Folkestone Invicta have been crowned Isthmian Premier Division champions for the 2025/26 season, marking the club’s first-ever promotion to the National League South.
The team secured the league title on 4 April 2026, with a 2-1 victory away against St Albans City. Captain Kevin Lokko scored the decisive goal in the 62nd minute to clinch the championship with four matches still remaining in the season. Jake Hutchinson also scored in the victory, following an early goal from the opposition.
This achievement serves as a significant milestone for the club, representing its highest-ever league placement. Manager Jay Saunders, who joined the club in March 2025, led the team to this success in his first full season. Following his arrival, Saunders conducted a major overhaul of the playing squad, with only four players remaining from the previous year.
Club chairman Josh Healey, who took over in the summer of 2023, noted that while the promotion was always a primary aim, the team successfully met a three-year goal in just one season. The official trophy presentation took place on 6 April 2026, during a 3-2 home win against Ramsgate. The match drew a club-record home attendance of 2,592, with Hutchinson scoring twice to celebrate the occasion.
The season concluded on 25 April 2026, with a 5-3 win over Cheshunt at the Alcaline Stadium. In this final match, Hutchinson secured a hat-trick, bringing his total to 24 goals for the season and claiming the league’s top scorer award. His efforts helped the squad reach a total of 100 league goals for the campaign.
The team’s performance remained strong despite early season disruptions, which required the club to play home matches at various locations while a new artificial pitch was installed at the club’s home ground. The installation was completed in October 2025, allowing the team to return to their home pitch.
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