Neil Cugley has praised the patience of his fringe first team squad men as Folkestone continue to hold their place close to the top of the Bostik Premier Division.

Midfelders Ronnie Dolan, Jordan Wright, defender Ryan Cooper and striker Joe Taylor have all spent more time on the bench than on the pitch this season, but the manager says their attitude has been exemplary.

Cooper and Wright were both unused subs at Lowestoft on Tuesday, despite the limited numbers Invicta had available because of work commitments for Dolan and Nat Blanks.

Cugs admitted: “We had a good first half but decided we’d try to hold on to that, although it’s not our usual way of doing things.

“It wasn’t as if we didn’t make a couple more chances but we were more than happy with 2-0 at the end.”

Playing on a dual registration for Whitstable last weekend Dolan reportedly did well, but will be back with Invicta this Saturday as cover for Micheal Everitt.

“Ronnie earned them (Whitstable) the penalty that gave them their second goal and played well, by all accounts but we need him as Mev’s suffering with his hamstrings again and may not get through 90 minutes. Ronnie will definitely play some part in the game.

“Joe did well for us too on Tuesday and it was great for him to get a goal. We’ve not decided on the starting 11 for Saturday, but he too is very much in the reckoning.

“We’ve had a good long chat with Jordan however as we’ve only got four games in the next 28 days and he needs to get more match time, which he’s not getting with us at the moment.”

The continued fine form of midfielders Scott Heard and Sam Hasler has limited the popular Wright’s chances and a loan spell or dual registration arrangement would ease that problem.

The 22-year-old wingback/midfielder has started 13 games for Folkestone this season and been on the bench 15 times, scoring one goal in the 3-0 league cup win at VCD Athletic in September.