Folkestone Invicta secured a first win of pre-season 2023 with a 2-1 win over visitors Brightlingsea Regent from the Isthmian North Division.

Invicta made 3 changes from the side that started against Tonbridge Angels a week earlier, with Trialist replacing Jake Goodman in defence and new signings Andre Coker & David Smith coming in for Andy Drury & Fin Dent. Ibrahim Olutade & Jordan Ababio rejoined the squad having missed the opening fixture while defender Callum Davies went through a light warmup as he continues his recovery from an operation.

Invicta started the first half the stronger of the two sides but it will have been Regent who went in feeling they should have lead at the break, after failing to take a couple of good chances including a good save from Invicta keeper Joe Coleman.

With Mev & Edgy making five half time changes it took Invicta less than two minutes to open the scoring at the start of the second half. Scott Head fed a through ball to substitute Andy Drury who finished into the top corner to give us our first goal of the summer.

Invicta were not too happy when Brightlingsea snatched an equaliser as a shot that looked to be curling wide of Coleman’s post was turned home but a player who appeared to be in an offside position but the goal stood.

The scores were only level for a few minutes however as a goal straight from the Academy settled the night, with midfielder Jake Dancer feeding forward Fin Dent who controlled well just outside the area before lashing into the bottom corner with his right foot, a goal his father (former Folkestone Invicta forward Nick Dent) would have been proud of.

Our next fixture comes on Saturday as we head to the Crabble to face local rivals Dover Athletic (kick off 3pm).