Folkestone Invicta manager Jay Saunders on Adam Lovatt’s impact as midfielder gets first club goal in 4-2 Isthmian Premier victory at Cheshunt

Jay Saunders is loving working with Adam Lovatt after he got his man at the second time of asking.

Midfielder Lovatt claimed his first Invicta goal in last weekend’s 4-2 Isthmian Premier success at Cheshunt.

Folkestone manager Saunders had tried to sign the 26-year-old in the close season and, although things didn’t work out then as he moved to Hashtag United, they're working together now.

“He has been excellent,” said Saunders, whose side return to home action against Chichester this weekend. “He was one of the first players I met in the summer.

“We couldn’t come to an agreement, unfortunately, and he went elsewhere. That was a shame because I wanted him from the start of this season.

“But he has fitted in really well. He’s a quiet lad. He lets his football do the talking.

“His goal was outstanding on Saturday - I’m not sure he will get too many like that - but he has definitely been a big bonus for us since he came in.”

A crazy opening 45 minutes saw frontrunners Folkestone head into a 4-2 advantage by half-time, with young defender Joel Odeniran also on target alongside forwards Jake Hutchinson and Joe Pigott.

Saunders reflected: “I felt we were worthy winners.

“I was disappointed with the two goals we conceded. The only two times they have got anywhere near our goal, they scored. From their side of things, I suppose it’s quite clinical.

“But it could have been a lot more.

“We had a goal disallowed which, watching it back, was never offside in a million years. We had two penalties turned down that were blatant penalties, as well.

“But we scored four goals and it ended up being quite comfortable.

“We have played a lot of games away from home this year so you have got to give the players a lot of credit.”

Odeniran’s