We don't fear higher league Horsham, insists Everitt

Invicta, flying high in Ryman League Division One South in fourth place, welcome a Horsham side that play one division higher than them.

But Everitt believes the Kent side have enough in their ranks to move one step closer to the first round proper - which is only three wins away.

“It’s an important competition to be in financially and we’ve enjoyed playing big teams like Chester a few years ago (in the first round proper) and the FA Cup is a nice distraction from the league,” Everitt told www.kentishfootball.co.uk tonight.

“There’s a few results we’re not happy about, like drawing at Whitstable and Whyteleafe that we felt we should have won, but all in all we’re happy. We’ve got something to build on and we’re improving as a side.”

The older Everitt brother relishes the opportunity of playing in the same side with the likes of Lee Gledhill, Jimmy Jackson and Nick Humphrey - players that boss Neil Cugley brought to Cheriton Road during the summer.

“I think you talk about the players he’s brought in, they’re quality players and we’re playing a lot more football since they’ve come into the team and we can only get better,” said Everitt.

Everitt, like others at the Buzzlines Stadium, was sorry that the club suffered the heartbreak of relegation on the final day of last season.

But the team have started their campaign well and promotion back into the Ryman Premier League - at the first attempt - is what everyone at the club is aiming for.

“Winning games, instead of losing them, is more enjoyable and there’s a lot more pressure to get the right results,” explained Everitt.

Playing Horsham in the Ryman Premier League, instead of the FA Cup, is what Everitt wants next season.

“Horsham are in the Premier League and everyone knows what a good league that is,” he said.

“They’re going to be a good side and we have to be right at it on Saturday, which we will be.

“It’s a very good league with a lot of quality sides and the standard is very good. We want to get promoted and be up in that league as soon as we can.

“Regardless of last season when we got relegated, we’ve always had a good team spirit at Folkestone. With Scott Lindsey coming back (as coach), he’s only improved the spirit within the camp.

“I enjoy playing in the bigger games and I feel excited. I don’t get nervous, that comes with playing lots of games - everyone wants to do well at home.”

After needing a replay to knock out brave Kent League side Sevenoaks Town, Folkestone sealed a rare win over local-rivals Ramsgate to set up this tie against the Hornets.

“The (Folkestone) supporters at Ramsgate were good and hopefully it will be exactly the same result and performance as a couple of weeks ago,” vowed Everitt.

“We’re going into the game with nothing to fear. We’re fourth in the league, Horsham are inconsistent. We’re confident after playing Ramsgate. We deserved the win and to win by a lot more. We’ll go into the game with the same attitude, enjoy ourselves and get the result we need.”

Visit Folkestone Invicta’s website:  www.folkestoneinvicta.co.uk

Folkestone Invicta v Horsham
FA Cup (Sponsored by E.ON) Second Qualifying Round
Saturday 27^th September 2008
Kick Off 3:00pm
At Buzzlines Stadium, Cheriton Road, Folkestone, Kent CT19 5JU