Jay Saunders reckons Folkestone’s strength-in-depth has been key to their fine start this season.

Promotion-chasing Isthmian Premier Invicta, still yet to taste defeat inside 90 minutes, delivered a surprise 3-2 FA Cup third qualifying round success at National League South Horsham last weekend.

Folkestone found themselves 2-1 down at half-time before two goals in three minutes from defender Ben Mason and forward Josh Strouts.

“We have had to do it a couple of times already this season,” said Folkestone manager Saunders, who replaced Dean Rance with Mikey Berry in midfield at half-time, on their fightback.

“We were 1-0 down at Chatham but we won [2-1] in that game.

“The players have just got that mentality but we don’t want to keep having to do it!

“At half-time, we brought Mikey on for Rancey on Saturday, where Rancey had a slight twinge, and we went a bit more attacking.

“The changes we’re making aren’t weakening us. If anything, we’re strengthening with them at times. It’s good to have those options.

"The squad is in a good place.”

The higher-division Hornets had raced into a 2-0 lead, only for wing-back Finley Marjoram to pull one back on 42 minutes, before the visitors seized control of the tie in front of a 993-strong crowd.

Saunders reflected: “To go away from home against higher opposition, we always knew it was going to be a tough game.

“Horsham have had a good couple of runs in the FA Cup, as well as getting promoted in the league.

“We actually started really well. They then got on top but, as a management team, we kind of felt that we could get back into it.

"For us, it was about not making silly mistakes.

“The goal from Fin right on half-time was a real bonus. It gave us a boost.

“I’m delighted to get through and to reward the supporters that travelled to get behind us, and to still be in the hat.”

For former Crystal Palace scholar Marjoram - a 19-year-old local lad - his effort was a second in just three club matches.

“We were trying to get him in a few weeks back,” revealed Saunders.

“He wanted to go higher but, for whatever reason, that didn’t work out.

“A few people at the club knew him. He enjoys it and he’s come in and has been great, where Montel (McKenzie) hasn’t started the last couple of games.

“I wasn’t expecting Fin to come in and get a couple of goals! But we’re getting goals in all areas. Ben has a couple, as well.

“I think Fin will get better and stronger - but we’ve been really pleased with how he's started.”

Saunders said Folkestone could have been in a position to play the FA Cup fourth qualifying round tie on their new 3G pitch - if they had been drawn at home.

While they have been drawn away at National League Southend on October 11, instead, it seems the club are closing in on a Cheriton Road comeback.

“I was down there last Wednesday,” Saunders added. “The pitch looks incredible.

“We’re really looking forward to getting back there.

“I know it’s delayed but you’ve got to give the club and the chairman (Josh Healey) a lot of credit.

“If we can go back there - and be in and around where we are in the league, as well as still in those cup competitions - that’ll be great. But I’ve said time and time again it’s only a start.

“We need to maintain those standards so we’re in the same position we are in after another 10 league games.”

Invicta had been due to be in midweek action at Wingate & Finchley, although the game was quickly postponed following the death of Chichester forward Billy Vigar.

Former Arsenal forward Vigar, 21, died from a “significant brain injury” after colliding with the perimeter wall in an Isthmian Premier fixture between the teams.

“It’s terrible news,” admitted Saunders.

“Myself and Josh, the chairman, had sat down and said ‘Do we feel comfortable going there?’. I think myself and Josh agreed it didn’t feel right, even before anything was announced.

“So, I think it was the right decision for everyone involved.”

It means Folkestone will next be in action when they visit Southern League Central side AFC Dunstable in the FA Trophy third qualifying round this Saturday.

Saunders intends to rotate his pack - but that doesn’t mean he will be taking the fixture lightly.

On the 240-mile round trip, he joked: “We’re used to away games!

“We will mix the team up for that one. That’s not disrespecting anyone, we just need to keep everyone in the squad fresh.

“But it’s a game we will still be going out to win.”

The victors will earn £2,450 in prize money.

Young Folkestone midfielder Brad Walledge has signed on dual registration with Hythe in search of regular first-team football.

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