Boss Neil Cugley has urged Folkestone to make home advantage count in the FA Cup.

Invicta host Chichester in the Second Qualifying Round this Saturday, the first time in five years Folkestone have enjoyed back-to-back home ties in the competition.

The Invicta boss was pleased with the draw - having wanted a home tie - but knows it will count for little unless his players perform against their Isthmian South East opponents.

“It’s a great opportunity and a great draw,” said Cugley.

“No disrespect to them, but we wanted a home draw - anybody at home - and we have got a team from the league below. We want to make the most of it but it doesn’t mean anything unless you deliver on the pitch.

“I know their management team from playing them in the Velocity Trophy last season [Invicta beat them 5-3 in January on their way to the semi-final], I’m sure they’ll be right up for it.”

Chichester enjoyed recent success in the FA Cup, making the Second Round in 2019/20 before losing to Tranmere.

“Obviously, they have had a taste of that before. But for us, it’s important we keep going,” said Cugley, whose side were unbeaten this season before they lost 4-2 at home to Cray Wanderers on Tuesday despite two Ade Yusuff goals.

“I have been delighted with the players and how everything has gone so far. I think the recruitment we have made has been really good.”

The winners will pocket £3,375 in prize money.

Cugley also felt Folkestone’s weekend match at Carshalton should have gone ahead.

The Isthmian Premier encounter, due to be played on Saturday, was postponed as a mark of respect following the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

Despite football’s decision to shut down as the country enters a period of mourning, other sports, including rugby and cricket, played on. England’s cricket team were lauded for the moving tribute they paid to the Queen last Saturday, ahead of the Test match against South Africa at The Oval.

When asked if he thought matches should have been cancelled, Cugley replied: “Personally, no.

“I think football would have got behind it, the same way cricket and rugby did. But that’s only my opinion, not that of the club.

“I thought when the Premier League was off, it would not be long before we were off as well. I think it could have been a good thing to get everyone together to celebrate the Queen’s life but a decision was made.

"But we have had our fair share of things to deal with over the last few years so we just take it on the chin and move on.”

Defender Matt Newman (knee) is back fit for Folkestone, coming off the bench in the defeat to Cray Wanderers, and Cugley on Monday said: “It will not be long before he’s back in the side.

“He has been training so that’s good. We have 16 or 17 players available - long may that continue.

“We have a lot of midweek games coming up, so everyone will be needed.”