Consistency is the key in Folkestone’s play-off push.

It’s been a stop-start beginning to the Isthmian Premier campaign for Invicta, who are mid-table and will hope to put together a run which moves them into the top five.

But, bar a three-game winning run in all competitions, which ended early last month, Folkestone have been unable to enjoy back-to-back wins inside 90 minutes this term.

They suffered a 3-0 defeat at Kingstonian last weekend, days after they won 2-1 at home to Cheshunt.

Joint-boss Roland Edge, whose team lost 4-2 at unbeaten leaders Hornchurch on Tuesday, said: “There’s a little bit of a divide in our league this year.

“I would say the top two or three are beginning to run away with it. Everyone else is going to be really battling it out.

“It’s all about consistency. Most managers we have spoken to have had a result where they think ‘We’ve cracked it’ and then lose one, where they have thought ‘How have we lost that’, two weeks later.

“Beating Cheshunt was really pleasing.

“Then, we go to Kingstonian on Saturday and the same drive and focus just wasn’t there.”

Folkestone found themselves two goals down inside 25 minutes to Kingstonian.

“We didn’t perform anywhere near the levels we need to and what we expect to,” admitted Edge.

“They came out and showed willing. It’s all about how you go into a game.

“There was a pitch inspection around 11am. It’s no excuse - but we started like we thought it was going to be off and they started like they needed three points.

“Before the end of the first half, they had pretty much got them.”

There’s a tough run of games for Invicta, who travel to Carshalton this Saturday.

Edge said: “These sorts of games, it’s quite easy for the players to get themselves motivated for.

“They know they need to beat them if they are where we want to be, come the end of this season.

“To go away isn’t ideal because you do like your home comforts. But everyone has to play everyone else away.”

A fundraising page has been set up by Folkestone for Lenny Atherton, the young striker suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury when playing for Deal in August’s FA Cup clash at Lydd Town on dual registration.

Edge said: “That’s what Folkestone is about as a club. That’s why people come back from years ago - because they know it’s a family club.

“It’s unfortunate but injuries do happen in sport. I’m sure the players will have a whip-round. It’s unfortunate for the lad, Lenny.

“No one wants that to happen but we will do what we can for him because he’s a good lad and a good player.”

Edge also paid tribute to Ken Arnold - one of the club’s best-loved supporters - who died this month at the age of 97. Ken’s wife, Violet, also passed away last month.

“It’s really sad,” he said. “We have got great fans.

“They had been devoted through the rough and the smoother times. They supported the club, not just on the Saturday, but through the week, helping at the ground.

“They will certainly be missed.”

Striker Dave Smith scored for the visitors at Hornchurch but got injured in the process and came off shortly after.

They led 2-1 when Luke Holness struck in the 69th minute but a goal from former Invicta frontman Ade Yusuff and then Femi Akinwande’s brace in the final 11 minutes turned it around for Hornchurch.

Folkestone progressed to the Fourth Round of the Velocity Cup as they defeated Isthmian South East Herne Bay in a penalty shoot-out after a 1-1 draw last Tuesday.

Substitute Holness bagged an 85th-minute equaliser before they went on to win 3-2 on spot-kicks.

Go to tinyurl.com/KMLennyDeal to support Lenny Atherton’s fundraising page.