Bostik Supporters Predictions 18/19: Folkestone Invicta

We asked supporters of our Bostik League clubs to preview the new season, reflect on the old and predict the final outcome. Their predicted 1-20 (or 22) will be worked into a final table which you will see just before the big kick off.

Folkestone Invicta stalwart Mick regales you with tales of the agonies and ecstasies of last season, and looks forward to more success in the season to come.

1. What was your favourite moment of last season?

Best moment of last season: Coming within seconds of doing the double over (mighty) Billericay Town in our final game of the season. Leading 2-1 going into added time at the end (or just before the end of the 90 minutes). Only a terrific strike from Jamie O’Hare robbed us of that, but at least we became the only side not to be beaten by the champions last season. A win would have given us a home play-off semi-final tie.

2. And your worst moment?

Getting completely stuffed in the away semi-final at Hendon when they thumped in four goals inside 40 odd minutes. Not the easiest trip up there on a Thursday evening though some of our supporters won’t accept that that had anything to do with the team’s performance that night. It was, without trying to put a fine point on it, absolutely awful. Sorry guys but you know that’s the truth.

3. How will you do this season?

Expectation can be a very dangerous thing as we try to maintain the kind of form that saw us end up fourth in the table and runners up in the Kent Cup Final. I will settle for making the play-offs again, as long as we can get a money-spinning home semi-final.

4. Which matches are you most looking forward to going to- and why?

Everyone reckons the Dripping Pan – is that the name of it – at Lewes is a really nice ground, and our long-serving defender and friend Frankie Chappell plays there now so it will be great to see him and his parents, Moose and Pauline again. Really good people all three of them.

5. What is your favourite away ground?

Used to be Dulwich – a load of yuppies really, but nice people and you’re almost guaranteed to see a decent game there. May prove to be Lewes but have never been there, although Invicta did have a league cup tie there a few years back. Longmead at Tonbridge is pretty good too, and again we’d love to do the double again – sorry Angels.

6. Who do you consider your biggest rivals- and why?

Traditionally Dover Athletic, but they’re on a different planet these days. I guess it’s Margate. They play very functional football – completely the opposite to what we’ve always tried to achieve.

7. What advice would you give to any away supporter visiting you for the first time?

Same as last year. Let the train take the strain if it makes sense, depending on where you come from. Two railway stations with 10-15 minutes of the ground.

8. Who is your favourite player of all time (for your club)- and why?

For me it’s probably still long ago – at least 20 years or so – striker Nicky Dent. I absolutely love the commitment and energy that Ade Yusuff brings to the team these days, though. Of course he misses goals, but a striker who doesn’t miss at times surely never lived.

9. Who will be in the top five at the end of the season?

Bognor Regis Town, Dorking Wanderers, Folkestone Invicta, Kingstonian, Worthing