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Sport

Folkestone Invicta manager Neil Cugley relishing the big matches ahead of crunch time in the season

By: Thomas Reeves treeves@thekmgroup.co.uk

Published: 05:00, 03 March 2022

Updated: 08:45, 03 March 2022

The big games keep on coming for Folkestone - and that’s just the way boss Neil Cugley likes it.

Invicta have moved back into the Isthmian Premier play-off places after two victories in the space of three days.

Folkestone celebrate the only goal, scored by Alfie Paxman from the penalty spot, in their weekend win over Bognor Regis. Picture: Randolph File

They did the double over Bognor, Alfie Paxman’s penalty earning a 1-0 home win last weekend, before they beat strugglers East Thurrock 3-1 on Tuesday. Paxman scored his third in as many games, another penalty, while striker Ade Yusuff and defender Matt Newman were also on target.

Cugley’s visit play-off chasing Kingstonian this Saturday.

There is then a Velocity Trophy quarter-final for Invicta - who have reached the same stage in the Kent Senior Cup - to look forward to on Tuesday when they welcome Isthmian North strugglers Barking, second-bottom in their league, to Cheriton Road.

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“Every game is going to be big,” admitted Cugley.

“It’s either a quarter-final or a big game in terms of who makes the play-offs.

Luke Wanadio on the ball. Picture: Randolph File

“But that’s what I do my job for, that’s what it’s all about.

“Let’s see where we are in seven or eight weeks’ time.”

Folkestone have been given a major boost, with winger Luke Wanadio making his loan move from Dartford permanent after scoring four goals already at Invicta.

Cugley declared: “I’m quite happy with what I have got now.

“Through the money from the Wrexham (FA Trophy) game, I have been able to increase the squad with the signings of Andy Drury and Luke.

Invicta's Ian Draycott drives forward. Picture: Randolph File

“I think that’s what we will go with until the end of the season - unless something big happens.

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“It’s the first time I’ve had a squad of 16 or 17 for a long time so I think we can cope.”

With matches running out this campaign, the top six seem to be pulling away from the rest - although eighth-placed Kingstonian will look to close that gap when they host third-placed Invicta.

The gap between the teams is 11 points, with eight points separating seventh-placed Margate and Lewes, who are sixth.

Midfielder Scott Heard could return for that match.

“If we can get a couple of wins quickly, it will put the pressure on those just out of it,” Cugley suggested.

Kieron McCann looks to go past his man. Picture: Randolph File

“We could push them right out of it, then it will be a fight between half a dozen.”

Against Bognor, Paxman slotted home from the spot after striker David Smith was fouled in the box.

Cugley reflected: “It was not a classic, really, but a hard-earned three points.

“We dominated the game early on and got a goal, so I was disappointed we didn’t get another.

“They always have a bit of quality about them and the game seemed to go on forever!

"But doing the double over Bognor is very good.”

Paxman also struck in last Tuesday’s Velocity Trophy 1-0 victory over Isthmian South East high-fliers Cray Valley.

Folkestone will be at home to National League South Ebbsfleet in the next round of the Kent Senior Cup after they beat National League Bromley last Wednesday 7-6 on penalties following a 1-1 draw.

Goalkeeper Connor Collins has signed for Southern Counties East Premier Division Hollands & Blair on loan.

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