Folkestone Invicta manager Jay Saunders highlights importance of maintaining strong relationships with lower-league clubs ahead of friendly against Dartford this weekend and trip to Cray Wanderers

Folkestone boss Jay Saunders has highlighted the significance of maintaining strong relationships with lower-division clubs.

Invicta were 5-2 weekend winners against last term’s Isthmian South East play-off finalists AFC Croydon Athletic after a young team drew 3-3 at Combined Counties Premier Division South Sutton Common Rovers last Wednesday.

While Saunders’ side ended up 12 points clear in Isthmian Premier last season, they have remained in touch with many clubs still in the division.

Invicta will host Dartford on Saturday before a journey to another Isthmian Premier club, Cray Wanderers, on Tuesday.

“If you look at the games we have got, every game is really tough,” said Saunders, whose men were defeated 3-2 at Aveley in midweek despite goals from striker Joe Pigott and new midfielder Alejandro Machado.

“When you go up a league, you want to play tough games in pre-season and have good tests.

“Over the next couple of games, we will look to give more players 60 minutes rather than 45. We have a lot of games coming up but, for us, it’s just about getting them through without picking up any injuries.

“Aveley finished second last year and pushed us all the way. Brett [Munyard, manager], I didn’t know him before - but I have got to know him quite well last year.

“Ben [Greenhalgh, player-boss] at Dartford played under me and we have some really good relationships at Cray. You want to build those good relationships.

“Now we have gone up, it’s especially important to have that.”

Folkestone hit the ground running against AFC Croydon Athletic, led by Danny Kedwell - who came up against son Harvey - at Cheriton Road.

Two-goal Machado and Adam Lovatt, alongside a pair of trialists, did the damage, albeit the visitors did finish