Folkestone Invicta boss Jay Saunders on side’s nine-point Isthmian Premier lead after 1-0 win at home against second-placed Brentwood Town

Jay Saunders is refusing to get carried away with Folkestone’s Isthmian Premier lead - and nor are his players.

Invicta are nine points clear of second-placed Brentwood, and also have a match in hand, having beaten them 1-0 through a penalty by substitute Ade Yusuff on Saturday.

It’s an enormous advantage for Folkestone in the title race but, with more than half the season still to go, there were no major celebrations after the win against Brentwood.

That’s just how level-headed manager Saunders likes it.

“Football changes very quickly,” said Saunders, who gave a debut to 20-year-old Bromley loanee defender Sam German.

“I've said to the boys what pleased me the most about today was, when I went into the changing room at the end, there was no jumping about or whatever.

“Everyone kept on about it being a big game - and we’ve won it - but realistically, if you go and lose your next two, you’re no better off. I’ve been really pleased with their attitudes.

“I thought it was a really professional performance and I’m probably disappointed we have not scored a couple more.

"Hutch (Jake Hutchinson) has been unbelievable in front of goal but, today, everything he hit just wouldn’t go in. We’ve hit the post and the crossbar against a really good side.

“I’m pleased.”

It had been a frustrating afternoon for Invicta, who had wasted lots of great chances, until Yusuff converted a spot-kick he had won midway through the second half. Fellow forward Jake Hutchinson had been the most wasteful of their players before 31-year-old striker Yusuff was on target.

Saunders said: “You’re not going to win every game by four or five. I think our supporters have been spoiled a little bit this year!

“We’ve had an 8-1 (against Cray Wanderers), scored