Folkstone Invicta's Immense Belief Achieved - Logan Rankin

 As we approach closer to the end of this enthralling Isthmian Premier League season, with many highs, lows, comebacks, setbacks, and fantastic stories, the team that has guaranteed a place at the summit of the league was crowned champions on Saturday. This team beat the odds, against the likes of Dartford F.C and Billericay Town F.C, it's The Seasiders. Folkstone Invicta Football Club.

The club was originally founded in 1936, and had never previously been in the second flight of non-league football. The best The Seasiders ever achieved to promotion, were 2, 4th place finishes, in the 19/20 and 17/18 season respectively. They were originally promoted into the Isthmian Premier League for the first time in their history in the 15/16 season, before establishing themselves in the division for a further 10 years. In the 10 year period, 4 different managers were at the helm of the football club, with the likes of Neil Cugley, joined managers Micheal Everitt and Roland Edge, Andy Drury, and Tim Dixon all brought in to attempt the impossible task into step 2. None of them succeeded, until one man came in. Jay Saunders. 

Jay brought in fresh ideas into the football club, with an idea of patiently growing his squad, in oppose to 10-15 new players a season, and adopting to his regular 4-2-3-1 formation, which allows great defensive stability, and gives midfielders a chance to express themselves and to feed in the man up top. Saunders gave clear intent quite early on, as his first summer signing was announced, and now their captain, Kevin Lokko from relegated Maidenhead United F.C. Kevin set the tone in the squad, bringing in an influence people couldn't ignore. Saunders brought in other key players like Mikey Berry, Jake Hutchinson, Montel McKenzie, Alex Woodyard, Sonny Fish, Jonathan Lawson, Nathan Paul-Lavaly, and Harley Earle. But there was one signing who caught fans, and neutrals eyes. Joe Pigott. Joe joined the club from Leyton Orient, and was a proven EFL striker, scoring goals for the likes of AFC Wimbledon, Portsmouth, and Ipswich Town. He also played under Jay from back when he was in-charge at fellow Kent side, Maidstone United. This was a Jay Saunders signing. This was a statement signing.

Folkstone began their season not the best, as 2 straight draws against Chichester City and Cray Wanderers followed, it didn't take long for the 3 points to come and stick with them, as their 0-2 win over Canvey Island sparked a 8 game unbeaten run, which ended in November, as they lost 2-1 to Hashtag United. But none-the-less, Invicta were looking strong, very strong. Some fans would even say too strong for that matter. Folkstone would bounce back immediately, as they dismantled title fighters, Billericay Town, 2-1 at home. After 8 goals in only 3 games, The Seasiders would be grateful for the win they received in South London against Cray Wanderers, as they obliterated The Wands 1-8, with both Jake Hutchinson and Ben Mason grabbing hattricks on the night. It would take Folkstone a further 12 games to be beaten again, as it took a motivated Chatham Town side to beat them. From that point onwards, Folkstone would go and win 9, draw 4, and lose only 2. Somewhere in those 9 wins, they would travel to Clarence Park, against Gary McCann's St. Albans, in a chance to secure the league title with 4 games still left to play.

Sam Smart opened the scoring for St. Albans in the game, and with the home fans triumphant, the away fans were left tense, and praying for a hero. 22 minutes later, on the 30th minute mark, Jake Hutchinson guided the ball into the back of the net for 1-1. There was now belief. There was a chance to win it all. And that opportunity was snapped, snagged, and snatched. Quite fittingly, the skipper and Jay Saunders first signing, Kevin Lokko scored a beautifully headed goal and sent the away crowd into delirium. That must've been that. And it was. Folkstone Invicta were crowned as Isthmian Premier League Champions for the 1st time in their 90 year history. 

In the 38 game, title winning run, there will always be your top preformer, and top goalscorer. That was none-the-different for Folkstone. Jake Hutchinson currently leads the charts with 18 goals, and Joe Pigott widely agreed to be the club's standout preformer so far this season. With 3 games still to play, this could well in fact change, but we'll have to wait and see.

So far with 28 wins, 7 draws, and 4 losses, Folkstone Invicta Football Club have been automatically promoted into The Enterprise National League South, and will be followed by whoever wins the play-offs, which match-ups are still not known. But that's something for another day.

Congratulations to everyone involved with Folkstone, and wish nothing but the best for the future.