Folkestone Invicta vs Croydon Athletic

The third goal, scored six minutes into the second half, effectively decided the contest. Croydon had weathered Folkestone's first-half pressure and went in just one goal down at the break. Conceding so early in the second period forced Danny Kedwell's side to chase the game, which opened the spaces for Folkestone's late salvo.

Saunders' decision to field his senior squad — including the six new signings — after an academy-heavy XI drew 3-3 with Sutton Common Rovers three days earlier also proved decisive. The increased quality and cohesion showed immediately.

Alejandro Machado was the standout performer. The Spanish midfielder's brace inside the opening 43 minutes set the platform for the win. Signed in late May from an undisclosed club, he told Invicta TV at the time: "Jay said all the right things to convince me to come." The early evidence suggests he will be a key creative force this season.

Adam Lovatt made an immediate impact upon his return. After re-signing for the 2026/27 campaign in June, the midfielder capped the scoring with a clinical finish from a corner. His energy in central midfield was a feature throughout.

The six summer additions — including former Tonbridge defender Jamie Fielding and Harvey Kedwell, son of Croydon manager Danny Kedwell — all made their first home appearances and contributed to a fluid performance.

The provider data shows a 5-2 final scoreline with goals spread across both halves. Folkestone's three-goal margin reflected a higher shot volume and better conversion in the final third, particularly from set pieces — Lovatt's goal came directly from a corner routine.

Croydon's two goals, one in each half, demonstrated their threat on the counter and in transition. The 88th-minute strike briefly threatened a tense finish before Folkestone's superior fitness and squad depth showed in stoppage time.

For Folkestone, this was a purposeful start to their home pre-season programme. After the academy side's 3-3 draw at Sutton Common Rovers on 1 July, this fixture gave Saunders a chance to integrate his senior arrivals — Machado, Fielding, Kedwell and others — in match conditions. The result extends the positive mood around the club after winning the Isthmian Premier Division title in 2025/26.

Croydon Athletic, who narrowly missed promotion to the Isthmian Premier Division last season — losing the South East Division play-off final on penalties to AFC Whyteleafe — will take encouragement from their ability to create chances against a side playing two divisions higher. Manager Danny Kedwell, the former Gillingham striker, will use the fixture as a benchmark for the step required.

Next up for Folkestone is a trip to Aveley on Tuesday 7 July (19:45), followed by home friendlies against Dartford and National League opposition as they build toward the National League South season.

Saunders downplayed the scoreline post-match. "The score is irrelevant at this stage," he told Invicta TV after the game.

Speaking before the match, Saunders had said: "Pre-season is pre-season, it's not all about results but at the same time you want to keep the momentum going so if you can get good results along with solid performances, then all the better."

Against Croydon, Folkestone delivered on both counts.

A purposeful pre-season workout that served its purpose. Machado looks a shrewd addition, Lovatt's return adds steel and goals from midfield, and the squad depth Saunders has assembled looks capable of handling National League South demands. Croydon showed spirit but were ultimately outclassed by a side playing two tiers above them — and that is exactly the test Kedwell wanted.