This weekend throws up a superb tie in the Buildbase FA Trophy as Wrexham face Folkestone Invicta at the Racecourse Ground.
But who are this weekend’s opponents? We take a closer look at our visitors from Kent.
Name: Folkestone Invicta
Nickname: Invicta, Seasiders, Stripes.
Stadium: Cheriton Road
Capacity: 4,000 (336 seated).
Formed: 1936
Manager: Neil Cugley
League: Isthmian League Premier
Notable Honours:
Isthmian League South Champions: 2015/16
Kent League Division Two Champions: 1991/92
Kent Intermediate Shield: 1991/92
The Story of Folkestone’s Campaign So Far
It’s certainly been a season to remember for those involved with Invicta. The Kent-based side currently sit 2nd in the Isthmian Premier seven points adrift of league leaders Worthing, whilst they’re also enjoying superb success in the cups.
The FA Trophy Fourth Round is the furthest the side has ever reached in their history, having previously been beaten twice in the third round.
Highlights this season have included 5-1 wins over Brightlingsea Regent and Kingstonian and a 5-0 win against Haringay Borough, whilst they’ve also claimed a higher-division scalp in the FA Cup when they knocked out Gloucester City.
Ones to Watch
Michael Everitt: The definition of a club legend, Everitt has been with the club since the 1990’s and at the age of 39 remains as a player-coach. Having come through the youth system at the club, Everitt is the club’s all-time leading appearance holder having turned out over 750 times for the club.
David Smith: Top scorer for Invicta this season, former Maidstone United and Dover striker Smith joined the club in 2020 on the back of scoring 23 goals for Ashford United. The forward currently ranks fourth in the league in the race for the golden boot with 13 from open play and two from the penalty spot.
Tim Roberts: Experienced goalkeeper Roberts joined Invicta in 2013 and has almost 400 appearances for the club. His heroics between the sticks led to player of the year awards and league titles in the mid 2010s whilst he also scored from his own half in a 4-0 win over Horsham in March 2014.
The Gaffer
Neil Cugley: With numerous players making hundreds of appearances it’s only fitting that the manager outdoes them all. Over 1,100 matches in charge over the last 23 years, Cugley is the longest-serving manager in the top seven divisions.
As a player he turned out for Ashford, Margate, Dartford, Dover, Maidstone and Thanet, whilst also, of course, playing for and breaking the then goalscoring record of Invita in 1983.
Previous Meetings
This will be the first time Wrexham have faced Folkestone in any capacity. We have faced a couple of clubs on the Kent coast including Dover and Margate.
Trophy History
Folkestone have been competing in the Trophy since 1998 and have this season reached their furtherst stage to date. They reached the third round twice before 2021/22 having been knocked out by Woking in 1998 and Stevenage in 2004.
So far this season they’ve overcome Hendon, Faversham, Hartley Whitney and Uxbridge before traveling to the Racecourse.