A freak own goal saw Invicta fall to defeat on the opening night of pre-season at a sodden Alcaline Stadium.

Invicta kicked off against National South side Tonbridge Angels with a team that included all 4 summer additions, with Jack Goodman lining up alongside Ian Gayle at the heart of the defence that included trialists at fullbacks, while Kane Penn, Ade Cole & Andy Drury joined Scott Heard in a 4-man midfield. Youngster Fin Dent lead the line alongside Ira Jackson Jr, with Joe Coleman between the posts at the other end.

Invicta made four changes at half time and a further three later in the second half, with three more trialists and four academy scholars (Brad Walledge, Lenny Atherton, Aiden Cassidy & Jake Dancer) also getting a run out.

Invicta will feel they had the better of the first half while the visitors had the better of the second period, winning the match with a freak own goal after an attempted overhead kick came off the head on an Invicta defender and looped inside Joe Coleman’s post. The visitors missed a penalty shortly afterwards, with the effort coming back off the bar.

Pre-season preparations continue next Tuesday as we host Isthmian North Division side Brightlingsea Regent at the Alcaline Stadium.