Long-serving Folkestone Invicta boss Neil Cugley says this season's squad strongest he has had in some time

Long-serving manager Neil Cugley reckons Folkestone’s squad this season is the strongest he has had in some time.

Invicta claimed their first Isthmian Premier win of the campaign on Saturday as early goals from striker Ade Yusuff and defender Ian Gayle earned a 2-1 home success over Wingate & Finchley.

Folkestone burst into a 2-0 lead inside six minutes and, although failing to build on that advantage, they held on for the points despite Tyrique Clarke scoring a penalty for the visitors who had Addison Garnett sent off late on.

Cugley, who brought on the club’s all-time leading scorer Ian Draycott and striker Ibrahim Olutade in the second half, said: “When we get Matt Newman back - he could be back on the bench for one of the games this weekend - it’s the strongest bench I have had for quite a few years.

“Sometimes you get criticised for not using substitutes but they have to contribute in games. These players can.

“I’m pleased with the squad, I think we are fairly well covered.”

Defender Gayle - cousin of West Indian cricketer Chris Gayle - netted his first competitive Folkestone goal at Cheriton Road and was also involved in Yusuff’s goal.

“We are a bit stronger, physically and height-wise than we were, with Nathan Green in there as well and James Rogers is quite good in the air,” added Cugley.

“Last year, we were a bit of a smaller side.

"But we look a bit more dangerous and we have Matt Newman to come back - he’s 6ft plus - so we are all right there.”

Having drawn their first two league fixtures, Cugley admitted nerves could have played a part in the second half as Invicta held on for their first three points this term.

He reflected: “It was one of those frustrating ones, we should have won comfortably.

“We started