After last weekend’s postponed trip to Dulwich Hamlet, Invicta return to action with the first of back-to-back home fixtures as we welcome Canvey Island to the Alcaline Stadium.

It kicks off a busy weekend at the Alcaline Stadium, with our U18 side hosting New Ash Green Juniors (10:30am) on Sunday before Folkestone Invicta Women host Hollands & Blair Reserves in the SECWFL Kent Divisional Cup (2pm).

Team News

Defender Sam Smith has returned to Maidstone United following the end of his month-long loan spell. We thank Sam for his efforts during his time with the club. Fellow defender Joe Tyrie is set for an extended period on the sidelines after coming off injured last week against Cheshunt.

From The Manager

Andy Drury spoke to our Head of Media ahead of Saturday’s match: “With Saturday being off we’ve had 4 training sessions since Cheshunt and, to be fair to the players, they’ve been very good sessions. The boys are wounded from the defeat, from the performance, they’re hurt and determined to go out Saturday and prove a point, to put the record straight in front of our fans.

We want to put things right and to repay the fans for their support and the only way to do that is with performances and results on the pitch. We’ve got 17 games left of the season to go and get ourselves where we want to be.”

The Opposition

With 28 points from 23 games this season, Canvey Island come into Saturday’s fixture 16th in the Isthmian Premier Division, 4 points clear of the bottom 4 and with at least a game in hand on those around them. Having been rock bottom and pointless at the end of August, an upturn in form saw Canvey knocking on the door of the playoffs by the end of November but recent results have seen them slide back down the table. Just 3 points in 6 games leave The Islanders 20th in the form guide, although postponements over the New Year period have prevented opportunities to get points on the board. Wins over Dagenham & Redbridge and Brightlingsea Regent in the Essex Senior Cup either side of Christmas have provided something to cheer away from their league form and given Brad Wellman’s side a semi-final with Chelmsford City to look forward to.

Last 6

18/12 – Dagenham & Redbridge (H) – Won 3-0 (Essex Senior Cup)
21/12 – Horsham (H) – Lost 1-0
26/12 – Billericay Town (A) – Lost 3-0
28/12 – Dratford (H) – Lost 1-0
07/01 – Potters Bar Town (H) – Lost 2-1
14/01 – Brightlingsea Regent (A) – Drew 1-1 (3-1 on pens) (Essex Senior Cup)

Recent Meetings

The sides have met on 5 occasions since Canvey Island’s return to the Isthmian Premier Division in 2022, with the Essex side leading the head-to-head with 3 wins to Invicta’s 2. Invicta have taken the points in the last 2 meetings between the sides, winning both games 1-0 thanks to headers; Tom Derry back in March at the Alcaline Stadium and a Bradley Sach own goal when the sides met earlier this season.

Highlights from both Invicta wins are available on Invicta TV

Last 6

18/02/17 – Canvey Island 1-3 Invicta
03/12/22 – Canvey Island 3-0 Invicta
15/04/23 – Invicta 1-3 Canvey Island
23/01/24 – Canvey Island 2-1 Invicta
16/03/24 – Invicta 1-0 Canvey Island
19/10/24 – Canvey Island 0-1 Invicta

The Manager

After 16 years of coaching in the USA, Brad Wellman joined Canvey Island in 2013 before stepping up to assistant manager in 2017 and eventually taking charge in 2021 after the departure of Mark Bentley to Southend United. Wellman lead Canvey to a 2nd place finish in the Isthmian North Division before winning the playoffs with a penalty shootout win over Brentwood Town.

Key Man

Bradley Sach found the net 5 times in 4 meetings between the sides over the previous 2 seasons. After initially moving the Chatham Town in the summer, Sach returned to Essex in October. After his own goal gave Invicta all 3 points back in October, Sach will be looking to set things right with another strike on Saturday.

Admission

Supporters can pay on the gate for this fixture or purchase online in advance from our online ticket shop.

• Adults (18-59): £12
• Concession (60+, student, disabled, Blue Lights Card): £9
• Young Adult (13-17): £6
• Child (under 13): FREE

How To Follow

If you can make it to the match you can follow the action via our X (formerly Twitter) account. Alternatively, live score updates are available on Football Webpages.

Food & Drink

The Dugout Sports Bar will be open from 11:30am, with the Dugout Kitchen open for food. The Dugout accepts both cash & card.

Food and refreshments will also be available from the truck inside the stadium, located between The Dugout and the Folkestone Bowls Club building.

We have four fanzone bars around the ground serving draught beer, Guinness, water and soft drinks. 2 bars are adjacent to The Dugout, one beside the tea hut window and one beside the disability shelter. These bars are CARD ONLY.

The Dugout Sports Bar

The Dugout Sports Bar will be open from 11:30pm showing all of the days live sport, including:

• 12:30pm – Newcastle United v Bournemouth
• 12:30pm – EFL Football
• 5:30pm – Arsenal v Aston Villa