Folkestone Invicta manager Neil Cugley had a depleted squad for their weekend trip to Dover but was delighted with the effort of those who played.

A missed penalty for Folkestone at 1-1 proved costly as Dover ran up the other end moments later to score what turned out to be the winner. Cugley won’t be losing any sleep over the result, however, focussing on the positives.

Cugley said: “Dover had two sides out, we had one. I was worried on Friday if we could get a team out but we managed it and everybody in the starting XI was good.

“I’m not moaning, they were a bit tired at the end as you can imagine but they have had a week off to get ready for Saturday’s game (against Ashford United).”

Seven players were missing for Invicta, two were in isolation because of Covid, another player was unwell, there were a few others with injuries.

Cugley quipped: “It’s ironic because it’s the biggest squad I have had at Folkestone!

“The XI that played did us proud, I was really pleased. I kept the team out there as long as I could, we should have won the game, missing the penalty.”

Tyler Sterling scored Invicta’s goal, finding the top corner with a free-kick.

Cugley hopes to get a few back for the trip to face Ashford United this Saturday. They then host Maidstone the following weekend in what is their last pre-season fixture.

The Dover defeat was Invicta’s first loss of pre-season.

Cugley added: “As a manager it is great if you win them all but that is not always the thing you want. You want a mix, to see how we do in different circumstances, generally I am really pleased with them.”

The manager is happy with a squad of 18 and says that is enough. There were no new additions on Saturday. Ian Draycott, Ryan Johnson and Aaron Simpson could be back this weekend.

Prior to the game a couple of departures were announced by the club. Clark Woodcock joined last summer and made four appearances while Harrison Avery has been on trial over the summer.

Cugley said: “I felt that when we had a full squad they would miss out and wanted to be fair to them and let them know now so they can get another club. I’d like to wish them well.”

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