CAFC vs Folkestone Invicta – Preview
Following three consecutive victories over Canvey Island, Cheshunt and Wingate & Finchley, Carshalton Athletic will be looking to make it four in a row with a trip to league leaders Folkestone Invicta on Saturday.
Carshalton Athletic
Following a 16-game winless run stretching back to 11th November—when the Robins secured a 3–2 victory at The Dripping Pan against Lewes – Carshalton finally got back to winning ways with a 3–1 victory over bottom side Canvey Island.
The Robins fell behind early on when Mike Finneran headed home from a free kick, but Carshalton levelled in the 26th minute when Bryan Ifeanyi converted a penalty following a handball in the area. The visitors were reduced to 10 men in the 51st minute when Luke O’Neill brought down debutant Nathan Young-Coombes as the last man. The numerical advantage allowed Carshalton to control the remainder of the game, and goals from substitutes Tolu Ladapo and Charlie George secured a vital three points.
After waiting nearly four months for that win, the Robins made it two in a row with a 1–0 victory at Cheshunt. Carshalton prevailed in a tricky encounter, with Nathan Young-Coombes’ 74th-minute strike proving the difference.
Steven Bates’ side then extended their run to three consecutive wins with a 4–1 home victory over Wingate & Finchley on Saturday. Nathan Young-Coombes opened the scoring in the 3rd minute, before Denzel Akyeampong doubled the lead after 19 minutes. Carshalton led 2–0 at half-time and made a fast start to the second half, going 3–0 up through Fabio Saraiva. Wingate pulled a goal back through Romeo Akinola, but Tolu Ladapo’s late penalty made it 4–1, and the Robins saw the game out to secure another three points.
Those wins lifted Carshalton out of the relegation zone, although their position remains precarious, with Welling United – who have a game in hand – just four points behind in the final relegation spot.
Carshalton have just six games remaining, and the fixtures look challenging on paper: trips to Folkestone (1st), Aveley (2nd) and Dulwich (12th), alongside home games against Brentwood (3rd), Dartford (6th) and St Albans (9th). There are no easy matches in the Isthmian Premier Division, and Steven Bates will be looking to pick up as many points as possible to ensure his side avoid a bottom-four finish.
Folkestone Invicta
Folkestone Invicta were formed in 1936 and spent much of their early history competing in local Kent leagues. The club’s most significant early turning point came in 1991, when the original Folkestone FC folded and Invicta stepped up to represent the town at senior non-league level, moving into the historic Cheriton Road ground. From that moment, the club’s ambitions and profile increased rapidly.
The early 1990s marked a period of strong progress. Invicta joined the Kent League in 1991–92 and immediately made an impact, winning the league title and completing a cup double in their first season. This success laid the foundations for a steady climb through the non-league pyramid, with promotion to the Southern League later in the decade. By the early 2000s, Folkestone Invicta had become established at Steps Three and Four, regularly competing against some of the strongest semi-professional sides in the south of England.
A major modern highlight came in the 2015–16 season, when Invicta won the Isthmian League Division One South title. That campaign featured consistent performances, a strong defensive record, and an effective attacking unit, earning promotion to the Isthmian League Premier Division. Since returning to that level, the club has largely held its own, avoiding relegation and building a reputation as a competitive and well-organised side.
In recent seasons, Folkestone Invicta have focused on stability and gradual improvement. They have regularly finished in mid-table or upper-mid-table positions, occasionally flirting with the play-offs and producing notable cup runs and results against promotion-chasing opponents. Strong home form at Cheriton Road has often been a key feature, making them difficult to beat on their own ground.
After finishing 12th in 2024/25, this season has been particularly successful. Folkestone currently sit top of the Isthmian Premier League, boasting a record of 26 wins, six draws and four defeats. With six games to play, they are 13 points clear of nearest challengers Aveley and know that six more points will be enough to secure the title and promotion to the National League South.
Head to Head
Carshalton boast an impressive recent record against Folkestone, with the Robins unbeaten in their last 13 encounters, recording seven wins and six draws.
Last season, the sides met at the Alcaline Stadium on the opening day. Carshalton made a fast start, opening the scoring after five minutes through Dominic Vose. Folkestone responded ten minutes later, with Evans Kouassi (now of Hashtag United) firing home an impressive equaliser from outside the box, and the match finished level.
The return fixture took place in November at Colston Avenue. Folkestone took an early lead through Daniel Smith after nine minutes and went into half-time ahead. However, the Robins came out strongly in the second half, with Saunders-Henry equalising in the 64th minute. With time running out, David Smith scored on his debut to secure a dramatic 2–1 victory for Carshalton.
This season, the sides met at Colston Avenue in January and played out a 0–0 draw. Carshalton more than matched the visitors – who were 11 points clear at the top at the time – and could even have snatched victory late on, with Bryan Ifeanyi seeing his effort tipped away in stoppage time.
Team News
Carshalton Athletic
Carshalton academy graduate Ciprian Fita was named in a first-team squad for the first time against Wingate & Finchley on Saturday and was handed his debut late on, replacing Leo Young. The forward has been training with the first team in recent weeks and has seemingly impressed manager Steven Bates. He will be hoping to feature more in the final six games as he continues his transition into senior football.
The player registration deadline for Isthmian League sides is approaching this week, so Bates will be weighing up his options in the coming days to decide whether further reinforcements are needed for the run-in.
Pre-Match Analysis
Despite being in the relegation zone at the end of February, Carshalton have turned things around with three straight wins to move four points clear of the bottom four with six games remaining. The Robins will be looking to maintain that momentum but face what is, on paper, their toughest test of the season – an away game against runaway league leaders Folkestone Invicta.
Carshalton do, however, have a strong record in this fixture and are unbeaten in their last 13 meetings with the Kent side, with Invicta’s last win coming back in 2016.
For Folkestone, the title is within touching distance. They require a maximum of six points from their final six games to secure it. However, they could be crowned champions on Saturday if results go their way. A victory over Carshalton, combined with an Aveley defeat at home to Cray Wanderers and dropped points for Chatham Town at Brentwood Town, would see Folkestone win the title in front of their own supporters. A large crowd is expected for the occasion.
Key Player
Born in Maidstone, Joe Pigott began his professional career with Charlton Athletic, progressing through the academy before gaining experience on loan at several clubs. During the 2012/13 season, he joined Bromley, scoring three goals in five appearances. In August 2013, he made his professional debut in a 4–0 League Cup win over Oxford United, scoring from the penalty spot, before making his Football League debut later that month against Leicester City.
Further loan spells followed at Gillingham – where he scored on his first start – and Newport County, before two productive periods at Southend United between 2015 and 2016. During that time, he made 51 appearances and memorably scored a 122nd-minute equaliser in the League Two play-off final at Wembley. After a brief loan at Luton Town and his release from Charlton in 2016, Pigott signed for Cambridge United, later joining Maidstone United – initially on loan – before making the move permanent.
He moved to AFC Wimbledon in January 2018, scoring on his debut and netting several landmark goals, including the first at the new Plough Lane stadium. After spells with Ipswich Town, Portsmouth, Leyton Orient, and a return to Wimbledon, Pigott was released in 2025 and signed for Folkestone Invicta in September. He has made an immediate impact, scoring 15 league goals and currently sitting fifth in the Isthmian Premier Division Golden Boot race, led by Brentwood Town’s Daniel Ogunleye on 19.
The Gaffer
Jay Saunders is the manager of Folkestone Invicta, having been appointed on a four-year contract in March 2025. He succeeded Andy Drury and was tasked with leading a long-term project aimed at progressing up the English football pyramid.
Saunders brings a wealth of non-league experience as both a player and manager. Prior to joining Folkestone, he spent three years in charge of Tonbridge Angels in the National League South, transforming them into consistent play-off contenders. His managerial career also includes a notable seven-year spell at Maidstone United, where he achieved three promotions in four seasons, guiding the club from the lower Isthmian divisions to the National League, alongside notable cup successes.
At Folkestone Invicta, Saunders has already begun shaping the squad and coaching structure, bringing trusted assistants Lloyd Blackman and Tom Parkinson with him. Under his leadership, the club has enjoyed positive league and cup results, with his tactical approach and emphasis on strong team character earning praise from supporters and local media alike. His appointment underlines the club’s commitment to sustained progress, both on and off the pitch.
Match Details
Date: Saturday 28th March 2026
Opponents: Folkestone Invicta
Venue: Cheriton Road, CT19 5JU
Competition: Isthmian League
Kick-off: 3pm
Admission: Adults £15, Conc/Student Blue Light Card £12, 11-17 £8, U11 Free
Tickets: Here or purchase at the turnstiles
