Report by Richard Styles.

An entertaining game and positive result today for Folkestone Invicta Academy’s National League squad who secured a place in the next round of the National League Cup.

After a 7-0 drubbing earlier in the season, Folkestone were determined to overturn that previous result and make a better show.

The game started very even for both teams, with Eastbourne having the better of the early chances in the first 20 mins, looking sharp trying to get in behind the Folkestone defensive line. Harris Dove was called upon a few times stop the shots and a few one to ones where he made himself very big to stop a certain goal.

Folkestone had a game plan and played their way into the game, causing problems in wide areas and looking dangerous from runners from midfield. 

Folkestone went 1-0 up after a break down the right hand side was crossed into the box, Eastbourne’s goalkeepr was out of the goal and the cross bypassed him, A shot was blocked on the line before Teddy Weight scored the rebound. 

There were chances later in the half for Harry Uttley and Oscar Weight.

The second half started very positively from kick off for Folkestone with Harry Linford winning the ball high up the pitch before running at the Eastbourne back line.

Folkestone started the second half much better and were knocking on the door, Harry Linford then received the ball on the edge of the box before sweeping it home across goal to make it 2-0 and continue his fine run of form in the National League and scoring whilst having an injury that he was forced to be replaced with.

This soon was 3-0, after a break up of play and Folkestone winning possession back, we broke quickly, moving the ball from one side to another before Liam Moothoosawmy broke into the box, cutting inside and bending the ball into the net. 

As the half settled down, Eastbourne had to try and make an impact, they were throwing bodies forward to try and get back into the game. They did so around 70 mins with a goal after a dangerous cross into the box.

With 15 minutes remaining Louis Brookes-Read was dismissed for a second bookable offence, meaning Folkestone had to play the remainder of the game with 10 men.

Changes were made and a few knocks to Harry Linford and Harrison Miller meant it would be a collective team effort to remain ahead.

After a break in play due to an opposition injury, with 5 minutes left Eastbourne scored to make it an interesting end of the game.

The game ended 3-2 , with Folkestone holding on eventually in a game that was very comfortable for periods but secured the first National League win since returning to The Alcaline stadium.

Eastbourne could not handle the Folkestone press and dogged running in midfield, not allowing the opposition to have time on the ball.

Notable mentions to George Clark and Harry Burchett who performed excellently today throughout.