Folkestone manager Neil Cugley was keen to put their defeat to Isthmian Premier play-off rivals Hornchurch into perspective.

Invicta went down 4-1 to Mark Stimson’s men on Saturday, despite prolific frontman Dave Smith’s second-half equaliser.

Smith struck soon after the restart, only for the hosts to retake the lead not long after courtesy of a sensational volley by Ollie Muldoon before further goals from Charlie Ruff and Sam Higgins sealed the victory.

“We got back to 1-1, then they scored with a wonder strike almost straight away,” said Cugley, whose sixth-placed team host relegation-threatened Cray Wanderers tonight.

“It was a good goal, then they got their third not long after that.

“The pitch was difficult and it was very windy, but they adapted to it (the conditions) better than us. They are a good side - they are strong and play to their strengths. They got it forward early.

“It’s not one of Folkestone’s lucky grounds, we played all right again on Saturday but lost.

“But we are around six months into the season and we have lost seven games - two of those were to National League sides, and the sides we have lost to in our league are all very good sides.”

Invicta visit another struggling side in third-bottom Brightlingsea this Saturday - having beaten them 5-1 at Cheriton Road in October.

Cugley said: “It’s a good league, people don’t want to come out of it. They will change managers and change sides to try and stay in it.

“Brightlingsea will be desperate to stay up, so there’s no easy games at this level.”

All bar one of Invicta’s seven losses this campaign have come on the road - including all five league defeats.

However, Cugley pointed out: “To be fair, we have played most of the top sides away.

“We have gone to Enfield, Worthing, Lewes, Cheshunt and Margate, as well as Hornchurch on Saturday.”

Folkestone are out of the play-off places ahead of their match against Cray, now managed by former Charlton and Ebbsfleet defender Grant Basey, although Invicta do have games in hand on everyone above them.

Cugley insisted: “I don’t think we will be far away, it’s all in our hands still.”

Midfielder Scott Heard (hamstring) missed the match at Hornchurch, although it’s hoped he will return soon, while defender Matt Newman will be back for the match at Brightlingsea.

Cugley also was pleased to see striker Tyler Sterling score twice for Hythe at Three Bridges at the weekend.

“That’s why he has gone there, to get minutes and get games. He has been doing well recently,” Cugley stated.

“He is getting better - that’s what we wanted.

“Hopefully, one day, he will be good enough to get a regular starting spot at Folkestone.”

Folkestone will host Cray Valley in the last 16 of the Velocity Trophy on Tuesday.