Folkestone boss Neil Cugley says money is talking in Bostik Premier this season.

Fourth last season, Invicta are sitting fifth after picking up nine points from their first five games.

Their two defeats so far have come against the sides sitting first and second - Tonbridge Angels and Enfield.

Sonny Miles' goal at the Fullicks Stadium on Monday ended Folkestone's run of three straight wins.

"We're about where I thought we would be," Cugley said. "There could be seven or eight really good sides in our league this year, they've all got money and you have to accept that.

"Last year we always knew which two were going to do it (Billericay and Dulwich) but this year there's several that could do that.

"They've all got some money, good players and strength in depth so it's going to be a difficult season for a lot of clubs including us.

"We are what we are and for what we pay I still think we've got a good side. There's other teams in the same position as Folkestone but there are these other teams now that are quite big clubs.

"It all comes down to money nowadays I'm afraid. It's the haves and have-nots so if you've got it and you spend it right, you're going to be up near the top."

Folkestone have scored 11 league goals already but failed to become the first team to score against Tonbridge this season.

"We still looked dangerous," Cugley said. "I'm disappointed we didn't score but we defended a lot better."

The real disappointment for Cugley over the Bank Holiday weekend was seeing Ade Yusuff and Sam Hasler both sent off.

Yusuff was shown a straight red card during Saturday's 3-2 win over Harlow while Hasler picked up two first-half bookings against Tonbridge.

Cugley admitted: "Ade was stupid having a go at the referee. There's no need.

"He said it's the first sending-off in his career so hopefully he learns from that. He gets himself well up for games and he got carried away with what he said to the referee. He's got no excuse.

"He swore at the referee and you can't do that. It will cost him two weeks wages. He's a silly boy but he'll learn from it.

"He's a good lad and the disappointment is not having him because he's a vital player to us. Hopefully he'll learn that you can't swear at referees.

"Hasler maybe shouldn't have made the challenge once he was on a yellow card.

"They're going mad once he's fouled somebody and it all gets a bit out of hand. It's not a side of football I like, trying to get people sent off, but that seems to have come in."

Folkestone are away to Bishop's Stortford on Saturday.