Invicta were forced to settle for a point against Potters Bar Town on Saturday afternoon, Jack Jebb’s 3rd goal in 5 appearances quickly cancelled out but a deflected free kick midway through the first half.

Manager Andy Drury made 4 changes to the side that started the defeat to Cray Wanderers a week earlier. Miquel Scarlett came into the defence to make his first start since signing from Chatham Town, replacing Marvel Ekpiteta with Gavin Hoyte moving into a central position. Amadou Kassaraté came into the midfield with Dean Rance missing out, while Ade Yusuff and Evans Kouassi returned to the front line in place of Dan Smith and Matthias Fanimo.

A defensive error allowed the visitors the first effort of the afternoon, Brandon Adams forcing Jonny Henly into a simple save from over 40 yards as he tried to catch out the Invicta keeper after being gifted the ball. Invicta however made most of the early running, Joe Turner with a low cross to the back post that Ade Yusuff turned just wide before Jack Jebb fired a 22-yard volley inches over the crossbar a minute later.

Invicta had built up a head of steam and Jebb’s goal of the season attempt warmed him up to fire home the opening goal just seconds later. After collecting the ball from Kouassi, the midfielder saw a first shot blocked by Ricky Hayles before drilling the ball through the legs of the defender and beyond the visiting goalkeeper.

Invicta’s head of steam wasn’t to last and they were punished almost immediately. Potters Bar awarded a free kick 25 yards from goal, left back Joe Payne’s delivery looked comfortable for Henly before a defensive head diverted it beyond the Invicta no. 1 to level the score.

Invicta picked themselves up from the setback, Turner continued to threaten on the left with a cross that Allen came close to turning home at the near post. Nathan Green wowed the crowd with a piece of skill before setting up Yusuff to force a low save and a Kassaraté header had to be cleared to prevent Ian Gayle turning it home from close range before the sides went in level at the break.

Kouassi created the first opening of the second half after picking up the ball in the middle of the pitch and driving at the Potters Bar defence, giving the ball to Turner and getting it back via a series of ricochets but as the winger shaped to strike the ball the bounce in a difficult penalty area forced him to adjust before firing just wide under pressure.

Invicta saw 2 penalty appeals rejected in the space of 2 minutes, must to the annoyance of a packed open terrace behind the goal. Firstly Potters Bar substitute Dylan Adjei-Hersey went to ground while attempting to shield the ball out of play and appeared the handle it on the floor, Invicta awarded only a corner. Moments later Kassaraté burst into the penalty area after a 1-2 with Dan Smith, Reece Beckles-Richards dragging down the Invicta man before he could either shoot or square it back to Smith.

As the half began, it would finish. In injury time Dan Smith looked to have found space in the box to collect a pass from Jebb but struggled to control it on the surface. Smith then set up Frankie Moran, sent on in an attacking role, who saw an effort blocked from a tight angle. The resulting corner was cleared and met by the final whistle.

Winger Evans Kouassi was selected as Man of the Match by our sponsors Beresfords Accountants. As matchday sponsors, Beresfords enjoyed the match in our newly refurbished Cugley’s Lounge. We wish to thank Beresfords for their support of the club, which includes sponsoring the Wilf Armoury building.

Invicta look ahead to 5 more games before the end of March, starting with Saturday’s trip to Bognor Regis Town. We return to the Alcaline Stadium on Tuesday 11th March when we host Chichester City, quickly followed by the visit of Whitehawk on Saturday 15th. Tickets for both games are on sale now.