The Seasiders left south London last night on the back of only their second League defeat of the season against big spending Croydon Athletic, with the hosts getting a second half winner to seal a slender 1-0 victory.

Commanding centre half Liam Friend spoke to the official Club website remarking, “I think we deserved a draw and on the coach back we were all very disappointed with the result – perhaps even more so than after the Godalming result earlier in the season as we know what we are capable of as a side.

“After they had one sent off they changed things by bringing the two lads on up front and I think we started to go for it a bit more and then we got caught. When it was 11 versus 11 chances were few and far between and I thought it was a fairly even game and to have gone away from home and leave with a draw wouldn't have been a bad result.”

Manager Neil Cugley has seen his Folkestone side start the season in unprecedented style and his side top the Ryman Division One South, eight points ahead of second placed Croydon.

Friendy commented, “Whatever division you're in, any side with any budget would bite your hand off if you offered them our position right now. We've missed a few games over the last couple of weeks because of the weather which has been a bit annoying for us but that can't be helped.

“We knew last season that we weren't far away with the form we showed at the end; I think we won 8 of 10 games. I don't think any of us in a million years thought we'd do this well but we did know we could compete and at least push for the play off places.

“We have got a smaller squad than a lot of sides but that's not always a bad thing. Having too many players can have negative effects as players want to play and if someone doesn't get games they're not usually happy and managers can feel forced into playing people which can upset a side. But Cugs doesn't have that worry and as you can see we've played a settled side which hasn't really changed from last year and we've built up a real rapport together”.

The main addition to the side from last season has been striker Simon Austin who has formed an effective attacking partnership with James Everitt. Midfielder Lee Spiller has recently returned to the Club following a knee operation.

“I think Austo coming in has been a big help with the way we play football. He holds the ball up well which allows the midfield to get up and he brings other players into the game which we wasn't happening as much last season. I think you can see the difference as this year goals have been coming from all round the team rather than us just relying on one or two players to put them away.

“Spillsy is a top bloke to have around and a great character too as he's always making the lads laugh but that aside, he does bring a lot to the squad with his experience and it's just a question of getting him fit and sharp”.

With the second half of the season now well underway, the Seasiders will be determined to prove their worth against some of the sides gunning for promotion to the Ryman Premier.

“We've got a few tough away games ahead of us but we're confident and we've only lost one away from home. After the start we've had to the season people should be fearing us. We've played every side in the League now and I wouldn't say any of them have caused us major problems.

“We're not over confident though but we do know what we're capable of and we want to win matches. I think last season you could pick out individual performers like Jimmy Dryden, Jimmy Jackson and Frankie Chaps but this season I think it has been more about the team performance although the likes of Chaps and Jack Delo have been outstanding.

“We've got the experience, especially in midfield and the likes of Josh Burchell, JV and Liam Dickson having those games last year was very important. They've improved no end and that has improved us as a team and has really pushed us on.”

And on finishing the season in pole position? “Yes we can win the League and we should believe we can. We've got to go out and show that. We know what we're capable of and we've got players who are good enough for the League above and beyond. You always want to push yourself as far as you can and with these players, wouldn't it be great if this time next year we were talking about how last season was the one that saw us promoted to the Ryman Premier?”