turfed at the weekend and need around five to six weeks to bed in. With that in mind it was decided to drop all home games from the pre-season schedule.

Ramsgate have agreed to switch the game on August 10 to their home ground, but Dartford’s pitch isn’t in great condition either, meaning that game has been cancelled. Ashford have yet to reply.

Boss Neil Cugley (pictured) was disappointed with the outcome but was confident the pitch would be fit for the start of the season.

He said: "It’s disappointing for the players as they like to play a couple at home but we know the reason behind it.

"The main thing is that we get it ready for the first game. By August it will be looking nice and there’ll be no problem."

The regular visit of Gillingham wasn’t scheduled this season so the lack of home games won’t be hitting the budget.

"That’s something we can cope with," added Cugley.

Folkestone kick off their pre-season campaign at Faversham on Tuesday, July 20.

"We’ll slowly build things up and at the minute the ground is quite hard so we don’t want to overdo it and get injuries," Cugley added.

Will Folkestone miss out by not hosting home friendlies? Have your say below.