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Invicta 2 Oxted 0

Oxted 3 Invicta 0

With a record of 14 victories, three draws and only one defeat making a total of 31 points and scoring 70 League goals in the process, in any other season Invicta would currently be crowned League Champions.

At the time of writing however, we are one of three excellent teams who could end the season with a similar total of points. If results go as expected, only Edenbridge beating Oxted in the final game of the season will deny us the runner-up spot that performances this season at least deserve.

Having been beaten by Oxted in an earlier cup game there was a real pre-match confident attitude amongst the whole squad that it wasn’t going to happen again. And so it proved.

The first game of the double headed fixture was the best performance I have seen this season by any side in our age group. The commitment, energy, quality of our passing and finishing was breathtaking.

The first goal was an excellent example of these attributes. A well worked passing move between Freddie and Jack lead to Freddie playing the ball to the back post where it was tucked away by Brad who showed determination in getting to the ball ahead of the defender and advancing keeper.

The whole team were oozing confidence by now and Oxted were staring defeat in the league for the first time this season and had no answer to the Invicta dominance.

Playing three at the back for the first time this season, Jamie, Paul and Ben dealt with everything that was thrown at them and showed some excellent defensive covering and really worked hard for each other.

The second goal came from the boot of Freddie. Shooting from well outside the box a perfectly flighted shot found the back of the net with the keeper not getting close.

At the sound of the final whistle, the cheers from the by now, very wet but still very vocal supporters were almost as loud as the sound of “ so does that mean we are at least second and if we win this next game are we Champions, yes but if …………..“

For the second game of the day there were a couple of enforced changes due to injury and with Oxted getting some luck with their finishing, there was to be no repeat of the previous game. Heads remained high and everyone battled to the end. Well done.

A mornings work that all the team and supporters should be proud of. Thankyou everyone for your commitment throughout the season. We now have a couple of weeks off to catch our collective breaths.

See you all, parents, supporters and players, at the Presentation Day so that we can all celebrate in style.

Invicta 6

Keston 0

Top versus bottom but Invicta took nothing for granted and took the points with a dazzling display of incisive passing and excellent finishing.

The game was notable for Jack Harris grabbing his 50^th of the season in all competitions, as he grabbed five in this game.

The first half saw only one Invicta goal as the opposition competed for everything and showed they are much improved. It was a strong left foot finish by Jack that broke the deadlock on ten minutes.

Ten minutes again, this time in the second half saw Jack run from his own half with real determination and finish from a narrow angle giving the keeper no chance. The hat trick was soon completed midway through the half. Freddie Greehy, Mr Consistent all season, capped another excellent performance with a driving run and finish to make it four shortly after.

Two more form Jack followed, the first from a cleverly worked short corner, the cross being turned in at the back post. The fifth and the goal that brought up the half century was as a result of a perfectly weighted through ball by Paul which was finished with customary composure.

Probably Joseph’s quietest game in goal with the opposition never able to get passed Ben Brown and Jamie and the two Ben’s in the second half.

Notable performances too, from John Winchester and Oli Portch. Both played with confidence and determination and used the ball at every opportunity, well done.

A couple of weeks without a fixture before the double header with Oxted. The determination, strong running and quality finishing shown by you all today will get us the results needed to complete the season in style.

Edenbridge United 0

Invicta 0

With only a handful of games left, two of three undefeated clubs in the Tandridge League faced each other. The winners would surely take a step towards the title.

As expected, the game was of high quality with both teams playing good football despite the gusting wind.

An even game throughout with Eden bridge stretching Invicta a little more as they strove for the winner over the last few minutes but with every player taking responsibility, Invicta never looked in danger of losing the point.

The defensive duo of Paul Ansdell and Ben Booth in the first half and Ben Brown in the second were commanding and assured in front of Joseph Mumford. Although not troubled too many times, when a long range shot looked as if it was heading goal bound aided by a strong gust. Joe kept his eye on it and his strong upward stretch maintained a very important clean sheet.

On a day when there were no goals the two contenders for man of the match were the two forward players, Freddie Greehy and Jack Harris. Jack getting the final decision based on an important saving tackle made with five minutes to go. The commitment of these two players gaining the admiration of the traveling support.

Well done and still all to play for.

ELITE 1

INVICTA 4

The pitch and surrounding facilities at the Kent County Cricket ground, Beckenham were of high standard. However, the blustery wind meant that any meaningful football would have to be played on the ground, something on which Invicta have based their game this season

Starting the game at high tempo, it wasn’t long before a through ball from Man Of The Match Ben Booth, into the path of Jack Harris saw Jack sprint into a one on one situation with the keeper and an impudent chip as the keeper went to ground saw Invicta take a deserved early lead.

The second came after a breathtaking passing move around the edge of the box. I counted eight one touch angled passes to carve out the opening which ended with a drilled ball across the face of the goal by Jack and a calm finish into the open net by Freddie, bring gasps and cheers from the away support.

Invicta continued to play their football on the ground to take the strengthening wind out of the equation and towards the end of the half a wonderful Harris half volley on the turn, from the edge of the box saw a three goal lead at the break.

The second half saw Elite with a little more possession but never really threatening to get back into the game despite pulling a goal back before Ben Brown crashed one in from close range to restore the three goal advantage.

The wind was one of a couple of factors that could have had a bearing on the game but as a team you kept your concentration and came away with credit and the points.

Another quality performance in front of good traveling support, thank you and well done

Invicta 3

Orpington 1

This win takes Invicta back to the top of the Tandridge League and sets the scene for a really exciting last few games of the season.

The first half saw some good Invicta build up play but the final touch was lacking and saw Invicta into the break one down.

No real concern was felt on the sidelines and this confidence in the ability of our boys was transferred to the players who in the second half produced an excellent display of passing football.

Always looking for the striped shirt and some very unselfish play which saw Jack Harris twice setting up Freddie Greehy for a clear chance on goal which saw Freddie twice finishing brilliantly to give Invicta the lead.

Jack himself grabbed the third with a thunderous finish coming down off the cross bar to give a scoreline truly reflective of second half Invicta dominance.

Freddie deserving of Man Of The Match with a great midfield display. Credit also to Jack and Bradley for always being available and terrorising the Orpington defence.

Tonbridge Invicta 0

Oxted 4

Invicta bow out of this years Tandridge League Trophy to an Oxted side who on the day thoroughly deserved their victory.

We have learnt that Oxted are a fluent side who worked hard for each other, are quick to the ball and take their chances. I think we did however make it easier for them than it needed to be.

The first quarter of the game saw the opposition shading possession but not carving out a clear chance. It needed a great individual effort by an Oxted forward to break the deadlock and with Invicta then creating chances of their own but not finding the back of the net it was the opponents who struck again before the break. Invicta going two goals behind for the first time this season.

Heads were still high at this stage and an early goal at the start of the second half would have set the game up nicely. The chances came, with the keeper troubled a couple of times, and the chances went.

It wasn’t to be and it was Oxted who, aided by a penalty or two, doubled the scoreline. The first penalty was well saved by Joseph who showed courage a number of time when faced with 1v1 situations and thoroughly deserved another Man Of The Match award.

It’s important that we keep our heads up and enter the final stages of this enjoyable season.

Westerham 0

Invicta 4

Invicta ensure victory with a pair of braces.

Two goals a piece from Jack Harris and Man Of The Match Freddie Greehy capped a another excellent Invicta team performance.

The first goal came midway through the half when a perfectly weighted Ben Booth through ball sent Jack on his way. With just the keeper to beat he slotted the ball away with great composure. Invicta continued to enjoy the majority of possession against a determined and energetic Westerham side.

The second goal was bagged by Freddie and was arguably the best of the game. The ball played into him from Jack from his right hand side an instinctive half volley from the edge of the box. Just what was needed to send the team into the break in the highest of spirits.

The second half was just as good. The solid and well balanced partnership of Paul Ansdell and Ben Booth at the back, able to deal with anything the opposition could throw at them and a solid foundation on which to build the passing game, fast becoming the trade mark of this young Invicta side.

A goal each in the second half for Freddie and Jack rounded off another enjoyable game and sets us nicely for a Quarter Final game next week against Oxted……………. Bring ‘em on !

Invicta 8

PELO ' B ' 1

Invicta march into the quarter finals of the Trophy with arguably their best display of the season so far. After two relatively flat performances there was a return to the energy and passing game of previous weeks.

The start, delayed by the late arrival and thorough warm up routine of the opposition was eagerly awaited by all players and very vocal touchline support.

From the outset, the signs were good. Eleven minutes into the game, a Ben Brown through ball sent Jamie on his way to open the scoring. The best goal of the game was a solo Harris effort. Beating three on the edge of the box to make the opening, a deft finish over the committed keeper doubled the scoring.

Freddie Greehy typified his spirited performance by sprinting half the length of the pitch to meet a Jack Harris cross on the half volley, his finish just going over the bar.

Importantly just before the break when faced with a one on one situation, Joseph made an instinctive save low down to his left to preserve the two goal advantage and send his team mates into the break in buoyant mood.

The second half started well with Jack intercepting a goal kick and returning the ball with interest, straight into the net.

The free scoring continued with every member of the side playing their part in some excellent unselfish passing moves to carve out the openings. Freddie getting the goal his performance deserved to make it 4.0 and with Bradley adding one and Jack another three to make it eight.

A physical encounter, requiring the ref. to speak with a couple of the opposition A few knocks meant enforced further changes towards the final whistle but the emphatic scoreline a true reflection of the performance and a thoroughly enjoyable game

Man Of The Match – Ben Booth for a performance worthy of his new boots.

Tonbridge Invicta 1

Godstone 1

Invicta maintian their unbeaten Tandridge League record with a point at home, against a much improved Godstone side. Having beaten the opposition convincingly earlier in the season but having noted their steady improvement, the team approached the game with the correct attitude.

Indeed the first ten minutes saw a much busier performance with everyone working hard for each other.

Midway through the half, a cleverly worked corner on the right hand side, saw a whipped in cross being turned into the net by Jamie Wagland.

The equalizer came before the break. Again from a corner, an Invicta clearance falling to the feet of a Godstone player who, with the aid of the strengthening wind scored from long range.

The message at half time was to keep going and the scoring opportunities will come.

The opportunities came…….and went during lengthy periods of Invicta second half dominance.

The opposition’s keeper had a fine game saving his side numerous times. It was the posts and cross bar however, which turned out to be the greatest frustration for Invicta.

Jack Harris in particular, when the game looked more and more as if it was to be decided by a flash of individual skill, showed real determination. Creating chances for himself with clever footwork and strength around the box. On another day his performance would have earned a hat trick. Today, thoroughly deserving of Man Of the Match.

A point keeps us in the race and it’s a break from league action next week when Invicta play host to PELO for a place in the Cup quarter final.

Tonbridge Angels ' B ' 1

Tonbridge Invicta 5

This Tandridge League local derby saw victory going to the away side with the scoreline suggesting a comfortable victory. The reality is somewhat different.

On a muddy pitch and with a strong wind in their favour, Invicta began on their heels and were fortunate to keep their goal intact for the first five minutes, as in a reversal of the earlier fixture between these two sides, it was Angels who were encamped around the Invicta penalty area playing pinball.

For the second league game running we fell behind but were on terms quickly. Jack Harris getting the goal.

With half time beckoning, Invicta were getting into their stride and a long Joseph Mumford clearance bounced only twice before reaching the oppositions penalty area and with Jack putting the defender under pressure, forced an error that allowed him a one on one with the keeper. A cool finish sent his side into the break ahead. 

It was important that we didn't concede early in the second half and allow the spirited Angels back into the game. Whilst the team was now playing better, it was Joseph in goal who saved his team mates on a number of occasions. From range, one v one, up high or down low, Joseph was equal to it. His best performance of the season thus far and thoroughly deserving of Man Of The Match.

Three one up from a Ben Brown strike, running on to a weighted diagonal ball from Jack and victory looked a little more certain.

Jordan Joseph then nearly broke the net from a yard to make it four and then capped a fine display of poaching when the keeper mishandled a long range effort. JJ finding himself the furthest player forward, made no mistake.

It has been said many times, that the sign of a good team is that they still win when not playing too well. 

Is it fair to say that this performance makes us a good team ?

Well done

Tandridge League Trophy 1^st Round

Keston’B’ 1

Invicta 6

Despite convincingly beating this same opposition in a League fixture a few weeks previously Invicta approached this game with the correct attitude. It proved to be the right decision as Keston played with a real determination. 

The first half saw Jordan Joseph and Ben Brown going close on a number of occasions with long range efforts but at half time neither side had managed to find the net. The Invcita net being protected well by Joseph Mumford, particularly early in the game with a save low down to his left.

The second half saw changes in the line up but still with a few players being allowed the opportunity to play in different positions.

Two minutes after the break the deadlock was broken by Man Of The Match Jordan Joseph, finishing from close range. Midway through the half the floodgates opened when Jack Harris struck an unstoppable free kick around the wall after an opponent was adjudged to have handled.

Within a minute Paul Ansdell opened his account for this season when he placed his finish into the net after a Freddie Greehy run and shot which was saved but not held by the keeper.

Another minute and another goal. This time JJ turned provider for Freddie.

Jack Harris then dribbled his way into the box, unselfishly played the ball across to Paul who again finished calmly from close range for his second.

It was five goals in as many minutes when Jack finished strongly for his second of the game after another skilful run into the box.

A consolation goal was given to Keston when Invicta were caught in possession in the defencive third of the pitch when clearing the ball from danger would have been the better option.

All together a very enjoyable game and a good confident performance which sees us safely into the second round

Invicta 6

Seymour Villa 1

Invicta began the New Year as they finished 2003 with another victory to maintain their unbeaten Tandridge League record.

It did look however that the holiday had taken it’s toll when for the first seven minutes Invicta were slower to the ball than their opponents. During this period Seymour took the lead through a long range effort which took an unexpectedly high bounce on the wet pitch and into the net.

A well taken Bradley Deadman from was met on the volley from close range by Ben Brown to level the score after seven minutes and from then on there was no stopping this free scoring Invicta side.

Two minutes later, a carbon copy of the first goal, again Deadman with the corner met cleanly by Brown.

Ben Brown was now enjoying his role in the centre of the park, which allows him to get forward. It was his through ball that provided Jack Harris with the opportunity to calmly finish on eleven minutes. Bradley had a great long range effort but in doing so twisted his knee, forcing him off the pitch but not before making a telling contribution by way of the two assists. Well done Brad.

Ben Brown won this week’s race for the hat trick, when with five minutes to go in the first half he scored his third. Again a volley from a corner, with Harris turning provider.

5-1 at half time against determined opposition was a great performance. Invicta showing quality in all aspects of their play, from a strong, calm defence through to incisive attacking. Everyone looking to pass the ball early and with great movement off the ball it was a joy to watch.

One more goal midway through the second half completed the scoring when John Winchester not giving up on an effort which just went wide and remained in play. Getting to the ball first he sensibly retained the ball then played it into the feet of Jack Harris who did what he does best and slotted the ball home.

Man Of The Match Ben Brown – a great midfield display

Junior Sports 4

Invicta 2

League Shield 1st Rd

Games of this type, against teams from a higher division, are a good way of assessing how much progress has been made as a team and also as individuals.

Despite tasting defeat for the first time this season this was a performance that should give confidence to the whole squad.

Leading until the last ten minutes through goals from Jamie Wagland and Jack Harris, in what was a very even game, Invicta showed touches of quality in all aspects of play earning praise from both sets of supporters.

Well done to everyone, be proud of yourselves. 

Supporter's Man Of The Match - Paul Ansdell for a solid display in defence

Keston 'B' 0

Tonbridge Invicta 8

In the majority of our games this season we have had the luxury of an early goal or two, today was no exception. With only a minute gone, Bradley Deadman, starting the game on the right side, found the back of the net. Despite playing against the slope on a very small pitch, within five minutes Invicta were three up. A brilliant through ball from Ben Brown was finished coolly by Jack Harris for the second with Ben himself grabbing the third, with a long range effort which deceived the oppositions' keeper.

Keston then caught their breath and made it harder for Invicta to make chances. Despite which John Winchester went close a number of times but at half time the score remained at 0.3

More changes were made for the start of the second half and with more planned, each player wanted to make the most of their time on the pitch.  I'm sure this was in Brad's mind as he scored two more within ten minutes to complete an excellent hat trick and confirm the points for Invicta.

Jordan Joseph showed real determination and a great attitude which did much to prevent Keston having meaningful possession in the middle of the pitch. His display was capped with his first goal for the club midway through the half. Well done 'JJ'. 

Paul Ansdell playing on the right side of midfield for the first time showed some intelligent and creative touches and was unlucky not to score with a shot hit first time, on the run. The keeper spreading himself well to prevent a certain goal.

It was Jack Harris who unselfishly turned provider with two minutes left, a perfect ball in to the far post had players queuing up to tuck it away. Freddie Greehy getting the goalward touch. It was Jack himself who with a solo effort who finished the scoring. Getting the ball under control on the edge of the box he lobbed the last defender and slammed the ball through the keeper's legs.

Man Of The Match - Bradley Deadman for a great display of attacking football and quality finishing

Well done everyone a performance that the whole squad should be proud of.

Tonbridge Invicta 1

Edenbridge United 1

 A really hard earned point against a well organized and hungry Edenbridge side. 

When two sides, both undefeated, play each other at this stage of the season it's always going to be a close encounter. This was no exception.

The first half saw Edenbridge have the territorial advantage with Invicta finding it hard to gain meaningful possession in the opposition's half. Despite which we probably had the clearest chances to score and played some good passing football at times.

0-0 at half time and the message was keep your shape and play as you have been doing and the goal will come. So it did. A great move which ended with Jack Harris playing a perfect ball across the face of the goal. With the very good Edenbridge keeper taken out of the equation, Freddie finished clamly from close range.

The equaliser wasn't long in coming and 1-1 was probably a fair result. 

Well done to both teams for a committed display. It is clear from this game that both teams will have a say in where the honours go at the end of the season. 

Man Of The Match - Jamie Wagland for a great all round midfield performance 

Orpington Rovers ' B ' 1

Tonbridge Invicta 5

The adverse weather conditions could have had an effect on the outcome of the game, such was the strength of the wind and relatively boggy conditions. However Invicta got off to the perfect start when, with only a minute on the clock , a Freddie Greehy pass dissected the Orpington defence to find Bradley Deadman in space who finished well. Five minutes later it was Ben Booth from close range grabbed his first of the season after a great passing build up.

Invicta then took control, Ben Brown going close with trademark long range efforts and when Jack Harris rounded the keeper just before the break to make it 0.3 it looked as if Invicta had not only beaten the weather but also their opponents.

A number of changes were made and despite losing a goal early on in the second half, the team always looked in control. Further chances followed. The closest of which was Paul Ansdell ratling the cross bar from the edge of the box but it was Jack Harris who claimed two more to complete the scoring and a well deserved hat trick.

Another good squad performance.

Man Of The Match - Freddie Greehy for a display which summed up his consistency this season

Tonbridge Invicta 3

Westerham 0

Knowing that a win would send Invicta to the top of the league was the only pre match incentive the squad needed. Despite this, or perhaps, because of it, there was a degree of tension in the performance. The first half however saw Invicta create enough chances to go in to the break 2 or 3 up. 

The only goal of the half came from the boot of Jack Harris, when on sixteen minutes he calmly rounded the keeper and slotted the ball home from an acute angle having been sent on his way with a Freddie Greehy through ball.

Westerham we had learnt were a well organised footballing side who were strong at the back.

Birthday Boy, John Winchester thought he had a second reason to celebrate, when a shot from close range appeared to cross the line before being clawed away by the opposition's keeper. The ref however saw it differently and allowed play to continue. It was then another five minutes before Jack grabbed his second of the game in similar fashion to his opener. Then with five to go Jack found the net again to complete his hat trick. A lovely 1-2 with John on the edge of the box was the key to unlocking the defence.

Man Of The Match - Joseph Mumford for another clean sheet. On a number of occasions Jo got down well holding on to the ball when a when lesser handling would surely have resulted in a  goal.

Some excellent passing football again. What can I say, except keep it going and enjoy it.

Just an extra point - Looks like Oxted are taking this all very seriously. On a week where they had no fixture, representatives from the club were sent to watch us in preparation for the top of the table clash in a few weeks !

Godstone 1

Tonbridge Invicta 7

Invicta under tens maintained their 100% start to the season with another good team performance away to Godstone.

Godstone Green was the pleasant venue for our fourth league fixture. The pitch with a distinct slope and a biting wind would certainly have an effect on the game. Winning the toss Paul chose to have both as an advantage in the first half and a good decision it turned out to be.

It was evident from very early on that the opposition were an organised team with skilful players in attack who pushed forward in number. A close game looked on the cards.

In recent games an early goal has settled us down and the passing football then follows. However the clock was showing sixteen minutes before Jack Harris chased a ball into the far right hand corner. He looked up and spotted Jamie Wagland surging forward into the box. The ball was perfectly flighted by Jack for Jamie to meet  cleanly with his head, sending the ball into the roof of the net. For sheer quality, even at this early stage,  a real contender for Goal Of The Season.

That did the trick and three more goals within four minutes followed. The first by Jack himself. A cool finish having been slipped through by Ben Booth. The third, again from jack was a left foot smash after miscontrol by a defender just inside the box.

The goal that Jack scored to complete his first half hat trick showed real tenacity. Out running the covering defender, Jack beat the advancing keeper to the ball and showed real composure to slide it under his body into the corner of the goal. The first half scoring wasn't over and before the break Jamie grabbed his second headed goal of the game. A Ben Brown corner was brilliantly met with power, sending the ball crashing into the net before the keeper could move.

The message at half time was more of the same but make allowances for the slope and gusting wind which would now be against us. Godstone started the second half as they had the first and put Invicta under pressure straight away. However it was eight minutes into the half that they converted the pressure into a goal. We were caught on our heels a bit and didn't clear the ball allowing a snap shot from just inside the box. - 1.5

We kept our shape and defended well in difficult conditions for the next quarter of an hour. It was then that Bradley put through Jack who scored his fourth of the game with a trade mark cool finish.

Soon after which it was Freddie Greehy who completed the scoring with what turned out to be the last attack of the game. A great left foot shot high into the roof of the net, having been given time on the ball by the opposition.

Man Of The Match - Jack Harris. Another classy performance showing great awareness and of course quality finishing. Well done.

Tonbridge Invicta 6

Tonbridge Angels ' B ' 0

PASSING GAME TRIUMPHS IN LOCAL DERBY

Invicta under tens maintained their 100% record with a dazzling display of passing football against Angels.

Yes, it really was as good as the score line suggests.

Knowing that the opposition would be well organised, Invicta started the quicker out of the blocks. Putting good pressure on the opposition in their own half meant that for the first five minutes of the game Invicta were encamped around the Angel's goal area. It was Ben Brown with a trademark surging run forward from the middle of the park who grabbed the first with a great strike. This really set Invicta on the way and within a minute Jack Harris had bagged his seventh League goal of the season after a great passing move.

Angels tried hard to break through the well organised Invicta midfield and defencive duo but never really threatened, with Paul Ansdell and Ben Booth again looking assured and comfortable at the back.

On nine minutes, another sweeping Invicta move found Jamie Wagland in space on the right side of the box. Jamie steadied himself before unleashing a rocket into the roof of the net.

Seven minutes later Jack Harris received the ball just outside the area with his back to the goal. A fabulous turn gave him space away from his marker to slot away his second of the game and put Invicta in a commanding position at half time.

It took only six minutes of the secondhalf for Jack to complete his hat trick. Jack's composure when finishing and his intelligent movement off the ball are great assets to the side. He brings others into the game and allows us to play the passing style that has delighted our support so far this season. Well done Jack.

Jordan Joseph patrolled the middle of the park, pushing forward with the ball, into space when he could and when passing found a team mate at every opportunity. 'JJ' was unlucky not to score himself with one such run. After beating a couple of defenders on the edge of the box his shot was well save by the Angels' keeper.

If anyone deserved to score today it was Freddie Greehy. An excellent understanding with Jack and good early balls into the danger area split the opposition on numerous occasions. In the secondhalf particularly, Freddie created a number chances for himself with clever footwork. Denied on each occasion by strong defending or the oppositions keeper.

John Winchester came on and immediately picked up the pace of the game. It was John who played a weighted ball over the Angels defence for Bradley to run onto and complete the scoring for the home side with 7 minutes to go. Bradley also wins celebration of the day for the slide in front of the supporters. Closely followed by Ben Browns' airplane.

Angels' best two chances to score came in the late stages of the game. A last ditch tackle by Paul preventing a strike on goal and Joseph Mumford spreading himself well to keep his second clean sheet in three games when faced with a one V one situation. I am sure Joe will have busier times in goal this season. He kept his concentration and pulled out the save when needed. Well done Joe.

This game was a joy to watch. As a team we kept our shape and I find it hard to remember many misplaced passes. Man Of The Match was impossible this week, you were all worthy of the award. Well Done !

Sunday 28th September

Tense Tussle Triumph

Seymour Villa ‘A’ 2 

Tonbridge Invicta 3

Invicta continued their unbeaten start to the season with a 2.3 hard fought victory away at Seymour Villa.

Had it not been for a great display from the oppositons goalkeeper the score line may have been more flattering for as a team, we played some good passing football which created many chances.

Despite a quiet start to the game, Invicta were the first to score. We’ve taken an early lead in every game so far. Who else……. But Jack Harris with a neat finish after some good build up play.

It was one-one by half time with a Seymour Villa corner not getting cleared and getting in at the near post.

Bradley Deadman who had a good game on the right, claimed our second. Good pressure by Brad on the defenders in posession earned a goal from close range. A good understanding developed during the game between Jack and Brad, which was the key to unlocking the oppositions defence on many occasion.

Invicta’s scoring was completed by Jack, who having shrugged off the defence, cooly slotted the ball home past the advancing keeper.

A second from Villa meant a nerve jangling last ten minutes but the team held strong despite some tired legs and ran out deserving winners.

Jamie Wagland had a brilliant game. Patrolling the middle of the park, weighing in with some strong challenges and always in support to the front three and almost scoring himself with a couple of first time shots from the edge of the box.

Jordan Joseph put in some strong tackles which did exactly what was needed in breaking up the attacks of the oppostions who for a ten minute period in the secondhalf pushed forward in numbers,

Jack Harris continued his goalscoring exploits with one in each half and showed that he has two good feet with crosses and shots from outside the area, well done Jack.

Ben Brown, Supporters Man Of The Match. He seemed to be everywhere during this game. Starting in defence for Invicta for the first time he intelligently pushed forward when he could but not to the detriment of his defensive responsibilities. Well deserving of the award.

Probably no game next weekend, with the local derby against Angels the following week.

Remember what three wins in a row means !

Sunday 21st September

Elite

Won 6.0

Squad - Paul Ansdell, Ben Booth, Ben Brown, Bradley Deadman, Freddie Greehy, Jack Harris, Joseph Mumford, Jordan Joseph, Oliver Portch, Jamie Wagland, John Winchester 

The sun was shining on Tonbridge Invicta for our first League game of the season.

Within a couple of minutes Jack Harris had opened the scoring with a trademark cool finish after Invicta dominated early possession.

Elite then settled and began to have some meaningful possession themselves although never managing to penetrate so as to cause our defence a problem.

This season we are keeping possession of the ball much better and playing the ball forward earlier when we can. As a result of which Jack claimed his second of the game with only seven minutes on the clock.

Almost immediately from the restart Jamie Wagland picked up the ball on the edge of the box and surged forward before being fouled. Denied a definate goalscoring opportunity. The fact that Jamie stepped up himself to take the resultant penalty epitomises his attitude and all round contribution to the team. Well done.

A hat trick in twelve minutes is good going by anyone's standards but that’s exactly what Jack achieved with another excellent finish. Invicta now seemed to be heading for victory.

The second half began as the first, with Invicta having the majority of posession. Five minutes and Freddie Greehy picked up on a clearance and played a lob which despite the best efforts of the Elite goalie, struck the back of the net.

Understandably, everyone now wanted to score and we began to loose our shape a little. Something we need to be aware of.

Bradley Deadman, pushing forward, took the ball wide right, taking the defence out of the equation and struck a right foot shot across the face of the goal which hit the inside of the far upright but somehow didn’t cross the line. An excellent effort.

Jack, then claimed his fourth of the game after some quick footwork, to make it five. Then with a few minutes remaining Ben Brown collected the ball inside his own half, surged forward before unleashing an unstoppable shot which hit the back of the net before the keeper had seen it.

This season, Man Of The Match is to be decided by the supporters on the touch line. Contenders this week were named as Jack for is outstanding goalscoring, Ben Booth for his all round committed display In a position that I know is not his favourite but which he fulfils for the benefit of the team. Well done Ben. Paul Ansdell for his commanding defensive display and a couple of last ditch recovery tackles to prevent certain goals. Paul getting the overall vote. Well done.

Special mention should also go to Joseph Mumford. His first game in goal for the club and a clean sheet. A couple of reaction saves from close range efforts in the first half being particularly important.

Jordan Joseph battled away in midfield, pressurising the opposition to give them little time on the ball and supporting the forward line to good effect.

John Winchester and Oliver Portch full of energy and tenacity and showed no signs of the heat sapping any of their undoubted energy.

An excellent start to the season. Lets keep it going