Folkestone Invicta visit National League club Southend United in FA Cup with Cheriton Road homecoming on new 3G pitch against Aveley also on horizon

An exciting few days lie ahead for Folkestone Invicta.

The unbeaten Isthmian Premier high-fliers will aim to move into the FA Cup first round for the first time in 20 years, and only the second time in their history, when they visit National League Southend this weekend.

That’s followed by a first ‘home’ league fixture against Aveley, scheduled to be the club’s first match on their new 3G pitch at Cheriton Road, on Tuesday.

Boss Jay Saunders said: “We have got a really good week coming up.

“We have Southend on Saturday. I think we have been hard done-by in the FA Cup.

“We have had Maidstone, from the league above, and Horsham, from the league above, and now Southend.

“They (Southend) are a very good side and I watched them against Boreham Wood last Tuesday. We’ll need to be at our best and then for them to have an off-day.

“Then - finally - we can play at home against Aveley.

"It seems strange that we haven’t had a home game yet at this stage of the season but we’re looking forward to it.”

While Folkestone have already knocked out higher-division opponents in Maidstone and Horsham, their test against Kevin Maher’s Southend side represents another significant step up for them.

“It’s a real test,” said Saunders, whose team have also seen off Sevenoaks to reach this stage.

“They’re a full-time side and pretty much a Football League club. On their day, they’ll certainly be right up there (as one of the best National League teams).

“But it’s a game we go into with no pressure on us. We will give it our best shot.

“To beat two National League South clubs, that shows we can compete at that level.

“I’ve been quite honest that the Trophy and the FA Cup aren’t our priority - the league is. But hopefully, we can give a good account