Folkestone Invicta manager Jay Saunders concedes squad is light on attacking options as he reflects on 1-1 National League South draw with Chelmsford City

Manager Jay Saunders conceded Folkestone are light on attacking options after they fought back to earn a home National League South draw against Chelmsford City on Saturday.

Saunders’ side showed three changes from the one that played out a 1-1 derby draw at Maidstone United in midweek - with the boss revealing two of those were enforced as defender Liam Smith and vice-captain Alex Woodyard weren’t fit enough to start.

Folkestone fought back to cancel out Clarets striker Leo Sery’s goal in first-half injury time through a penalty by forward Joe Pigott as it finished 1-1 in front of another crowd of more than 1,000 at Cheriton Road.

It has been a bright start to life at Step 2 for Invicta despite a tough pre-season, which saw veteran forward John Akinde feature sparingly - and not since last month’s friendly against Isthmian Premier Cray Wanderers.

Asked why this pre-season had been particularly challenging, Saunders replied: “I’ve said a couple of times, maybe, it is the heat, although I’m not sure - and certainly don’t want to make excuses.

“It’s difficult. We had to make changes today. There were a couple of boys, Woody and Liam Smith, who weren’t fit to start so we had to change it.

“I was pleased with Ale (Alejandro Machado). I felt he came in and had a good debut.

“But all in all, it’s frustrating. We’re really light in the forward areas with John out - and even young Freddie [Francis] in the academy.

“He’s done really well but got injured, playing for the academy in the week, which is really frustrating. He shouldn’t have played.

“We sort of ended up with just Pigs and Aaron Cosgrave. Then when we make the change because Aaron wants to come off, we end up having to change shape. It’s not ideal but it is the way it