Folkestone's Ryman League play-off hopes have taken a major blow after star striker Stuart King picked up a three-game ban.

Neil Cugley saw his leading goalscorer sent-off with a decision which the Invicta boss labelled as the "worst ever".

King’s retaliation to a first-half challenge during Invicta’s defeat at Walton & Hersham was deemed worthy of a red card by the referee, a decision that not only had repercussions on Saturday but will also severely hinder his side for the season run-in.

"It was a ridiculous decision," slammed Cugley. "I have been managing for 25 years and that is the most unbelievable decision I have seen for a sending off.

"I watched the whole incident and I would have been surprised if he had been booked but to get sent-off just spoilt the game.

"That is going to affect us. I am very disappointed for him and for us. But there is nothing we can do about it and we just have to take it on the chin."

Cugley will not only have to make do without King, as at the end of the month Simon Austin is set to join Herne Bay and Roland Edge is leaving the club, after reaching an agreement to cancel his contract.

Forward Damian Abel returns this week after being unavailable on Saturday.