- Folkestone Invicta's pre-season form has been mixed, but Jay Saunders' squad were well-drilled in their Isthmian Premier title win.
- Walton & Hersham have come into the match in better rhythm, scoring six against Bracknell Town and following up with good wins over Oxford City and a draw with Sutton United.
- This fixture has only been played once before, but the 6-0 win for Folkestone on 25 March 2016 will live long in the memory of the Walton side.
Lively contest likely in season opener
Folkestone Invicta FC host Walton & Hersham in their opening fixture of the National League South 2026-2027 season at Fullicks Stadium, England, with both clubs starting on 0 points and looking for an early statement.
The bookies have the hosts as slight favourites at 9/10 to make a winning start, but the visitors look better value at 23/10, while the 11/4 about the draw looks tempting to boot. However, our preferred angle will be over 2.5 goals at 31/50, which is the price available for this match, while Both Teams To Score at 11/20 looks like a good secondary play.
Folkestone's pre-season results have been mixed, with wins over AFC Croydon Athletic (5-1) and Charlton Athletic XI (2-1) interspersed by defeats to Aveley (3-2), Cray Wanderers (2-1) and Sholing (1-0) that showed up some defensive frailties. However, there was plenty of joy in attack with Joe Pigott, Alejandro Machado and Aaron Cosgrave on the scoresheet and Saunders' men will be looking to make a statement.
Machado was the standout performer in the 5-1 win over Croydon with a brace and his pace and trickery could be a problem for the visitors on Saturday, while Pigott brings a senior-level edge up top and his three pre-season goals suggest he's ready to lead the line again. Saunders plays with a back three and two strikers, while the wing-backs provide the width and Folkestone should be able to mix it up and get the ball into the box quickly.
Visitors have momentum and a dangerous frontman
Walton arrive in much better rhythm after hitting six past Bracknell Town in their final warm-up match, following up with wins over Oxford City and a draw with National League side Sutton United. Kevin James has installed a more attractive, possession-first system. James will have his team looking to dominate the ball and press smartly after losing it, which should drag this fixture into a midfield chess match. Jack Wood, Johl Powell and Mason Obeng provide width and movement on either flank, while Dawid Rogalski is the club's proven finisher and the best outlet in the final third. The head-to-head record is very small and both teams have had major changes in the past few years, but Folkestone's 6-0 win over Walton on 25 March 2016 will be the fixture that looms largest. We think a home advantage is the most likely outcome, but Walton's momentum will ensure it's a tight, scrappy affair with goals likely - so 1-1 or 2-1 are the most natural scorelines.
