Folkestone Invicta returned to winning ways as an Ade Yusuff hat-trick and a strike from Dean Rance secured all 3 points against 10-man Canvey Island.

Invicta lined up with 3 changes from our defeat to Cheshunt 11 days ago. With Joe Tyrie injured and loaned Sam Smith returning to Maidstone United, Marvel Ekpiteta and Frankie Morgan came into the defence. Andy Drury reshuffled his attack as new signing midfielder Luke Allen replaced winger Joe Turner.

After an opening half hour that saw chances limited for both sides, Ade Yusuff gave Invicta the lead when a mistake from goalkeeper Bobby Mason, who kicked his clearance against the forward, allowed Dan Smith to find Yusuff who saw a first effort saved but not a 2nd.

Invicta doubled the lead in 1st half stoppage time, Mason unable to claim a corner from Jebb, allowing Yusuff to fire home from close range.

Canvey’s Tobi Tinubu picked up 2 bookings in the opening 13 minutes of the second half the see the visitors reduced to 10 men.

Invicta looked to have sealed the points just after the hour mark, Invicta managing to maintain pressure on Canvey after a corner was cleared, Amadou Kassaraté laying the ball to Dean Rance on the edge of the box to lash an effort inside the post.

The visitors struck back soon after, an effort from a tight angle parried by Jonny Henly before bouncing into the net off Ian Gayle.

But Invicta weren’t done, Evans Kouassi dazzled his fullback to deliver a cross from the right that found Yusuff free to head home, completing a perfect hat-trick. Ade took the matchball home twice in his second spell at the club, from wins away to Ashford Town (Middlesex) and Corinthian-Casuals but this was his first at Cheriton Road.

The home crowd, thoroughly enjoying the afternoon’s entertainment, were given more to cheer as Nathan Green entered the field in place of Frankie Morgan, his first appearance since returning ti the club. An even louder reception was given to Yusuff as he exited the pitch a couple of minutes later.

Canvey weren’t finished however, a ball over the Invicta defence smashed home from a tight angle by Emmanuel Adebiyi with little over 10 minutes remaining.

Invicta will feel the scoreline should have been increased, Dan Smith in particular seeing 2 great chances denied in the closing stages.

3 points proved vital for Invicta on a day when 9 of the top 11 sides in the Isthmian Premier Division won.

Unsurprisingly, Ade Yusuff was awarded Man of the Match and a little of Prosecco to go with his matchball.

Next up for Invicta, we host in-form Horsham next Saturday.