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 was due to be 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.

While that match has been pushed back this week until Tuesday, December 2, they will be at home to Dulwich Hamlet next Saturday.

Manager Jay Saunders said: “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.

"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 is 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 of ourselves on Saturday.

“If we do that, we’ve got a chance.”

Saunders hopes Folkestone’s return to the town will attract even more supporters.

“We couldn’t have ask for a better start to the season than the one we have had!” he said.

“I would like to think people want to see us play and want to see what we’re about.

“We’re looking forward to playing in front of our home supporters and, hopefully, they come out in their numbers.”

A much-changed Invicta team saw off Southern League Central side AFC Dunstable 3-1 in the FA Trophy third qualifying round through Mikey Berry, Jake Hutchinson and Joe Pigott last weekend.

Saunders reflected: “It was probably our most comfortable win all season, that’s no disrespect to Dunstable.

“We made some changes but we were quite in control.

"We took our foot off the gas in the second half because we were comfortable. That’s not a bad thing.

“It was another good away performance. It’s always difficult in those conditions.

"The wind was strong and there was a pitch inspection beforehand, but the boys did well and got the job done.

“That’s what it’s all about in the cups.”

For midfielder Berry, 19, it was a first competitive Folkestone goal.

“He did really well,” said Saunders. “We played him in the No.10 role, which we haven’t really done. We gave Donell Thomas a rest.

“His finishing is very good and he does it in training, we spoke about him doing that in games and, thankfully, he did that on Saturday.

“From his point of view, maybe he’s disappointed he hasn’t got another goal.

“Obviously, he’s someone we like. That’s why we have taken him across with us from Tonbridge.

“He can play in a few different positions and he’s a young player so he still wants to learn.

"I’m just really pleased for him.”

Berry was replaced late on by teenage midfielder Sonny Radbourne - the son of Rich Radbourne, co-owner and chief executive of Soccer Elite football Academy - who made a second senior substitute appearance.

Saunders said: “He has been training with us. Him and Dillon Simmons have come in from (Soccer Elite).

“He’s learning men’s football. It’s nice we can give him an opportunity and we played a few in the Kent Senior Cup a few weeks back.

“To be honest, he wasn’t going to be on the bench but someone pulled out. It’s nice for him to play alongside some of the more experienced players that we’ve got.

"I’m sure he’ll learn from it.”

Invicta have been drawn at Burgess Hill in the FA Trophy first round on Saturday, October 25.

Should a ‘home’ replay be required against Southend, it will be played at Ashford United on Tuesday.

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