Thomas and Kelman end Folkestone’s seven-week wait for a league win

Sunday 18 October 2026 · By Rosemary Molesey

Folkestone Invicta ended a six-game winless run in the Enterprise National League South with a 2–1 home win over AFC Totton on Saturday, their first league win since 31 August.

The goals came in a four-minute spell just before half-time. Donell Thomas put Invicta ahead in the 41st minute, and Bobby Kelman added a second in the 44th, his second goal for the club.

Totton’s Will Fletcher pulled one back in the 74th minute. Late on, Totton’s Luke Hallett had the ball in the net, but the goal was ruled out for a foul on Fielding. The crowd was 982.

Jay Saunders’ verdict was simple. The club’s report carried the headline quote: “Today was all about the three points.”

There were several positives in the squad. Luton Town loanee Zacharias Ioannides, who joined on a one-month loan, made his debut. Joe Pigott was back from injury on the bench, and big summer signing John Akinde was in a matchday squad for the first time.

The return of Akinde and Pigott gives Saunders more attacking options as the season goes on. Totton, meanwhile, made three changes for the game, including Ryan Gosney in goal in place of Dylan Moody, but could not find a way back after the break.

The win lifts Folkestone three places. The table after Saturday’s games, from Football Web Pages, shows them 12th on 16 points from 12 games, with four wins, four draws and four defeats. They have scored 18 goals and conceded 14. Their home record is now three wins, two draws and one defeat.

There is a Kent derby in midweek. Folkestone host Dover Athletic in the second round of the Kent Senior Cup at Cheriton Road on Tuesday 20 October at 7.45pm BST. Dover reached the FA Cup first round on Saturday, and their manager Jake Leberl has said many of his first-choice players will not take part.

Back in the league, Farnborough visit on Saturday 24 October at 3pm BST. Farnborough beat Dagenham & Redbridge 2–0 on Saturday.

Folkestone then travel to Tonbridge Angels on Tuesday 27 October at 7.45pm for another Kent derby, and to Chesham United on Saturday 31 October at 3pm. Both of those kick-off times are GMT, as the clocks go back on Sunday 25 October.

Earlier this month, Saunders said 16-year-old Freddie Francis is expected to turn professional, according to KentOnline.

Seven weeks between league wins had been a long wait for Invicta. With Akinde and Pigott now available and a home game against Farnborough next in the league, Saunders will hope Saturday’s win is the start of a better run.