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Folkestone Invicta host Margate in Bostik Premier promotion clash on Easter Monday

The Fullicks Stadium will be rocking on Monday for the biggest derby clash between Folkestone and Margate for almost 20 years.

Not since 1999, when the east Kent rivals were battling for promotion in the old Southern League, has there been so much at stake as there is now.

Both clubs start the Easter weekend in the Bostik Premier play-off positions with promotion to National League South the ultimate aim.

Ian Draycott tracks Sam Blackman during Folkestone's 3-1 win at Margate on New Year's Day Picture: Don Walker
Ian Draycott tracks Sam Blackman during Folkestone's 3-1 win at Margate on New Year's Day Picture: Don Walker

The game is bound to attract the biggest crowd of the season to a ground where Neil Cugley's men boast the best home record in the division.

"I think we'll get a really good crowd against Margate," said the Invicta manager. "People know how we play now, we play football the right way and it should be an entertaining game.

"For us to be up with that sort of side, with their quality and the finances they've got, is tremendous for our players.

"With Liam Friend coming back, that'll be good. He's done us proud before and he'll be desperate to avenge us for our win over there."

Former club captain Friend left Folkestone last summer to sign for Steve Watt at Margate.

Blues have gone five games without a win, drawing their last four, and Watt labelled their second-half display against Enfield "unacceptable" on Saturday.

Down the coast, Invicta were beating Met Police 5-2, taking their goal tally in the division to 88 from 38 matches.

Monday's game promises to be pivotal for both clubs but before it, Folkestone face another of their promotion rivals.

Cugley takes his side, who went second on Tuesday with a 2-1 win over Lowestoft, to Staines Town on Saturday.

He said: "It's always nice to go to Staines, a nice ground, so they're two big games.

"We've got Leiston soon, Dulwich and then Billericay. We go to Thurrock for what will be the last midweek game on their ground, so they'll be up for it, Dorking away is difficult so it's a heck of a run-in.

"I'm glad we're not where we were last year (fighting relegation) because it might have been difficult to get out.

"It's lovely being in this situation."

Josh Vincent is due to complete a three-match ban on Saturday so will be available to face Margate.

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