The spirit of Folkestone Invicta’s players has been praised by manager Neil Cugley.

Saturday’s last-gasp defeat at Carshalton still leaves Cugley’s team just one point off the bottom of the Ryman League Premier Division.

But Cugley said: "I’ve been in football a long time and I can’t think of a team that’s given me more during games.

"The effort they have put in has been exceptional.

"This club has had a rollercoaster ride in recent years but they are good lads who have been together a long time and seem to take everything that’s thrown at them.

"When you’re going on a bad run or have difficulties with finances but you have players with good character, it’s not a problem.

"Men like Darren Smith and Roland Edge are tremendous people to have around."

Striker Paul Jones could return to face Cray after a groin injury which has kept him out since November, while Simon Austin (knee) and Robbie Kember (thigh) will need checks on the injuries which forced them off during Saturday’s game.

The match at Cray in October provided one of Folkestone’s four wins this season, although they gained some revenge with an extra-time victory in the Championship Manager Cup a month later.

Cugley said: "Cray are a good footballing side and always try to play the right way."