Folkestone’s superb defence is leading them to the league title and boss Neil Cugley has challenged his back-four to prove themselves at the next level.

Liam Friend, Frankie Chappell, Josh Vincent and Nat Blanks have kept seven consecutive clean sheets – Friend missed the derby defeat at Hythe – with goalkeeper Tim Roberts behind them.

That equates to more than 10 hours of football without conceding a goal and it’s helped Invicta go 14 points clear at the top of Ryman League Division 1 South.

Cugley said: "It’s an incredible achievement. That back-four have just got it.

"Their concentration levels are so high, they’re well-balanced, all four are good in the air and everybody knows about Friendy and Chappell. The understanding of those two is excellent. Tim, as all goalies do, sometimes drives you up the wall but he makes important
saves."

Vincent is 25 and the other four players are 27 so they’re all coming into their prime.

Cugley said: "I like that sort of age of players anyway because they settle down, they’re not going to go off anywhere.

"Their chances of moving to a better standard maybe have gone in some ways and they want to just enjoy their football, get some money and be consistent."

Playing at a better standard with Folkestone next season is looking increasingly likely.

Cugley said: "Hopefully, they want to be part of that. That’s the reason they’re trying to keep so many clean sheets.

"People like JV went in there six years ago so he was 19 and it was a bit of a jump for that side at that time, to go in the Ryman Premier.

"They went from youth team football to first team football to Premiership football in 18 months and it showed a bit.

"OK, last time it was difficult but hopefully these lads want to show they can play at that standard.

"Unit is a good word because that’s what they are. I’ve had individually better players in their positions, I can’t deny that, but they’re a very good back-four.

"Liam Friend’s become a very good captain. He’s vocal on the pitch.

"When he was first in the side, we criticised him quite a lot because we knew he could be a better player, stronger in the air and more dominant and I think he’s become that.

"He’s become a very good left-sided centre-half and a good captain.

"When we had the side before, we played five at the back and Liam was an out-and-out sweeper in that system. That year we did tremendously well at the back as well but he’s now a centre-half.

"He’s had to improve his game to become an out-and-out centre-half."

Vincent is suspended for Saturday’s home game against Walton Casuals but midfielder Micheal Everitt could return from an Achilles problem.