Folkestone’s players have been urged to embrace the pressure that comes with being leaders as their title challenge intensifies.

Victory at home to Herne Bay on Saturday sent Invicta 12 points clear at the top of Ryman League Division 1 South with 18 games left.

Manager Neil Cugley always knew this season held great potential for his side but even he didn’t expect them to start 2016 in such a commanding position.

"I never thought this would happen," he admitted. "I hoped we’d be there or thereabouts and have a good second half of the season.

"But (being top) comes with pressure and the players will be expected to win. They need to not be afraid of that, be proud of it.

"Sometimes you need the right characters and we’ve got a good squad now. Saturday showed that. I want a bit more consistency from some of them but how can I moan when we’re 12 points clear?

"We’ve got lots of people in their early twenties – Jordan Wright, Ronnie Dolan, Ashley Miller, Harry Smith, Scott Heard and I want them to show people how good they are."

Saturday’s impressive attendance of 478 was the fifth home match running where Folkestone have attracted a crowd of more than 350.

Cugley said: "I was amazed on Saturday because it poured down. To get that many, after a disappointing result at Hythe, was nice.

"People forget I’m a Folkestone fan as well as the manager and I want us to play good football and entertain.

"Saturday was a good game to watch, end to end, and if we keep playing like that, I hope the crowds will keep coming."

Folkestone may loan out some of their players to keep them sharp for the title run-in.

Cugley said: "I couldn’t be happier with the players we’ve got here now.

"There is no way that we’re planning to bring anyone else in or let anyone go in the longer term.

"Every one of these players will play a part in the run-in towards the climax of the season, though we do need to keep them match fit and sharp and ready to step straight into the side when we need them.

"We may need to look at letting one or two out on loan to make sure they get enough game time to maintain a decent fitness level, and it’s not easy at this time of the year."

Defender Callum Wraight's loan deal at Whitstable has been extended for another month.

Cugley said: "Callum’s had a bit of a back problem in the two months he’s over there.

"We’ll almost certainly want him back for the run-in, as we would any of the others."

Read more in the Folkestone & Hythe Express.