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Folkestone Invicta's Robbie Dolan making his mark after scoring in Isthmian Premier defeat at Lewes and starting in win over Brightlingsea Regent

Robbie Dolan is making his mark at Folkestone.

Utility player Dolan, younger brother of midfielder Ronnie Dolan, signed for Isthmian Premier Invicta in the summer from Kennington.

Folkestone's Robbie Dolan in action. Picture: Randolph File
Folkestone's Robbie Dolan in action. Picture: Randolph File

The 25-year-old has forced his way into Folkestone’s starting line-up, scoring last Tuesday at Lewes in a 3-2 loss before he started their 3-1 home success on Saturday against struggling Brightlingsea Regent as they played at home in the league for the first time since September 24.

Invicta joint-head coach Roland Edge said: “Robbie is going from strength to strength.

“When we got him in, we knew there was something about him. We are really pleased with his progress.

“He is what every manager wants. He’s versatile, athletic and a good listener. If you asked him to play right-back, left-back, centre midfield, he would not hesitate. But at the minute, he’s doing ever so well at right-back.

“When Cugs [former boss Neil Cugley] got him in, a lot of people recommended him. I did think, if they all like him and rate him, how come they didn’t give him a go?!

Folkestone's Kadell Daniel battles for the ball in their 3-1 weekend win over Brightlingsea. Picture: Randolph File
Folkestone's Kadell Daniel battles for the ball in their 3-1 weekend win over Brightlingsea. Picture: Randolph File

“But he’s doing well and I think he’s looking forward to the challenge at this level.”

Goals from defender Nathan Green, along with an Ade Yusuff brace, saw Invicta bounce back in style after their loss, all-time record scorer Ian Draycott was also on target at Lewes.

“We had a tough loss at Lewes,” Edge reflected. “We were outstanding at times, created loads of opportunities and didn’t take them. Then they had three chances - and scored all three!

“Then on Saturday, we didn’t turn up for 45 minutes but, luckily for us, we did in the second half and got the three points.

“We may have lost at Lewes but we have to stick to those performance levels. If you play like that, you win more than you lose.

“In the last 20-odd minutes of Saturday’s game, we got our reward.”

Folkestone's Ian Draycott closes in on a Brightlingsea player. Picture: Randolph File
Folkestone's Ian Draycott closes in on a Brightlingsea player. Picture: Randolph File

Yusuff’s latest two strikes now mean he’s on 15 for the campaign overall and Edge thinks their frontline are beginning to gel a bit more.

He said: “Most managers will say it, when you bring a lot of new faces in, it takes time to blend sometimes.

“The likes of Ibs [Ibrahim Olutade] and Kadell [Daniel] are getting to the byline and - not hanging up crosses - but drilling it across. That’s what Ade likes.

“You just need to learn each others’ styles, they are doing that now.”

There’s another busy spell now coming up for Folkestone who tonight host Aveley. They then visit Beaconsfield Town this Saturday in the Second Round of the FA Trophy and travel to Margate on Tuesday in the Velocity Cup.

Two-goal hitman Ade Yusuff on the attack. Picture: Randolph File
Two-goal hitman Ade Yusuff on the attack. Picture: Randolph File

“It’s the same for everyone,” said Edge.

“We just have got to get on with it.”

Invicta named long-serving right-back Josh Vincent, fellow defender Callum Davies and midfielder Scott Heard on the bench for their victory over Brightlingsea but Edge hopes all three - who have been struggling with knocks - are not far away from competing for starting spots once more.

He said: “JV has been on the bench, he’s still not 100 per cent. Heardy is similar.

“It’s interesting how good their maths is when you ask how fit they are! But Heardy had played about 1,000 games before he was 14 or something so he’ll know his body. Callum is getting fitter, he’s a bit unlucky not to be involved.

“But JV is back in contention, as is Callum and I dare say Heardy will be as well.”

The winner of Folkestone’s FA Trophy tie will pocket £3,750.

Folkestone under-19s have been drawn away in the Second Round of the Kent Intermediate Cup away to K Sports Reserves.

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