Ex-Worthing striker Ben Pope’s well taken goal six minutes into the second half gave Burgess Hill victory in their First Qualifying Round Emirates FA Cup tie at the Green Elephants Stadium on Saturday.

And Folkestone boss Neil Cugley was not a happy man as his side failed to act on instructions to keep the ball on the ground, playing right into the hands of the big Hillians’ defenders led by former Worthing player-manager Gary Elphick.

But it was Invicta who started the better as they played the ball around with Johan Ter Horst and Alfie Paxman both forcing fine saves out of the once again impressive Josh James in the home goal.

James was a key figure as Ian Chapman’s side climbed the non-league Pyramid but they have found life difficult at Bostik Premier Division level so far this season as they did last time around.

Folkestone badly missed suspended striker Ade Yusuff and playmaker Sam Hasle – either of whose presence could have made a big difference.

And boss Cugley, who believes in using the first 10-12 games of a season to weigh up where he seriously needs to strengthen his squad must have been alarmed at the lack of creation in the middle of the park which resulted in far too many long balls from the back.

Folkestone play these same opponents this coming weekend in the league and surely will need to play very differently – and better in certain areas – if they want to avoid an embarrassing home defeat against a team without a win and currently bottom of the league.

Invicta: Roberts; Aboagye (Starkey), Blanks, Vincent, Davies, Evans, Paxman (Draycott), Dolan, Ter Horst, Rowland, McCann

Subs: Newman, Everitt, Coleman

Attendance: 337

Referee: Charlie Bennett