Captain Ian Gayle has been left with a unique dilemma after Folkestone’s game was abandoned last weekend.

The Isthmian Premier fixture at Wingate & Finchley was cut short in the 88th minute after a collision between Invicta forward Tom Derry and home goalkeeper Prince Adegoke, with the match evenly-poised at 3-3.

Both Derry and Adegoke are now understood to be in reasonable health after ambulances were quickly on the scene following the collision, which saw referee Joe Burgess call an early halt to proceedings to leave both sides waiting to hear from the Isthmian League on the fate of the fixture.

It came after defender Gayle had netted twice to allow Folkestone to recover from a 3-1 half-time deficit while Wingate & Finchley had also been reduced to 10 players - Rhamar Garrett-Douglas cautioned twice in quick succession.

Asked if he would like to replay the game or see the result stand, Gayle replied: “I’d like to keep my two goals, thank you very much!

“As a defender, you do get opportunities to score but, to get two at the start of the season, it really helps because, mentally, I have a goals target in my head. So, I’d rather take the two goals.

“We didn’t lose - that’s the main thing - and we can always try to chase the rest of the league because it’s still early on. Saturday was only the third game of the season.

“But at the same time, I don’t think the boys will be too upset if the game does get replayed.”

Gayle’s brace came after Derry had struck in the fifth minute to cancel out former Dover striker Destiny Oladipo’s second-minute opening goal.

“It was one of those games where I’ve seen situations like that happen before and the game has continued,” said the 31-year-old. “But of course, this time, the referee took the decision that he didn’t feel comfortable carrying on.

“As long as the keeper is okay, that’s the main thing. We might have wanted the same thing to happen, had it happened to one of our players.

“You want to be nice and understanding but, at the same time, go for the win. We had the momentum, especially with them being down to 10 men, but it is what it is.”

Folkestone’s journey to Wingate & Finchley came days after their long-awaited derby at Dover last Tuesday resulted in a 3-2 victory.

Two-goal Dan Smith’s efforts were sandwiched between a Derry goal at Crabble in front of a big crowd of 2,495 as Andy Drury’s team came out on top.

“I have played with Dukes,” Gayle revealed. “I kind of know what he’s about.

“He’s very passionate, he wants to win, he wants to do things the correct way, and has played at a high level.

“I have got a lot of confidence in Dukesy to take us where we want to be at the end of the season in terms of promotion.

“But, of course, we have pretty much a completely new squad so it’s just about understanding each other.

“As the season goes on, hopefully, we’ll get stronger.”

Gayle remains club captain this term, having taken over the role from fellow defender Callum Davies, who has since departed for Faversham.

He said: “Callum wasn’t too upset about it.

“It’s a bit of a tricky one but I’m happy that I’ve got it. I take it very seriously.

“Having the armband, I try to lead the boys - on and off the pitch.

“Callum was okay about handing it over and I’m glad to have it this season.”

Gayle had hoped to face younger brother Denzel Gayle when Folkestone will host Cray Valley in the league on Saturday - but the latter (groin) is set to be sidelined.

“He’s going to come down,” Ian said. “The household has been split over the past week over who we’re going to celebrate and support! It’s a shame because I haven’t played against him in years.”

Invicta are away to Hastings in the league on Monday.

They have been handed a short FA Cup journey to Ramsgate - who made the second round proper last season - in the first qualifying round on Saturday, August 31, for a mouthwatering Kent derby.