Pitching In Isthmian Supporters Predictions 22-23: Folkestone Invicta

We're asking fans from each of our clubs to answer a series of questions about the past, present and future- and to predict the final league table for 22-23. We thought we’d closed this sequence, and then we got an email from Archie at Folkestone Invicta. Well, it would be rude not to…

1. Thinking about last season, what were your highlights?
The performances in the FA Trophy leading up to playing eventual finalists Wrexham (sadly without supporters due to a covid outbreak in Wales) in the Fourth Round Proper, with Ade Yusuff scoring were definitely up there. However, for me the highlights were the back-to-back games against Eastleigh in the FA Cup. In the first game we travelled to their lovely ground with a little bit of hope, felt the elation at being 3-0 up at half-time, then watched as they rallied to tie with almost the last kick of the game. It was the full dose of all of the footballing emotions in 90minutes.

We then welcomed them back to Cheriton Road for the replay on the following Tuesday. A dark, wet and windy Kent evening with over 1200 cheering us on. It was a tight game in the first-half with Eastleigh taking in a 1-0 lead, but it turned in the second half when our stalwart defender Josh Vincent(JV) was sent off for two quick yellows. Eastleigh doubled their lead and it looked like it would be a sad end to the cup run. However the lads rallied brilliantly, Yusuff scoring after a goalkeeper error, then with 10 minutes to go Scott Heard scored to send the crowd absolutely wild and took the game into extra-time. Sadly the Eastleigh lads just had too much scoring a winner with 4mins to play, but what a contest we had had against a quality team, only separated in the end by the slightest margin.

2. Moving on to your current squad- which players do you think will make a big impact during the 2022-23?
This answer has changed multiple times as we've brought in so many fresh faces over the summer. I think the new goalkeeper Bailey Vose will make a big difference, outgoing keeper Tim Roberts has been brilliant for the club but Bailey, on top of freshening up the defensive unit, comes with experience at higher levels and youth on his side. We're also very excited about defender Nathan Green who looks very comfortable and has slotted straight into the team. Then the attacking options, all of them have looked lively individually and now they're starting to link up. However the signing that has everyone buzzing is the return of Ira Jackson Jr. The lad is a cut above this level, and it's a coup to have him re-sign after 32 goals in 58 in his previous spell, hopefully we can be the platform again for him to get into the Football League, and I can't wait to see his goals flying in again.

3. Realistically, how do you think you’ll do this season?

I would be disappointed if we weren't in the playoffs and pushing for automatic promotion. We've lost two of our best players from the last few years in Dave Smith (Bromley) and Alfie Paxman (Dover), but have managed to retain the talismanic Ade Yusuff while investing heavily in 7 new signings, all who improve the squad, the latest being Ira Jackson Jr who has the potential to be the standout player across the whole league. It will all come down to how quickly the lads can find connect on the pitch, but the quality for a promotion push in undoubtedly there.

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

I can't wait to get back to Billericay. We last visited during the Glenn Tamplin era, the final game of their promotion season in 2018. We weren't sure what to expect but it was a great game, 2-2, and the fans were incredibly welcoming beforehand. Hopefully it will be a similar reception and a similar battle. I'm also excited to visit the newcomers, but in particular Herne Bay and Hastings. There's something about a South coast seaside away day, and I can't wait to see what they bring to the league.

5. What is your favourite Isthmian away ground?
I love visiting Corinthian-Casuals. The club house is brilliant with all the photos and memorabilia from their storied history. I always prefer grounds with a grass pitch, with the stands feeling like they're encroaching a little bit onto the playing field, tight enough to get an atmosphere going. It's a little bit out of the way to get to, but in some ways that adds to the anticipation. It might also have to something to do with us being successful there the last few seasons, but whether we've visited for Casuals or Kingstonian it's always been a great away day. With Kingstonian moving across to ground-share with Tooting and Mitcham we only get one visit this year but will definitely make the most of it.

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

Overall it's of course Dover, our A20 neighbours, we always look forward to playing them and trying for an upset. In the Isthmian it had recently been Worthing in terms of competitiveness as we fought them over the last 3 seasons at the top of the table (congratulations to them on promotion), but otherwise it's Margate. Mainly a geographic rivalry, we haven't competed that much for spoils for a while; when we have a good season they don't seem to and vice versa, but it's always a test when we play. They were very impressive last year doing the double over us, hopefully we get our revenge in this campaign.

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

Don't eat beforehand, we have amazing food at the ground provided by JustTheTicket, though get there early as the demand is high. Come along to the Nailbox pub, just outside of Folkestone West train station where you will be warmly welcomed by the home fans for a pre-match pint.

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

It's centre back Matt Newman for me. Initially I wasn't convinced by him as a centre mid he seemed quite ineffective in games, I mainly recall him always pausing to adjust his hair after any involvement. When he moved to centre-back that changed completely. His reading of the game is brilliant, often intercepting or sweeping up a loose ball in behind, and restarting an attack with a pin-point pass. His assist against Eastleigh for Scott Heard was brilliant and he pops up with some crucial goals from set pieces. The hair adjusting is still a thing, but he has matured into a quality ball-playing centre-back and when he's fit he must be close to being the first-name on the team sheet. I hope he's back from his recent knee troubles soon.

9. Who do you predict will finish in the top five this season?

Folkestone Invicta, Bishops Stortford, Hornchurch, Potters Bar Town, Enfield Town

Follow the Pitching In Isthmian League on Instagram. Head here or search for theisthmianleague on your app. We're also on Facebook and Twitter.