For the second time this month we went to a shootout to decide a cup tie, but this time Invicta prevailed to progress to the last 16 of the Velocity Cup.

Invicta made changes from Saturday’s league win over Cheshunt with Luke Watkins pulling on his gloves to make his first appearance for the 1st team. Will Moses came into the centre of defence alongside Callum Davies, with Elliott Moore continuing at right back while Freddy Barton came in at left back, allowing Kane Penn to move into midfield. Chris Regis and Scott Heard both kept their places in the middle with Ade Cole dropping to the bench while in the front 3 David Smith and Jordon Ababio returned to the side alongside Ibrahim Olutade, with Ira Jackson and Luke Holness dropping out.

After a goalless first half Herne Bay struck just after the restart as an error from Watkins allowed Archie Burnett to score from distance.

Invicta sent on Cole, Jackson and Holness in search of an equaliser that came in the 85th minute as Holness rifled home from 25 yards to take the tie to penalties.

Herne Bay took first with Watkins diving well to his left to make the save from Harrison Pont’s kick, with David Smith scoring to give Invicta an early lead.

Herne Bay levelled before Ira Jackson Jr scored his kick to leave Invicta leading 2-1.

Invicta looked well in control when Watkins made a second save to deny Frankie Smith, but Herne Bay keeper Harry Brooks when made a stop of his own to deny Holness and keep Invicta’s advantage at 1.

Theo Osinfolarin sent Watkins the wrong way to level before Ade Cole restored Invicta’s advantage, with a moment of confusing ensuing as the officials appeared to think that the shootout was now done.

It didn’t take long for to shootout to come to an actual conclusion however as Herne Bay’s 5th penalty was sent wide of the top corner, leaving Invicta with a 3-2 win and a place in the next round.