On Wednesday, Folkestone Invicta made the long and tough journey to Enfield to play in the National Cup in the Round of 32.

After arriving at tough facilities, the game started difficultly for our team. After an early chance for Jude Kent, Enfield seemed to settle and have more of the ball during the first 30 minutes. Chances were few and far between but Enfield were looking dangerous down both wings and trying to put crosses in.

After 15 minutes Enfield opened the scoring, with a break down our right-hand side. A ball was crossed into the box and Enfield scored a tap in at the back post. 5 minutes later Enfield came very close once again hitting the bar from a shot inside the box.

After 30 minutes, some good play from Teddy Weight, into Harry Linford who played the ball out on the left to Oscar Weight who ran into the box, around 2 players before finishing a low shot into the bottom corner.

This seemed to spark Folkestone into raising their levels, finishing the half the stronger of the 2 teams. Harry Burchett had a shot that seemed destined for the top corner that unfortunately hit his own player on its way to the goal.

The second seemed a challenging task with Invicta now playing up the hill, against the wind and with the sun shining into Harris’ eyes, as both teams battled to get themselves into the next round.

The levels from the Invicta players were a lot higher in the second half, the defensive shape was more solid, as was the work rate. In possession there were some nice passages of play throughout the half mainly orchestrated by Teddy and Oscar Weight who were constant threats and looking to make things happen.

Harry Uttley and Harry Burchett constantly battled and ran in the midfield to close and win back possession, whilst the back 4 were solid and kept Enfield’s attackers at bay and unable to create any chances.

Invicta created a couple of chances, Teddy Weight delivered a fantastic cross which nobody got on the end of, there was also a couple of chances for Harry Linford who was a handful at centre forward.

With the minutes ticking and penalties looking likely, Invicta won a free kick on their left-hand side outside of the box near the corner. Teddy Weight stepped up and delivered a fantastic, whipped ball that took a deflection and found its way into the net – cue absolute scenes from the Invicta players and staff!

With 4 minutes remaining Invicta stood firm to shut out Enfield’s attack to try and equalise.

With Folkestone Invicta getting into the last 16 of the national competition and making history in reaching this round – the furthest since the academy started.