Straight victories in Invicta's first two matches of the New Year ensure the high flying Seasiders head into this weekend's League clash at home to Merstham in a rich vein of form. The 2-1 defeat of Chipstead on Saturday afternoon was followed by victory over local rivals Dover Athletic who were comfortably knocked out of the Kent Senior Cup.

Saturday's win came after Invicta conceded an early goal to go in 1-0 down at half time but strikers James Everitt and Pete Williams grabbed the headlines in the final ten minutes of the match.

Manager Neil Cugley told the Official Club website, “We didn't start the game very well and although we'd trained where we couldn't play, we lacked sharpness. Chipstead had played midweek and I think that showed. Jack's (Delo) dropped the cross which is unusual for him and I think goalkeepers generally can be affected more than outfield players when they don't play in a while.

“At half time I said to the players it was where they needed to show their mental strength, that toughness if we were to get something out of the game. We went back out and plugged away and we made a couple of changes as we had to get at them and we needed a bit more up top. It was a risk in taking off Burchy to bring on another striker and as I've said before, sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't but it did work on Saturday.

“It's easy to say now but I think we deserved to win the game. We kept the ball well and especially after going 1-0 down, we didn't start lumping long balls forward. I think Mev, Jacko and Smithy in midfield showed their experience and we saw it through with real character.”

Saturday's victory preceded the Kent Senior Cup clash with Dover on Tuesday night. Invicta's neighbours – who remain in the Blue Square South play off places despite stuttering League form in recent weeks – declared their intentions by sending down a ‘weakened' side in light of their F.A Trophy match away at Stevenage this weekend. The opposition side still comprised experienced non league players including Craig Cloke, Dean Hill and Lee Browning, along with former Folkestone player Dean Grant and well thought of goalkeeper John Whitehouse.

“I thought we played some good football and when you see their teamsheet and they're not putting a full strength side out, you can feel under a bit more pressure. But that side still had the likes of Cloke, Browning and Dean Hill and you've still got to perform to get the win and we want to continue our form which has seen us have an excellent season so far.

“No one wants egg on their faces and we would've been very disappointed not to have got the victory. They never looked like scoring although you could see the quality of some of their young lads. If it hadn't been for some excellent goalkeeping from Whitehouse in the second half, we could've scored more. He was a player who I did actually try and bring to the Club but a combination of finances and travelling meant we couldn't get a deal sorted out. But as a manager you don't worry about players who you couldn't get and now we've got Jack Delo who has been outstanding for us this season so it's not a problem.

“I thought it was nice for Austo to get a couple of goals, particularly after he didn't have the best of games on Saturday. Pete Williams got a full ninety as well, Spillsy got some time out there and so did Luke Stonebridge and we picked up no injuries. We're through to the next round and from our point of view it was all plusses on Tuesday night.”

Cugs watched last night what is becoming a rarity at Homelands; Ashford Town playing a League match, drawing 2-2 with Walton Casuals, a side who Invicta take on next weekend. Results elsewhere have been beneficial for the Seasiders over the last week with Worthing losing 4-1 midweek at home against Burgess Hill Town and Croydon Athletic dropping points at home in a 2-0 defeat by Whyteleafe.

Liam Dickson was Folkestone's only injury concern on Tuesday (broken nose) although the gaffer expects him to make his return to the squad this Saturday.

“I'd be very shocked if he didn't play against Merstham. I think he has been one of our unsung heroes this season and not only has he been playing like a quality centre half, he is now starting to look like one!”

For the visit of ninth placed Merstham, Invicta the Invicta boss will wait to see whether goalkeeper Jack Delo (minor groin strain) passes a late fitness test although he is ready to call on promising understudy Luke Stonebridge if required.

“They (Merstham) are a very good attacking side and we were lucky to get a 1-1 draw at their place back in October. They've lost some of their forwards and I know the lad Gordon went to Lincoln as I played a part in the move. When I saw him against us I phoned Lindso about him and they had a look at him and now he has gone there.

“When you look at the fixture list we have got a very tough run in. We've still got to play most of the top ten sides and there is still a lot to do.”

Strikers Jon Driscoll and Craig Thompson have both joined Kent League neighbours Hythe Town although Invicta have retained their registration.

“The Hythe manager phoned me and asked if we had any forwards and they need to be playing a higher standard of football than what we can offer with our reserves.

“I think when you look at our bench at the minute Pete Williams is improving all the time, you've got Dryden and now Spillsy (right) is back along with Luke Stonebridge. The two that have gone to Hythe need games and we can't give them that regularly so it's a move that suits everyone I think.”

Recent announcements also hinted there is the proverbial light at the end of the tunnel for Folkestone's long standing off the field problems.

“Many of those who are involved in sorting out the financial situation are successful businessmen and I'm sure they'll sort things out for the good of the Football Club and everyone connected with it. I'm not involved with those discussions and we concentrate on playing football and continuing what has been a superb season so far.”