CAFC vs Folkestone Invicta – Preview
Carshalton Athletic return to Colston Avenue for their first home game of 2026, as they welcome league leaders Folkestone Invicta.
Carshalton Athletic
The Robins head into the clash with Folkestone Invicta following a challenging run of form. Carshalton are without a win in their last seven matches, with their most recent victory coming in a 3–2 away win at Lewes in November. Since then, they have drawn 1–1 at home to Aveley before suffering a 2–1 defeat at St Albans City, where two late goals from the hosts turned the game on its head.
Carshalton were without Matt Kerbey through suspension for the home fixture against Cray Valley, with Luke Read stepping in between the posts. Despite a strong performance, the Robins fell to a narrow 1–0 defeat. They were then minutes away from securing all three points at Wingate & Finchley, leading 2–1 deep into stoppage time, but conceded a late equaliser and had to settle for a draw.
In the final game before Christmas, the Robins travelled to Billericay and competed well but ultimately slipped to a 1–0 defeat, with Elliot Long’s first-half goal proving decisive. In the final game of 2025, Carshalton hosted Dulwich Hamlet at Colston Avenue. The Robins took the lead through Kola Salami, but Amadou Kassarate equalised just before half-time. Carshalton created the better chances over the course of the game but were unable to convert, and had to settle for a point.
Last time out, the Robins travelled to face Chichester City. Carshalton took the lead through Noah Nzuzi and led at the break, but conceded twice in the second half to fall to a 2–1 defeat.
Carshalton currently sit 17th in the table and will need to be at their best if they are to get a result against league leaders Folkestone Invicta, a side the Robins have a strong head-to-head record against.
Folkestone Invicta
Folkestone Invicta were formed in 1936 and spent much of their early existence 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 on-pitch ambitions and profile increased rapidly.
The early 1990s were a period of strong progress. Invicta joined the Kent League in 1991–92 and immediately made an impact, winning the league title and a cup double in their first season. This success laid the foundations for a steady climb through the non-league pyramid, with promotion into 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 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 in the Isthmian Premier Division, occasionally flirting with play-off contention and producing notable cup runs and eye-catching results against promotion-chasing opponents. Strong home form at Cheriton Road has often been a feature, with the club difficult to beat on their own ground.
After finishing 12th in 2024/25, this season has been particularly successful so far. Folkestone currently sit top of the Isthmian Premier League, boasting a record of 19 wins, three draws and two defeats. They are 11 points clear of nearest challengers Brentwood Town, who have played a game more, and 14 points ahead of Chatham Town, who have a game in hand.
Now into the business end of the season, Invicta will be looking to build on their impressive start and secure promotion to the National League South, although they will be keen to restore momentum after a 2–1 defeat to promotion rivals Chatham Town on Saturday.
Head to Head
Carshalton boast an impressive recent record against Folkestone, with the Robins unbeaten in their last 12 encounters, recording seven wins and five 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 midfielder 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, with Daniel Smith opening the scoring after nine minutes, and went into half-time ahead. However, the Robins came out strongly in the second half, with Saunders-Henry equalising on 64 minutes. With time running out, David Smith scored on his debut for the club to secure a dramatic 2–1 victory for Carshalton.
Team News
Carshalton Athletic
Stanislaw Rzeznik made his first appearance for the Robins against Chichester City since picking up an injury against Dartford in August. He started the match and played 62 minutes as Peter Adeniyi carefully reintegrates the winger into his squad.
There was also a debut for Dwayne Campina Do Vale against Chichester, with the Colchester United loanee coming off the bench late on. He looked lively and could add a different dimension to the Robins’ attack, pushing for a start against Folkestone.
Pre-Match Analysis
Despite being without a win in their last seven matches, the Robins have delivered encouraging performances and will be looking to start converting those displays into points as they aim to climb the table. Folkestone have been outstanding this season and appear to be champions-elect, but they stumbled against promotion rivals Chatham Town on Saturday.
Invicta are also without a win in their last 12 meetings with Carshalton, something that may be on their minds heading into the clash at Colston Avenue. Following the club’s highest home attendance of the season against Dulwich Hamlet on 27 December (1,009), another strong crowd is expected, with plenty at stake for both sides.
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 spell 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 13 league goals and currently sits second in the Isthmian Premier Division Golden Boot race, just one goal behind Brentwood Town’s Daniel Ogunleye.
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 up 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 10th January 2026
Opponents: Folkestone Invicta
Venue: Colston Avenue, SM5 2PW
Competition: Isthmian Premier League
Kick-off: 3pm
Admission: Adults £12, Conc £9, U18 £6, Women & Girls FREE
Tickets: Here or Purchase at the turnstiles
