Folkestone Invicta joint-head coach Roland Edge prepared to be patient as club try to get season going; Bognor Regis Town next up in Isthmian Premier

Roland Edge is prepared to be patient as he tries to help get Folkestone’s season going.

Invicta’s inconsistent campaign goes on.

They lost 3-0 on Saturday at Canvey Island in Isthmian Premier when Bradley Sach’s hat-trick proved the difference between the teams after back-to-back wins, which included a 4-1 home success last Wednesday over Bowers & Pitsea.

But Edge, whose team on Tuesday were unlucky to lose 2-1 away to leaders Hornchurch, reflected: “To be honest, I thought it was quite an even contest.

“Sometimes, 3-0 can flatter and deceive. I didn’t think we were as good as we have been but the thing is that we have tried to implement our own game and we got caught out.

“Things don’t improve overnight, you have to expect it. Things do take time to blend.”

Folkestone weren’t helped by two defensive players - left-back Nathan Green and utility player Ronnie Dolan - serving suspensions at Canvey, either.

“When you are trying to get something going but you are working with a back four and the left-back gets suspended - without a natural replacement in the squad at left-back as well - it’s tough,” said Edge.

“We relied on Matt Newman at left-back. I give him credit for going there but, obviously, it’s not the same, is it?

“Robbie was suspended, too. That’s the harsh part of it.

“We have got Robbie who can do a job there but he got suspended for a straight red [in the Velocity Cup at Margate] as well.”

On the injury front, meanwhile, recently-signed forward Shola Ayoola broke his nose in the win over Bowers - earned through goals by Ade Yusuff, Scott Heard, Ian Gayle and Ibrahim Olutade - although he did get through the first half against Canvey.

“Shola might be struggling. Bless him, he broke his nose in the second game,"