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Sport

Folkestone Invicta keep running the rule over Louis Yamfam; Dover Athletic next up for Neil Cugley's side

By: Thomas Reeves treeves@thekmgroup.co.uk

Published: 05:00, 28 July 2022

Updated: 08:34, 28 July 2022

Folkestone boss Neil Cugley intends to keep running the rule over Louis Yamfam.

The trialist slotted in at right-back as Invicta were beaten 2-1 last Saturday by National League newboys Maidstone, while Josh Vincent moved into the heart of defence.

Folkestone's Ian Draycott during his testimonial match against Maidstone on Saturday. Picture: Randolph File

The versatile Yamfam conceded a penalty as he was adjudged to have tripped Hady Ghandour, who converted the spot-kick himself to put the Stones 2-0 ahead following James Alabi’s opener, before Folkestone frontman Ade Yusuff netted a consolation during Ian Draycott’s testimonial.

“He’s one we are still looking at,” said Cugley.

“He has done all right. The penalty against him on Saturday was a bit harsh but, hopefully, he will learn from it.

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“We will keep looking at him. He’s a very exciting-looking player. Where his best position is, I don’t know yet. Because people have been away, we have moved him around a bit.

“But he’s not doing himself any harm at all.”

Folkestone manager Neil Cugley. Picture: Randolph File

Despite the travel disruption, a 432-strong crowd watched the friendly against Maidstone and Invicta’s manager was pleased with what he saw.

He said: “We did well. I thought the penalty for their second goal was soft and a bit harsh. That was disappointing.

“But after than that, it was good. We are not going to score lots of goals against that sort of opposition.

“They had a couple out, we had a couple out, but you have just got to get on with it. People are catching up on weddings and holidays and that sort of thing.

“You just hope they are all caught up by the time the season starts.”

Ade Yusuff scored for Invicta as they lost to Maidstone United. Picture: Randolph File

Draycott almost marked his testimonial with a stunning goal.

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A free-kick was half-cleared to him on the edge of the area and he let fly, only to see his effort hit the post.

Cugley stated: “It’s a shame that didn’t go in - that would have been perfect. I could have got him off straight after that!

“He has had to adjust his game from being an out-and-out forward to being a midfielder.

“He thoroughly deserved his day and I cannot thank Maidstone enough for coming.”

While some Kent clubs start their competitive seasons this weekend, Folkestone don’t begin their campaign until August 13.

They visited Hythe on Tuesday, earning a 3-0 victory through goals from Kadell Daniel (2) and striker Ibrahim Olutade, with Yamfam having a hand in the first goal of the game.

This Saturday, they host Dover.

Cugley said: “We are in not such a rush, as opposed to other clubs, because we don’t start until August 13. Most other clubs start either this weekend or the weekend after.

“But Dover and Ashford [Invicta’s final pre-season friendly on August 7] are two more good games coming up for us. The fitness levels from us have been good.

“The teams we are up against are full-time or near enough full-time, so I think we have done really well against them.”

Defender Matt Newman has had a knee operation and is expected to start running in three weeks’ time.

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