Folkestone Invicta boss Jay Saunders looks ahead to trip at Billericay Town this weekend after hard-fought 1-0 Isthmian Premier home weekend win over Hashtag United

Jay Saunders is optimistic Folkestone will stand up to another stiff test this Saturday.

Leaders Invicta, sitting 13 points clear at the summit, have just 10 Isthmian Premier fixtures left to play.

Their run-in will begin with a trip to Billericay. While the Essex club suffered a 2-0 loss at St Albans last weekend, they had been on a seven-match winning streak under boss Danny Scopes.

Folkestone manager Saunders said: “I know their management team really well. I had no doubt, once they went in there, they would pick up.

“They have been picking up players like Macauley Bonne so it’s going to be a really tough test but it’s one we’re looking forward to.

“Whenever we have had tough tests this season, the players have responded to them.

“We’re into the last 10 games of the season and hopefully, by the end of this season, we will be where we want to be. But it certainly won’t be easy on Saturday.

“They have got some very good players that are experienced at levels above.”

Invicta made it five wins - and five clean sheets - on the spin with their first-ever success over Hashtag United. Former Margate and Welling United defender Ben Wells was controversially ruled to have inadvertently bundled Montel McKenzie’s corner past keeper Jack Giddens as it ended 1-0 in front of a 1,369-strong crowd at Cheriton Road.

The goal was eventually awarded after referee Josh Williams had signalled for a free-kick before he then discussed his decision with the assistant referee and changed his mind.

“That was probably our worst performance in a little while,” admitted Saunders.

“In saying that, we never looked like losing the game. I think they only had one shot in 90 minutes but nothing really went for us on the day. You do get days like that.