Folkestone Invicta’s former Colchester United goalkeeper Ted Collins is optimistic side can carry momentum from title-winning Isthmian Premier season into next campaign

Ted Collins is optimistic Folkestone can carry the momentum from their title-winning season into the next campaign.

Collins, Invicta’s No.1, has been a mainstay on their way to Isthmian Premier glory.

And with a potential smorgasbord of Kent derbies during the 2026/27 National League South season, the 23-year-old keeper is already looking ahead.

Asked what he is most excited about with the prospect of playing at Step 2, Collins replied: “I think just trying to carry on that buzz from this season.

“When you see the celebrations after the game, [it’s great]. This is the most that I have ever enjoyed my football.

“It’s almost a case of ‘Why can’t this carry on?’. I’m now more motivated - and even more excited - to sort of carry this on.

“I’d love to experience this again.”

Collins is playing alongside top scorer Jake Hutchinson and Donell Thomas, two of his former Colchester United youth-team club-mates, at Folkestone, having signed last summer.

Indeed, the pair played an important role in the former’s decision to link up with Jay Saunders’ side.

He said: “Jake and Donell rang me up a couple of times and were dropping me a few messages to come down. That sort of swayed it a bit for me.

“They have been superb this season.

"Jake has scored way too many goals! I know he will keep going until the end, as well, because he wants it (to finish as the top scorer in the division) more than anyone.

"It’s been great.”

On how far back his relationship with Hutchinson and Thomas goes, Collins added: “I have probably known Donell since I was 13.

“With Jake, I saw him every single day as a scholar and as a pro.

“I’ve probably seen them way too much!”

While Folkestone’s primary focus has been on the league, it was their FA Cup run to the