Report by Richard Styles.

The start of a new term and straight back to action this week for our academy players, starting with a tough away trip to Dover Athletic. This game is seen as a “derby” in senior football terms and today we faced them on a tough, narrow pitch that is far from the luxury we have at home.

The game started with Folkestone kicking with the wind and the first half hour was pretty even. Dover were trying to create chances and get crosses in that were pretty comfortable to deal with by Folkestone’s defence. We created some good chances through Matteo Dukan who was looking very dangerous, as well as shots from Harry Linford, Oscar and Teddy Weight.

Just after the 30 min mark, Folkestone gave away possession in the middle of the park and Dover went through on goal and was brought down in the box by goalkeeper Harris Dove. Dover subsequently scored the penalty to go 1-0 up.

The reaction from Folkestone was brilliant, straight onto the ball trying to get back in the game. The equaliser came two minutes later by Harvey Caldwell with a corner “from the training ground”. George Clark whipped in a great cross that went all the way to the back post for Harvey to attack and head into the goal.

Folkestone soon went ahead and were flowing freely in possession now. Teddy Weight released the dangerous Matteo Dukan down the right wing who got to the byline and delivered a perfect ball across the face of goal for the on rushing Harry Linford to tap home, continuing his fine goalscoring form this season to put us ahead.

On the stroke of half time Folkestone made it three. A great dribble and defence-splitting pass from George Clark found Oscar Weight perfectly into his stride as he glided through the Dover defence, rounded the goalkeeper and passed it into the net.

The second half was always going to be tough as we knew Dover would come out and try to get back in the game, alongside this the wind had got stronger which we were now kicking against.

Harvey Smith, Harry Uttley, Harvey Caldwell and Joey Sadrien were defending like troopers in the back four, limiting Dover to lot of endless attacks without creating anything.

On 60 minutes Dover had an attacking throw that worked into the box, for their lively striker to turn and strike into the net to cut the deficit. 

On 75 minutes, after a number of corners, Dover whipped a ball to our near post that was headed into the net as an own goal, levelling the score at 3-3.

As the game wore on, we were continuously battling a physical Dover team for everything and limiting them to any chances, whilst we were looking dangerous on the counter attack.

Jude Kent came on and came close instantly with a shot that was well saved by the Dover GK.

With the game heading towards a penalty shootout, Jude Kent won a corner. The ball was delivered in perfectly to be attacked and after a few players went for it, Harry Uttley got on the end of it to score and further show his leadership and captain qualities in this team to make it 4-3 to Invicta.

The final whistle went and the game ended 3-4 to Folkestone which puts us into the next round.

A massive result which the team showed tremendous character throughout to overcome challenges to win the game.

Today we saw National League debuts for Bobbie Huggett & Freddie Laws who both deserved the opportunity after recent training and match performances.

It was a team performance today, with some senior players missing, but special shout out to Callum Strain who was relentless in midfield winning duels and starting attacks. Harry Uttley and Harvey Caldwell battled and fought off the Dover attack time and time again. Harry Linford was having a tussle with the Dover defence all game, whilst Oscar Weight was a handful throughout with his direct running.

A great result and one we can build on ahead of the next few weeks.