Folkestone Invicta FC secured the Isthmian Premier Division title on Easter Saturday, 4 April 2026, following a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory away against St Albans City at Clarence Park. The result guarantees the club promotion to the National League South for the first time in their history, a landmark achievement for the team founded in 1936.
The visitors fell behind early in the match to a goal from St Albans City player Sam Smart. However, forward Jake Hutchinson levelled the score before captain Kevin Lokko netted the decisive goal in the second half to clinch the championship with four matches still remaining in the season.
This success comes during the first full season under manager Jay Saunders, who joined Folkestone Invicta FC in March 2025. Upon his appointment, Saunders oversaw a major overhaul of the playing squad, with Joel-Michael Odeniran, Dean Rance, Jack Jebb, and Ade Yusuff remaining as the only players from the previous year. The team also benefited from the consistent form of Hutchinson, who has been leading the division’s goal-scoring race this season.
The campaign featured a notable 12-game winning streak earlier this year, cementing the club’s position at the top of the table. Off the pitch, chairman Josh Healey has led a period of significant change, including the installation of a new 3G pitch at the club’s home ground, Cheriton Road. The construction work required the team to play their early-season home fixtures at alternative venues in Margate, Ashford, and Chatham before returning to their home ground in October 2025.
Folkestone Invicta will play their first match as champions at the Alcaline Stadium on Easter Monday, 6 April 2026, when they host Ramsgate.
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