Neil Cugley admits Folke­stone’s league position might surprise even him by the time they emerge from a packed fixture list at the turn of the year.

Only goal-difference was keeping Invicta out of the Bostik Premier play-off places after their 3-1 win over Dorking Wanderers on Saturday.

They’ve got games in hand over all but one of the sides above them and should be considered serious promotion candidates at this stage.

Cugley has been hugely impressed with his players so far but is keeping his counsel about their long-term prospects.

He said: “Before Saturday’s game, we had 15 games between now and the new year in the league alone.

“After that, we can really have a look to see where we are. It might even shock me!

“It’s unbelievable but I’m not moaning. Players like that because you don’t train much.

“All you worry about is a little bit of fatigue and getting injuries. As long as you keep clear of them, you can really enjoy them.

“Most of them are at home and the away ones are travelling ones, which means you’ve got all the long-distance ones gone. We’ve got Lowestoft and Needham Market.

“We’ll wait and see over the next few weeks. Once you add another 15 games on to what we’ve played now, we’ll be in the late 20s so you know a bit more what you might need to get, points-wise.”

Folkestone go to Leatherhead tonight (Wednesday) looking to extend their unbeaten run in the league to five matches.

The Tanners were held 1-1 by Billericay on Sunday in an FA Cup first-round tie moved back 23 hours for TV coverage.

Cugley said: “Hopefully, they’re a bit tired after Sunday’s game and we can get our energies back up to how we played against them at home.

“They’ve got a lot of experience in their side, so I’m hoping they’re a little bit tired from Sunday and we can go down there and get something.”

Nat Blanks could return from injury to play a part in Surrey, although Jordan Wright serves a one-match suspension. Ronnie Dolan, meanwhile, is back in light training.

Folkestone host Tooting & Mitcham on Saturday before travelling to Dover on Tuesday night in the Kent Reliance Senior Cup quarter-final.