Folkestone Invicta have been warned to up their game or face an early FA Cup exit against lower-league opposition this weekend.

Neil Cugley’s side have yet to win on the road this season and on Sunday they travel to free-scoring Southern Counties East leaders Erith & Belvedere.

The Deres have scored 21 goals in six games since being relegated from the Ryman League at the end of last season and Invicta boss Cugley knows they’ll pose a real threat in the preliminary round tie at Park View Road.

He said: "It’s a nice pitch up there and they’re on fire, with players like Alfie May.

"They’re only one league below us and they’re doing well.

"Our away form isn’t good and they’ll look at that – I know I would. We’ve got to start playing better away from home."

Folkestone have won all three of their home games this season – most recently 3-2 against Sittingbourne on Monday – but they’ve picked up just two of a possible nine points on the road.

Cugley said: "I don’t know why that is. In the Three Bridges game, we didn’t play well but against Whyteleafe and Ramsgate, we were the better side.

"If we get a win on Sunday, our start’s been quite good – certainly better than last year."

Full story in the Folkestone & Hythe Express.