Folkestone Invicta manager Jay Saunders reveals he tried to sign striker Rakish Bingham as he reacts to 2-1 National League South loss that sees ex-Ebbsfleet United man net winner at Cheriton Road

Boss Jay Saunders revealed he tried to bring Rakish Bingham to Folkestone Invicta - after the forward helped end the club's lengthy unbeaten home run on Saturday.

Former Ebbsfleet United man Bingham came off the substitutes’ bench to get Farnham’s second late on in a 2-1 National League South loss for Invicta. The 32-year-old, who helped the Fleet to the league title in April 2023, departed Stonebridge Road in the summer of 2025 for Farnborough where he agreed a two-year deal.

He was available again this year - and someone on Saunders’ wish-list - but, instead, opted to sign for Paul Johnson’s Surrey side.

His match-winning goal came after Folkestone striker Joe Pigott had cancelled out Owen Dean’s early opener, inflicting a league loss on Invicta for the first time since Tuesday, January 6.

“From that point, I really thought we would go on and win the game,” said Saunders, whose side were much-improved in the second period after the half-time introduction of Devonte West and a tactical tweak.

“Their keeper (Mike Eacott) has pulled off an unbelievable save from Devonte - a real reaction save - so I did think we would go on and win the game, but we just couldn’t get that second. We’re playing teams with some good players.

“They bring on Bingham and we all know Rakish - he’s a very good player. I tried to sign him as soon as I came here!

“If he gets a chance, he’ll take it. That’s exactly what he has done.

“We’ve got punished.”

Saunders felt his team looked jaded in the opening 45 minutes as they struggled to get to grips with a Farnham outfit, who have overtaken them and are on a four-match unbeaten run.

“It was a bit like Torquay,” reflected Saunders, whose men suffered a 3-2 loss at Plainmoor last Saturday before a