10/4/05 - League - Away - Oxted - W 2.6

Invicta ended this seasons campaign in emphatic style and a result which stretes an undefeated run of games dating back to early February.

On a sloping pitch that hadn’t been threatened with a mower for some weeks Invicta attempted to play the passing game that has served them so well this season and it was such football that saw them take the lead after five minutes when Ryan Glew finished a swft passing move. Unfortunately the home side levelled within a couple of minutes when the Invicta defence was caught flat footed by a pacey Oxted run down the right hand side and a cross into the penalty area was tucked away.

Just before the break Jordan Joseph sent the ball forward first time to Brad who played an early ball into Jack Harris to finish comfortably. 1-2 up at the break.

The second half started as the first had finished with Inivcta in the ascendancy but it took eight minutes to increase the lead. The goal came from the boot of Harris who struck a free kick from outside the box and making use of the near full sized goals to give the keeper no chance.

The goal of the game was Freddie’s. A mazey run passing a number of Oxted players around the edge of the box created himself a 1v1 with the keeper which he calmly slotted home. A Short while later, Ryan Glew grabbed his second of the game from 8yds when the ball broke to him after a period of Invicta pressure which prevented the opposition clearing.

A little of ‘ we are 1-5 up in the last game of the season attitude’ resulted in being slow to the ball in midfield and gave Oxted the opportunity to grab their second but before the end of the game, Jack completed his hat trick. Played in to the left edge of the box by a quick Greehy throw, he skipped through two defenders and finished at the near post.

This was another good performance with the midfield and defence working hard and of those not already mentioned, Paul Ansdell and Ben Brown deserving of mentions. Paul for a midfield display which saw him breaking up play and distributing the ball sensibly and Ben for a solid performance in defence, pushing forward skill fully when able.

 3/4/05 - League - Away Edenbridge - D 2.2

report to follow

20/3/05 - League - Home - Stanhope - W 6.1

 A really energetic display saw Invicta win convincingly in their last home fixture of the season. Right from the KO the home side were quicker and hungrier for the game with lots of positive communication between the players on the pitch.

Stanhope defended well but the deadlock was broken after 12 minutes when Freddie Greehy finished from close range after a period of continuous Invicta pressure.  A Jack Harris drive from 25 yards doubled the lead two minutes later and when Harris got his second of the game from close range and Brad Deadman flashed a right foot shot in to the far corner just before half time, the game was over as a contest.

The second half saw a Ryan Glew volley following a great ball in on the run from Brad Deadman. Glew then turned provider for Freddie Greehy to finish strongly across the face of the goal to make it six. A John Winchester finish from close range was disallowed for offside before the visitors grabbed a consolation goal in the dying seconds of the game which Invicta dominated from start to finish. 

A great defensive and combative midfield performance by Invicta. On day when the goal scorers grabbed the headlines, credit should go to whole squad for an extremely effective and enthusiastic performance.

Scorers: Freddie Greehy 2, Jack Harris 2, Brad Deadman, Ryan Glew

Man Of The Match : John Winchester  

13/3/05 - League - Home - Addiscombe Raiders D 0.0

Invicta kept a clean sheet for the second game in a  row, which is pleasing. As a team, we really have learnt to defend in the second half of the season. Having played this opposition the week before and beaten them convincingly, it was important that there was no complacency in the performance. I honestly don't think there was. Everyone worked hard but the cohesiveness wasn't there and the goal didn't materialise.

In the second half a slightly different system of play was introduced with two men up front, not something the team has been used to recently. This seemed to signal a breakdown in positional sense, with which the anxiety grew when the goals didn't come. Addiscombe were visibly boosted by the thought of a point and proved harder to break down as the game went on.

There are no easy games in this division. Three fixtures left, the first of which is our last home game. . . . .lets finish in style !

Man Of The Match : Freddie Greehy

6/3/05 - League - Away - Addiscombe Raiders W 0.6

Invicta got back to league action after a break of four weeks with an excellent away victory. A bitterly cold day and a heavy pitch could not prevent a really good display of passing football.

Early dominance was rewarded with a goal after ten minutes when Ryan Glew was quicker to the ball than the goalkeeper having put through after a good passing move.

Invicta remained in command and with the slope of the pitch in their favour, managed to keep the ball in the oppositions half almost continuously. Again this pressure resulted in a goal and again it was Ryan Glew to slam the ball home from close range.

The third goal and probably the best was finished by Jack Harris after Ryan Glew beat a couple of defenders coming in from the left hand side, played a sensible ball into Brad Deadman who played a perfectly weighted pass back to Jack to thump home from 10 yards.

Three goals up at half time and the message was more of the same.

The fourth goal swiftly followed the restart and came from Brad Deadman who celebrated his birthday with a mazey run through the box and a cool finish. When Freddie Greehy set up Jack Harris with a perfect through ball following some determined play down the left wing, Jack struck the ball perfectly from just inside the box giving the keeper no chance and make it five for Invicta.

Jack then turned provider with a lob and Brad Deadman getting his second of the game from under the cross bar.

Defensively very strong, with Addiscombe managing very few efforts on goal. An excellent all round squad performance with everyone playing their part. Made all the better due to the less than ideal conditions.

We have the same opposition next week. Let’s go into the game with the same attitude showed today, with no complacency.

 Scorers : Ryan Glew 2, Brad Deadman 2, Jack Harris 2

Man Of The Match : Brad Deadman

6/2/05 - League - Home - Moonshot L 1.3

The first half saw Moonshot have the majority of possession and territorial advantage with Invicta finding difficult to gain and then retain possession in all areas of the pitch.

Moonshot were well organised and very mobile both defencively and offensively and definitely not a one man team. Although not having to work too hard for either of their first half goals, were deservedly ahead at half time.

The second half was a much more even affair and when a penalty for handball was awarded and converted, it made for a tense final quarter of the game. Invicta feeling that they may get something from the game and really working hard for the equaliser.

The final result a fair one with the better team taking the points, probably on their way to the title.

Jamie Wagland and Ben Brown in the centre of defence had a great game, full of running and complimenting each other well with their covering.

I was pleased with your energy levels and effort right to the final whistle.

Man Of The Match : Jamie Wagland for a really determined and energetic performance.

Scorer : Jack Harris (pen)

30/1/05 - League - Home - Old Coulsdon Colts L 1.2 

This was a thoroughly enjoyable game played at great tempo, containing much good football which saw the visitors go home with the points.

From the outset both teams were quick to the ball and were looking to use the ball sensibly, with some good passing.

Midway through the half, the deadlock was broken with the first goal of the game going to Cousldon. It came from a free kick played into the box after an injury stoppage. The visitors caught Invicta on their heels and were quicker to the loose ball.

The game continued to be evenly contested at pace in all areas of the pitch, with little in the way of scoring opportunity at either end.

When the whistle blew for half time both sets of supporters greeted the players with applause in recognition for the first half performances.

With about ten minutes to go the scoreline was doubled when Invicta failed to effectively clear a corner, giving the opposition time to get a well struck shot in on goal.

Heads remained high and when Freddie Greehy score what may turn out to be Invicta’s goal of the season the home side gained renewed spirit for the final ten minutes and made for a nail biting finale. The goal was a ‘Rooney’ like finish from wide on the left side of the box at an important time in the match, almost immediately after Coulsdon scored their second.

A couple of squandered, first half chances that were closed down quickly by the well organised Cousldon defence may have been the difference for at least a share of the points. Nevertheless, a performance of which you should all be proud.

Special mentions to ; Back four of Aaron Jervis, Ben Brown, Jamie Wagland and Jordan Joseph, who remained tight throughout the game and kept a clever line, something commented on by the Coulsdon staff, well done. Paul Ansdell who showed a real combative attitude in the holding midfield role epitomising the overall team performance.

Man Of The Match : Freddie Greehy. Another workmanlike performance of great energy, topped off with a great goal.

Scorer: Freddie Greehy

23/1/05 League Away V Moonshot L 7.0

Invicta travelled to Catford for this Tandridge League fixture against a Moonshot side who so far this season have averaged eight goals a game, conceding only four.

Stories of a 6ft tall Moonshot player had permeated through the League but surely these rumours weren’t true ? We were right to doubt them, he was 6ft 3” ! and if he is 11 years old I’ll support Man Utd next season.

Goals in the first half came from shots outside the area, directly from a corner and a strange penalty decision. Only one of the five could we perhaps of done more to prevent.

The half time team talk required everyone to play their normal game and not be intimidated. A couple of heads down and we needed to put in a much more determined team performance. The opposition were not a better side than us, bar one man.

Only two more goals followed in the second half , both resulting from long range shots by ‘their player’.

A good second half performance in a game that we will never see the likes of again ( until we play Moonshot in a couple of weeks time )!

No Man Of The Match awarded today; not because there weren’t worthy recipients. Special mention to Freddie Greehy who’s head did not go down once, working hard all over the pitch and almost carving out a goalscoring chance for himself with a clever nutmeg. An intelligent performance.

Goalkeeper Lewis Davies too showed courage and prevented the scoreline increasing with a number of great saves.

Forget about this game and concentrate on picking up both points against Coulsdon Colts next week.

Invicta maintain their challenge at the top of their division, with a mature and committed performance against a strong Coulsdon side. This was a great game with both teams playing football the way it should be. Invicta’s dominance being rewarded with a brace apiece from Ryan Glew and Jack Harris.

The scoring was opened on five minutes. The ball falling to Ryan Glew just outside the box. A strong run past the last defender and when through on goal, struck an early right foot shot across the face of the goal and into the far corner.

The game remained evenly contested and midway through the half Coulsdon levelled when an attack by the home side broke down on the edge of the box and a quick break found Invicta outnumbered.

Almost immediately the goal advantage was restored when a typically tenacious Ryan Glew run saw him ride a strong challenge by the keeper and still maintain his composure to finish from close range.

The half came to an end with Invicta in the ascendancy and playing with confidence.

The second half picked up where the first had ended and Invicta’s build up play was rewarded after five minutes with Jack Harris scoring from the edge of the box with what has become his trade mark lob over the advancing keeper. He completed the scoring midway through the half.

This was a fine team performance, displaying plenty of hard work, excellent covering and support play and everyone playing their part.

Freddie Greehy and Brad Deadman, showed all the qualities required of a wide player. Plenty of running and effective in the tackle, supporting the front line and playing a number of meaningful balls into the danger areas.

Paul Ansdell, the holding midfield player. Working the whole width of the pitch, breaking up play and providing cover for the back four.

The back four, composed at various times of Jordan Joseph, Aaron Jervis, Ben Brown Ben Booth and Jamie Wagland played a tight game at all times. Their concentration levels excellent.

Man Of The Match : Ryan Glew. A ‘Rooney Like’ energetic performance from midfield. Showing a great attitude to create his two goal scoring opportunities.

Scorers : Ryan Glew 2, Jack Harris 2

On a weekend that saw the Premiership ‘ big boys’ enter the FA Cup at the third round stage, it was Invicta’s turn to see if they could cause an upset by beating opposition who are heading the division above them, in the third round of The Tandridge League Shield.

Had it not been for circumstances beyond the control of us all, our boys would now be safely into the last eight of this competition.

The wind was gusting from one end of the pitch to the other and on winning the toss Invicta choose to have it in their advantage. Right from the outset, Invicta appeared hungrier for the ball than their opponents, winning tackles in every area on the pitch. Epitomised by Ryan Glew who was quick to the loose ball and at every opportunity kept the pressure on the opposition as high up the pitch as possible.

The defence remained tight and covered for each other and with the midfield shielding them well, there was little to worry the good number of travelling supporters.

Invicta’s effort was rewarded after 20 minutes. A free kick on the left side of the box,in a position that suited a right footed in swinger to the far post, Jack Harris, on his birthday, stepped up and struck exactly such a shot, right into the far top corner.

It was clear that this game was being contested between two evenly matched teams who were playing good disciplined football and at half time the message was to keep the concentration and commitment and the result should follow.

The equaliser came from a penalty. I still don’t know what it was awarded for ! The ball and any players even remotely contesting the ball were at least a foot outside the area when the ref blew the whistle and eventually pointed the spot, much to surprise of both teams. All of us who witnessed the incident will still be feeling the frustration so I will say no more about the incident.

Despite suffering such a blow, Invicta continued to battle, much to the annoyance of the opposition who at times displayed their frustrations in the wrong fashion. It is to you credit that none of you got involved and kept your cool, thank you.

Only twice in the second half did Netherne threaten to score and on each occasion, Man Of The Match Lewis Davies was equal. A long speculative wind assisted shot was watched and shepherded around the post and when faced with a one v one produced an instinctive save low down to his right.

Invicta had a couple of chances to regain the lead, the best of which came from Jack Harris who produced a trade mark lob to which the keeper did well to get his fingertips, taking the sting out of the finish and allowing a defender to clear just before it could threaten the goal.

Extra time produced two periods of ten minutes which differed little from the previous hours football, with much of the game being contested in midfield and neither team able to break the deadlock.

And so, the dreaded penalty shoot out, a new experience for us all. It has been said many times that there must be a better way of settling a game but it is strangely exciting !

Well done to all those who bravely stepped up to take penalties.

A victory on points not reflected in the scoreline. Well done to everyone for what was probably our most committed performance of the season thus far.

12/12/04 Home - Shield V Coulsdon Athletic - W 4.3

Invicta stride into the next round of the Tandridge League Shield with a much deserved victory in seven goal thriller at the Racecourse Sportsground.

Having beaten opposition form two divisions higher, in the previous round confidence was high, amongst the squad and the large number of assembled supporters, that Invicta can progress to the latter stages of this competition. 

It was however, the away team who broke the deadlock when midway through the half ,a long and lofted free kick found space behind the defence and a Coulsdon forward was quickest to to the ball.

With the early action end to end, the equaliser wasn't long in coming. It was provided via the boot of Brad Deadman who fired hard and low to the keepers left side from the edge of the box.

With Coulsdon defending quite high it was the early ball into the space they left behind that was to give Invicta the lead. Brad Deadman turned provider, with such a ball, over the defencive line for Jack Harris to run onto and finish.

A thoroughly entertaining first half in ended all square with Coulsdon capitalising on Invicta failing to clear a corner at the near post.

The secondhalf started in similar fashion to the first, with Invicta falling behind. This time it was allowing the opposition too much time on the edge of the box providing them with a goalscoring chance which was taken.

There was a real determination from the Invicta side, epitomised by Ryan Glew who made a forceful run into the box and having charged past three defenders was taken down by a mistimed challenge when just about to pull the trigger. Jack Harris stepped up and slammed the ball home to equalise.

From then on it was Invicta wanting the victory more. With seven minutes to go, it was a scrambled goal that put them ahead when after a period of intense pressure in and around the box, Brad Deadman got the final touch. 

In the last few minutes Invicta had chances to put the result beyond doubt but were unable to increase the lead.

An determined performance in a game where both sides played good football

Special mention to the back four who coped well with a pacey Coulsdon attack.

Scorers : Brad Deadman 2, Jack Harris 2

Man Of The Match : Jordan Joseph

5/12/04 Away - League V Orpington Lions - W 2.3

Invicta returned to league action with an away win by the odd goal in five, which was more comfortable than the scoreline may suggest.

The home side took the lead mid way through the first half and it took a Jack Harris penalty to level it. The penalty awarded when an Orpington defender bizarrely caught the ball, it having rebounded off the injured Harris who was prone with the ref playing advantage following a earlier challenge. Harris bravely stepped up to strike home the resulting penalty.

Scorers : Jack Harris, Ryan Glew, Brad Deadman

Man Of the Match : Freddie Greehy

28/11/04 Home - Shield V Sutton United - W 4.3

Invicta pulled off what some would consider a shock result in this Tandridge League Shield match. Demonstrating their full potential in beating opponents from two divisions higher. 

The game was played at great pace, with both teams passing and moving well. Ten minutes into the game it was the home side who broke the deadlock, leading goal scorer Jack Harris finishing coolly. With Invicta tight in defense, Sutton were restricted to long range efforts and on a couple of occasions, the woodwork thankfully, came to the rescue of the home side.

The lead was deservedly doubled when a Freddie Greehy early through ball played into the path of the alert Harris to finish.

The second half started with the opponents needing an early goal to get them back into the game and when Invicta lost their shape temporarily, Sutton capitalised to make it 2.1

Invicta's dominance was again rewarded when a one touch passing move from defence to attack found Harris on the edge of the box and an impudent chip over the advancing keeper restored the two goal advantage and brought applause from the touchline. A similarly confident finish midway through the half again from Harris, was surely enough to put Invicta through to the next round.

Two goals from Sutton resulted from them pushing forward in numbers in the last ten minutes, the second of which came with the last kick of the game could not take anything away from a thoroughly deserved Invicta victory.

A special mention to Joseph Mumford and Paul Ansdell who played in unfamiliar positions and gave excellent performances to benefit the whole team. Thankyou.

In this game we returned to the energy and team spirit that has been lacking in recent performances. Lets take it into the next game. Well done.

Scorers : Jack Harris 4

Man Of The Match : Lewis Davies 

14/11/04 Home - League V Tonbridge Angels - W 4.0

Invicta got back to winning ways with a comfortable victory in this local derby against Angels. 

The first half saw Invicta dominate possession without breaking the deadlock. Angel's threatening no more than a couple of times to which  Lewis Davies in goal was equal, the score at half time therefore remained 0.0

Almost immediately from the restart, Ben Booth gave the home side the lead and from then on, a victory was never in doubt. Ten minutes into the half, a perfect early angled ball by Freddie Greehy found the space behind the opposition's defence for jack Harris to run on to and thump low into the net.

The goal of the game was scored by Brad Deadman. Running strongly down the right, outpacing his marker and when he got to the edge of the box striking an unstoppable shot that was still rising when it hit the back of the net.

With about ten minutes to go, Ben Brown crept in at the back post from a Brad Deadman corner and placed a good shot to which the Angel's keeper got his hands but couldn't prevent it falling over the line.

A better performance against a much improved Angel's side.

Scorers : Ben Booth, Jack Harris, Bradley Deadman, Ben Brown 

Man Of The Match : Bradley Deadman, for an energetic display and a great finish for his goal

7/11/04 Away - League V Old Coulsdon Colts - L 5.4

For the second time this season Invicta saw themselves go 3.0 down, come back strongly in the second half but eventually loose 4.5. It was also the second consecutive week that we have entered half time 3.1 down.

In very heavy, muddy conditions and on a pitch with a distinct side to side slope, it was never going to be a footballing classic.

The opposition, fellow Charter Standard holders, were disciplined in respect of their positions and worked very hard when not in  possession of the ball, two factors that were the difference between the sides.

In recent weeks we have learnt that there will be few easy games in this division and every victory will have to earned.  

Well done for the secondhalf fight back but next week against Angels, let's try and make sure we don't put ourselves in the position of having to do so.

Scorers - Jack Harris 3, Ben Booth 

Man Of The Match - Freddie Greehy - A performance epitomising his consistent contribution each week.

31/10/04 Away - League V Stanhope - W 3.6

Entertainment value with the Under 11's this season remains high with plenty of goals at both ends. This was the classic game of two halves and saw Invicta come back from 3.0 down with quarter of the game played, score six themselves without reply and run out eventual winners 3.6.

For the second game in a row Invicta were slow out of the blocks and with the opposition possessing plenty of pace up front, it was to cost them dearly, conceding three early goals without reply.

The first goal of the come back resulted from a Jack Harris through ball finished from the edge of the box by Bradley Deadman lofting it over the keeper. It was important to get at least one back before the break.

Half time allowed the team to concentrate positional responsibilities and the fact that a victory would see them top of the League. This seemed to work and the second half saw a much different performance. 

Shortly after the restart, a wonderful piece of football saw Brad running strongly to the touch line under pressure and striking a perfect cross onto the head of Jack Harris who guided the ball into the net. Invicta were now dominant and the equaliser soon arrived, from the boot of Harris who made full use of the full size goals, striking an unstoppable effort high into the empty space above the keeper. 

Confidence was now high and Invicta were soon ahead. A well worked free kick wide on the left between Freddie Greehy and Jack Harris widened the angle on goal for Ben booth to slot home a well struck shot. 

Stanhope continued to create little in the way of clear chances, with the back four now dealing with the pacey front line and with Lewis Davies in goal equal to the couple of efforts that did get through, an Invicta victory looked more certain.

Harris completed his hat trick, latching on to a Deadman flick on over the last defender, beating the advancing keeper when 1v1. In the last few minutes of the game chances to extend the lead still further came and went until Freddy Greehy snuck in at the far post to claim a deserved goal.

Scorers : Jack Harris 3, Brad Deadman, Ben Booth, Freddie Greehy

Man Of The Match : Ryan Glew for a really energetic and determined display

24/10/04 Home - League V Oxted & District - W 4.2

It has been said that the sign of a good team is that they win, even when not playing well. An Invicta victory was never in doubt however, this wasn't the best display of the season and as a team we will have to play much better and be more disciplined against top of the table opposition. 

The first quarter of the game saw Invicta having more possession but testing the opposition's keeper only a couple of times. On each occasion he was equal to the shot. Then, on eighteen minutes, a strong run by Freddie Greehy ended with a shot from a narrow angle which the keeper couldn't hold and Ryan Glew sent the loose ball into the back of the net. The lead was doubled just prior to half time with a trade mark Jack Harris run and lob over the advancing keeper. 

The team talk at the break reinforced the fact that the performance was a bit flat and wondered if anyone had actually been to bed on time the night before ?

It seemed to have worked, as within a minute Invicta had increased their lead when Brad Deadman played a great through ball to Jack who finished calmly. Ben Booth claimed his fourth league goal of the season and Invicta's fourth in this game when he finished well from the left side of the six yard area having brought the ball in from the left.

Two goals by the opposition later in the half resulted from a loss of shape and concentration. Defensively a strong game and some good individual performances throughout the team but lets get back to working hard for each other.

Scorers : Jack Harris 2, Ryan Glew, Ben Booth

Man Of The Match : Lewis Davies for a confident display of goalkeeping resulting in a first half clean sheet.

17/10/04 Home - League V Orpington Tigers - W 7.0

Invicta continue to have no problems scoring goals and in this game it was also pleasing to see a clean sheet for the first time in the League this season, with a calm and controlled performance.

From the very first whistle the ball was in the opponents half and remained there for the majority of the first ten minutes. A converted penalty by Jack Harris after a tackle from behind by a 'Tiger' just inside the box, saw Invicta take a lead, deserving from  early dominance.

The second came from a lob over the advancing keeper by Jack Harris and when Brad Deadman struck a great shot from the edge of the box after a strong run to make it 3.0 on 25mins, a victory looked on the cards. Jack Harris completed a first half hat-trick just before half time just to make sure.

It was mid way through the second half that Invicta extended their lead. Brad Deadman one v one with the keeper was forced wide and when it looked as though holding the ball up to play in a team mate was the only option, he struck an unstoppable shot from the acutest of angles. The ball still rising as it hit the back of the net. The cartwheel celebration was as good. . . . well, almost.

Not to be outdone in the award for goal of the match, Jack was given time on the edge of the box and drove the ball into the top left corner to give the Orpington keeper no chance and claim his fourth of the day.

With a couple of minutes left, Freddie Greehy latched onto a cross from the right hand side and calmly put the ball away at the far post to get the goal that his lively and productive performance deserved and complete the scoring.

Another mature performance with everyone playing their part.

Man Of The Match : Bradley Deadman. A performance epitomising his season so far. Strong and productive running, working hard for the team and two quality finishes.

Scorers : Jack Harris 4 ( 1 pen )  Brad Deadman 2, Freddie Greehy 1 

10/10/04 Home - League Cup V Purley Panthers - L 6.8 AET

Cup competition gave Invicta a chance to test their skills against opposition form two divisions higher and so nearly claimed a victory  that shows how much progress has been made in recent months.

In a game that see-sawed in favour of one side then the other, it was Invicta who took the lead on five minutes when Brad Deadman was quickest to the loose ball when the oppositions keeper made a good save from a Jack Harris shot. A great Jordan Joseph ball over the defence providing the opportunity.

Two goals in a minute saw Purley equalise and then Jack Harris finishing with a lob from a Ben Booth through ball to put Invicta ahead on twelve minutes.

Two more goals from Purley, but heads didn't go down and Jack Harris scored to make it 3.3 and then again on the stroke of half-time with a brilliant finish following a perfectly weighted through ball from Paul Ansdell exploiting the space behind the opposition's defence. At half time there was a real optimism that Invicta could win the game.

Soon after the restart it got even better when Brad Deadman struck his second of the game, latching onto another Paul Ansdell through ball. Purley pegged a goal back but the two goal advantage was restored when Jack Harris struck a Beckhamlike free kick from the edge of the box. 

At this stage surely no-one could have predicted the outcome. Two more goals from the opposition, the second in the last minute, sending the game into extra time.

With Purley the more buoyant due to their come-back it was they that ran out eventual winners.

A really hard fought and entertaining game in which there was real determination and skill in all departments.

Man Of The Match : Jack Harris

Scorers : Jack Harris 4, Brad Deadman 2

3/10/04  Away - League V Tonbridge Angels - W 2.10

This game saw Invicta play their best football so far this season The passing and movement right from kick off was a joy to watch and was rewarded with a goal within the first minute, from guess who ? Five minutes on the clock and a great Ben Booth run ended with him playing a perfect through ball into the path of  Jack Harris, who calmly slotted away it away for his second.

Fifteen minutes and Ryan Glew played Freddie Greehy in with a slide rule angled pass which Freddie struck perfectly from the edge of the box, giving the keeper no chance.

The rain started to fall but the goals kept coming. 'Hat Trick Harris' lived up to his nickname when on twenty minutes he thumped the ball into the back of the net from close range following good Invicta pressure which prevented the opposition form clearing the ball.

Two goals from corners then followed before half time. The first from Ben Brown who hooked the ball goalwards, the ball taking a slight deflection before hitting the back of the net and then a well worked short corner saw Brad Deadman cut onto his right foot on the edge of the box and sent the ball sailing in at the far post.

The second half saw more of the same, although a few gaps started to appear when ' everyone' wanted to get on the score sheet. Jack Harris got three more, so a hat trick in each half and Freddie got another to complete the scoring.

Highlights of the game; the vision  that many of you displayed in your passing over distance and the pace and movement of the passing at close quarters to create the openings.

Sorry if this report is a bit disjointed but I am unable to read my match notes due to water damage ! or is it orange squash ?

An excellent display with everyone playing their part. Well done.

Man Of The Match : Jack Harris 

Scorers : Jack Harris 6,  Freddie Greehy 2, Ben Brown, Brad Deadman

26/9/04 Home - League V Edenbridge - L 4.5

We all knew this was going to be a close encounter as in the two League games last season, the honours ended all square ( 1.1 & 0.0 ) with both teams being promoted.

It was with more than a little surprise therefore that Invicta found themselves 0.3 down within the first fifteen minutes. The opponents being much quicker out of the blocks and moving much better than the home side.

Heads didn’t go down and we got back in the game with a Jack Harris finish - almost immediately cancelled out by another Edenbridge goal.

A Ben Booth long range effort bought us back to within two goals and then, probably the best piece of individual skill in the game saw Jack dance his way into the box from the right hand side, past four defenders but with the finish just scraping the wrong side of the far post.

Half time and although 2.4 down it was clear that Invicta were at least a match for their opponents and had every chance of getting something from  the game.

When Bradley Deadman scored shortly after the restart to make it 3.4 it was the perfect start to the second half but not closing down the opposition on the edge of the box allowed another Edenbridge goal a few minutes later.

Midway through the half, Jack Harris flighted a free kick into the box which was met first time by Ben Brown who had timed his run to perfection, scoring on the half volley.

The final ten minutes saw Invicta create chances to equalise, most memorably Bradley Deadman’s control on the edge of the box and an almost perfect lob which landed on the cross bar.

A great game of football from two evenly matched teams who always try to ‘play football’ and have adapted well to the eleven-a-side game.

Man Of The Match : Jamie Wagland - for an excellent display of defending. Always there as covering defender and endless running.

Scorers : Jack Harris, Ben Booth, Ben Brown, Bradley Deadman

19/9/2004 Coulsdon Athletic - Away - League  - Win 9-5

If the previous season's performance is anything to go by, then this was to be arguably one of our toughest games of the season. Invicta promoted to this division, against a Coulsdon side who lost only three League games last season and finished runner-up in this same division. 

In their first competitive eleven-a-side game Invicta found themselves one nil up after a little more than 20 seconds. A strong Jack Harris run ended with a driven ball into the box which was turned goalwards by John Winchester before being put over the line by an opponent. Invicta however, found themselves 2-1 down within four minutes and with each goal being scored as a result of quality play rather than errors, the early signs were for an entertaining and high scoring game of football. And so it proved to be.

The larger pitch seemed to suit Invicta and the controlled passing and movement was a joy to watch. Everyone worked hard and unselfishly when not in possession, which made it so much easier for the player with the ball and led to little wasted possession.

Two more goals before half time, one from Ben Booth and another from Jack meant that Invicta went into the break ahead, despite a third from the home side prior to the whistle.

Within in a minute of the restart Cousldon had levelled the score but five goals in fourteen minutes sealed an impressive victory.

The offisde law caused countless problems for the opposition as our back four played a sensible game, playing as a unit and keeping a clever defensive line. At the other end of the pitch, there were only a handful of times where we fell foul of the assistant refs flag.

A great start to what I am sure will be another entertaining season.

Man Of The Match : (Shared) Jack Harris for a display of quality finishing resulting in four goals and Joseph Mumford for saving at least four goals.

Scorers : Jack Harris 4, Ben Booth 2, Ryan Glew 1, John Winchester 1, OG 1