19/3/2006 League

Whyteleafe Under 12’s 7  V Tonbridge Invicta A Under 12’s 1

Invicta’s hopes of winning the Championship were dealt a severe blow in their final fixture of the season. Whether they finish as runners up or hang on to the top spot is now in the hands of their nearest challengers who have fixtures still to play.

When Brad Deadman struck an unstoppable effort with only two minutes on the clock it seemed that at least the single point needed to secure the title would be obtained. However, four goals from Whyteleafe, in a ten minute spell midway through the first half unsettled the away side. Two more fortunate goals just before the break meant Invicta went in 6-1 down at the break.

Invicta gathered themselves during the half time team talk and gave a good account of themselves in the secondhalf but could not break down the determined home side who added another goal towards the end of the game.

No complaints, on the day we were beaten by a better team.

Man Of The Match : Andrew Coulter

Scorer : Brad Deadman

5/3/2006 League

Tonbridge Invicta U12's A 3 V Wickham Wanerers 2

Invicta  made hard work of beating mid table opposition who for most of the game displayed a more determined attitude than the home side. However, a desperate last ten minutes saw Invicta come from behind to snatch the victory that keeps them at the top of the division.

The first quarter saw Invicta claim the greater percentage of the play but caught offside numerous times and unable to score. Wickham defended as a team and with eleven men behind the ball Invicta had to work hard to craft out an opportunity. Eventually it came when on 20 minutes, the ball fell to Paul Ansdell just inside the box. His clean powerful strike found it's way through the crowded penalty area and into the net to send Invicta 1-0 at the break.

The second half started in complete in contrast to the first. The increasingly strong wind was now in favour of Wickham who started pushing forward in numbers and looking for the early ball over the back of the Invicta defence. An early goal noticeably buoyed them further and when Invicta found themselves 1-2 down with ten minutes to play, something special was needed to keep their Championship hopes alive. They had wasted a number of chances and although not playing well had created enough to win the game.

The desperate vocal encouragement from the home supporters was now getting through to the players and when Rory Mawdsley scored with his first touch of the ball on his return to the pitch to level the score, a nerve racking final five minutes was guaranteed.

The final skirmishes were fought out in Wickham's last third, with Invicta putting them under continuous pressure. Fittingly perhaps, it was Leading score Jack Harris who claimed the winner. Stretching to slide the ball across the face of the keeper into the far corner from eight yards out.

WOW !! Looking back on this game in a few weeks time,  I am sure it will viewed as an exciting and enjoyable game. However, despite the final ten minutes, this was a poor performance. Looking at the positives . . . surely we can't play like this two games in a row. The final game in two weeks time is against the only team that can finish higher in the league than us. We have to ensure a determined and energetic attitude is taken into the game if we are to finish as Champions.

Scorers : Paul Ansdell, Rory Mawdsley, Jack Harris

Man Of The Match : Paul Ansdell

26/2/2006 League

Godstone Under 12's 1 V Tonbridge Invicta A 4

Invicta played the first half with a biting wind and sloping pitch in their favour but a determined opposition restricted them to just two goals. Billy Yates opened the scoring after ten minutes when he headed home a Brad Deadman corner. Using the wind to his advantage Freddie Greehy then lobbed the Godstone keeper from distance to make it two.

In the secondhalf, Invicta coped well with conditions and managed to increase the lead. Brad Deadman seemingly passing on a strike on goal to cleverly set up Jack Harris with a ball played back to beyond the edge of the box which Harris despatched into the goal. Jamie Wagland finished bravely at the back post following a corner for a deserved goal.

A spirited final ten minutes saw Godstone gain a consolation goal on the break.

Regular substitutions were made to keep players from getting too cold and perhaps this caused a bit of disruption but at this stage of the season, a win is a win. Two games to go, two wins will bring the title . . . . . it's up to you.

Scorers : Billy Yates, Freddie Greehy, Jack Harris, Jamie Wagland

Man Of the Match : Jamie Wagland

29/1/2006 League

Tonbridge Invicta Under 12's A 4 V Whyteleafe Under 12's 3

Invicta maintained their 100% home record and took both points from fellow Championship hopefuls Whyteleafe, with a really determined performance. The game see-sawed with the home side taking a two goal lead before going two three down and then scoring twice without reply to claim the victory.

Early exchanges were in favour of Invicta and on eight minutes Jack Harris played Brad Deadman in on the edge of the box and he made no mistake with the finish.

Twenty two minutes and a trademark Harris lob, helping on a Freddie Greehy through ball extend the lead for the home side. Whyteleafe hadn't troubled the Invicta defence on too many occasions but they reduced the deficit just before the break.

The visitors began the second half with three up front and before Invicta had come to terms with this, they had levelled the score. This gave them real encouragement and combined with seemingly tired Invicta legs they were soon ahead. With this important game slipping away form them, Invicta dug deep and found extra energy and desire. A Rory Mawdsley goal from close range levelled the game and not content with a point the whole team continued to work hard, seeking the winning goal the performance deserved.

The winning goal did materialise and was something of a scramble effort with players on both sides involved inside the six yard box, Freddie Greehy getting the final touch. The closing stages saw Invicta sensibly retaining possession to protect the lead.

When the final whistle blew it was greeted with applause from both sets of supporters who had witnessed an enjoyable but tense game of football played with an excellent attitude by both teams.

Well done to everyone. You showed real character in coming back to win. Special mention to Paul and Billy for displaying excellent combative attitudes in midfield.

Scorers : Brad Deadman, Jack Harris, Rory Mawdsley, Freddie Greehy

Man Of The Match : Lewis Davies

22/1/2006 League

Oxted & District Under 12's 2 V Tonbridge Invicta Under 12's 'A' 7

Invicta produced arguably their best performance of the season to remain top of their Tandridge League Division.

Jake Leigh opened the scoring on three minutes when he turned in a Freddie Greehy cross from close range but a similar goal at the other end levelled things ten minutes later. Oxted have strengthened their squad in recent weeks and the early signs seemed to indicate that a tight game was on the cards with each team trying to impose themselves. With the midfield duo of Paul Ansdell and Alex Bolam working hard to close down their opponents in the middle of the pitch to not allow them any time on the ball to create and playing the ball forward early,  it was eventually Invicta who scored again through Greehy.

The difference between the sides was Invicta's determination to win every ball and the pace and energy of Brad Deadman and Jake Leigh in attack continual stretched the Oxted defence. It was Deadman who doubled the lead, showing real desire to get to a through ball before the advancing keeper and finishing bravely. He then turned provider with a swift passing movement with Greehy who finished calmly to claim his second of the game just before the break.

Invicta were quickest out of the blocks after the break and scored almost immediately. Alex Bolam's shot from the edge of the box, after good work by Leigh down the right side, gave the keeper no chance. Invicta continued to dominate possession with Oxted defending deeper and in increased numbers it stemmed the tide temporarily and when a hopeful long clearance found a striker just inside the Invicta half he ran on and finished well to reduce the deficit.

Two goals in the last two minutes provided a scoreline, truly reflective of the performance. Billy Yates grabbing a deserved goal and Jack Harris latching onto a through ball in the dying seconds.

A really enjoyable game in which everyone played their part. Displaying the same attitude demonstrated today, for the remainder of the season will bring the league position your performances this season deserve.

Scorers : Fredddie Greehy 2, Jake Leigh, Brad Deadman,Alex Bolam, Billy Yates, Jack Harris

Man Of The Match : Brad Deadman

Special mention to the back four and Lewis in goal, who dealt with most things very effectively and gave the team a really solid foundation.

15/1/2006 League

Tonbridge Invicta 5 Orpington Rovers 'B' 1

A patient display of football eventually provided Invicta with the scoreline that their dominance deserved against well organised opposition.

Early exchanges were fairly equal but on 14minutes a break down Invicta's right hand side stretched the home side's defence and an Orpington forward finished well from the resulting cross. There was no panic and Invicta continued to play the better football and when a Jordan Joseph cross was turned into his own goal at the near post by an opposition defender the game was all square. Two minutes later a ball over the top by Alex Bolam was finished bravely by Brad Deadman who beat the advancing keeper to the ball on the edge of the box.

With Invicta's back four looking solid there was half time confidence that the scoreline would increase in the home side's favour in the second period. Orpington missed a penalty after five minutes of the half and it wasn't until the final ten minutes that the goals flowed. Jake Leigh hit a great low strike into the net from the edge of the box and grabbed his second of the game from a Billy Yates cross shortly afterwards. Yates then grabbed the final goal of the game for himself with a lob form distance.

An enjoyable game with everyone showing the discipline that the formation required.

Scorers : Jake Leigh 2, Brad Deadman, Billy Yates, OG

Man Of The Match : Billy Yates

8/1/2006 League

Coulsdon Athletic 1 V Tonbridge Invicta 'A' 1

A well earned point against fellow promotion hopefuls Coulsdon ensures Invicta retain their lead at the top of their Tandridge League.

The game started with the home side slightly in the ascendancy but restricted to catching Invicta on the break a couple of times.  With much of the earlier skirmishes taking place in the centre of the pitch it was clear from the outset that a tight game was on the cards.

After ten minutes it was Coulsdon who broke the deadlock with a goal on the break but Invicta continued to battle hard for the equaliser despite  not really stringing their passing game together. At half time the message was to keep playing, be more disciplined with our positioning and the equaliser would come.

The second half began as a mirror image of the first with few chances for either team. With 15 minutes left Invicta changed formation to 4-4-2. This gave an additional target in attack and allowed more space in midfield. Invicta  relished both and became dominant with Coulsdon finding it hard to get the ball from their half. With ten minutes to go, Jack Harris spread the play to Brad Deadman wide on the right. His whipped in cross wasn't cleared effectively and Rory Mawdsley finished from close range to level the score.

In the final few minutes Invicta created chance after chance, the best seeing Freddie Greehy being denied by the left hand upright and the game ended all square.

A really tough and enjoyable game with a draw probably a fair result. Everyone played their part but a special mention to the back four, well done

Scorer : Rory Mawdsley

Man Of The Match : Aaron Jervis

18/12/2005 League

Seymour Villa Under 12's 'A' 3 V Tonbridge Invicta Under 12's 'A' 2

Invicta lost their first league game of the season away to a physical Seymour Villa side that they had already beaten earlier in the season. The first two goals conceded were Christmas gifts and when Invicta found themselves three nil down with ten minutes to go it seemed all over. Invicta however then played their best football of the game and showed great spirit to fight back and claim two goals, one apiece from Alex Bolam and Jack Harris.

Despite the setback, Invicta end the year clear at the top of their Tandridge League Division.

Factors such as poor refereeing decisions, playing only 27 minutes of the second half and the sloping pitch could all be argued as factors for losing this game. The team probably did enough to win the game despite this being a very ordinary performance. We can't afford too many of these type of games if we are to achieve something this season.

Scorers : Alex Bolam, Jack Harris

Man Of The Match : Andrew Coulter

11/12/2005 League

Tonbridge Invicta Under 12's 6 V Addiscombe Under 12's 0

Kick off delayed until the pitch had defrosted. Eventually, an excellent team performance against the only side to have previously dented Invicta's League record ; Addiscombe having claimed a point when the sides met earlier in the season. Equally pleasing, was the first clean sheet of the season !

Within the first two minutes Invicta took the lead. A purposeful run and cross by Jake Leigh was struck into the net first time by Brad Deadman for a classic footballing goal. The following fifteen minutes saw the home side dominate possession with Addiscombe offering little to trouble the home goal.

The second goal came after an incisive passing move involving a number of Invicta players and Brad Deadman again finishing well.

It was three goals in five minutes before the break that put the result beyond doubt. The first of these was a Jack Harris half volley from the edge of the box. The second again from the boot of Harris, this time an angled lob from the right hand side of the box giving the keeper no chance. Just before the half time whistle, an Invicta corner fell to the feet of Paul Ansdell who finished on the turn from close range.

Changes made at half time and it was pleasing to see the disciplined performance continue with everyone fulfilling their job the the best of their ability. This restricted Addiscombe to a couple of breaks but good covering at the back kept them from scoring.

The only goal of the second half was from a Jack Harris free kick from outside the area, his intentions well masked by Freddie and Brad. The opposition keeper only able to watch the ball sail over his head.

Everyone retained concentration right to the end which resulted in the clean sheet, well done. Another performance next week against stronger opposition in Seymour Villa and we will have reached the half way stage undefeated in the league !

Scorers : Jack Harris 3, Brad Deadman 2, Paul Ansdell

Man Of The Match : Jack Harris

4/12/2005 League

South East Elite Under 12's 3 V Tonbridge Invicta Under 12's A 7

Back to league action, back to winning ways and a performance that keeps Invicta unbeaten in the league and top of their division.

The opposition had produced some excellent results in the league and so it was important that Invicta got the upper hand early on. When an early passing move gave Jack Harris an opportunity in the first minute, the signs were good. It was Jake Leigh who scored the first goal of the game after a pacey run and angled finish to put Invicta ahead. From then on it was all Invicta and a well placed Paul Ansdell corner to the near post was glanced in by Freddie Greehy to double the lead. ( yes, we have now scored form a corner )!!

Midway through the half Jamie Wagland ran from his own half, his pace and close control took him to the just inside Elite's penalty area. He was just about to slot the ball away when he was scythed down by an opponent. Having shown great determination to create the chance it was fitting that he stepped up to take and bury the penalty. Jack Harris placed a shot into the corner passed the advancing keeper and Freddie Greehy finished from the edge of the area to make it 0-5 at half time.

Elite had done enough in the first half to suggest that they had enough pace to hurt any opposition and that concentration had to be maintained to stop them getting back into the game.

A cleverly masked long range free kick from Jack Harris increased the lead shortly after the break and the result was now well beyond doubt. Perhaps that thought was starting to permeate throughout those on the pitch because despite Brad Deadman finishing emphatically when given a 1v1 situation, Elite were allowed three second half goals when Invicta took there foot off the gas.

A game of two halves but good to get back to winning ways. Despite a dreadful pitch everyone tried to play passing football and that's what gave us the victory. A little more determination throughout the whole game is required to keep the results coming when we face stronger teams.

Man Of The Match : Freddie Greehy

Scorers : Freddie Greehy 2, Jack Harris 2, Jake Leigh, Jamie Wagland, Brad Deadman

27/11/2005 Shield

Oxted & District Under 12's 5 V Tonbridge Invicta Under 12's 'A' 4

Invicta make an early exit from the League Shield in what I am sure was an excellent game for any neutral watching but for supporters of the away side a disappointment. As in many cup games, the underdogs have advanced to the next round having taught the favourites a lesson. (Having beaten this same side 7-1 a few weeks ago we surely were the favourites)

1-1 at half time and it should have been the stronger Invicta side who were better placed to go on and win the game. However, an undisciplined 15 minutes saw us go two goals down and with the home side visibly growing in confidence never able to get ahead in the game.

Invicta's goals came from a Jack Harris hat trick, the best coming from a perfect Brad Deadman cross and a Freddie Greehy strike. With extra time looming,  it was Oxted who struck the final punch with two minutes to play.

Defender's dominated the Man Of The Match nominations with Aaron Jervis and Jordan Joseph sharing. Paul Ansdell too, had a commanding game in the centre.

Oxted were allowed possession in all areas of the pitch without being put under pressure and were able to get shots in unchallenged. When we had the ball it was given away too cheaply or we were caught in possession. As a team we must work harder with the ball and try to create a new situation every time. Movement around the player in possession of the ball has to improve. When not in possession we must improve our concentration, close down the opposition quicker and be more disciplined in respect of where we are meant to be playing for the good of the team.

Man Of The Match : Jordan Joseph / Aaron Jervis

Scorers : Jack Harris 3, Freddie Greehy

13/11/05 League

Orpington Rovers 'B' Under 12's 1 V Tonbridge Invicta Under 12's 'A' 5

Invicta came away with the points and were rarely troubled by an Orpington side that worked very hard and at times were quicker and more decisive than the League leaders.

On a small pitch much of the early stages were played out in a packed midfield and it required an Orpington defender to break the deadlock by slicing a clearance from a Billy Yates cross. Midway through the first half an early ball from Andrew Coulter, into the space behind the defence provided Jack Harris with the type of 1v1 situation he relishes ; he finished in style to double the lead. Alex Bolam scored his first goal for the Club with a well struck long range effort just before the break to give Invicta a half time scoreline that reflected their dominance.

The second own goal of the game gave Orpington a glimmer of hope before two goals from Jake Leigh put the result beyond doubt. The first provided by a great Paul Ansdell angled through ball and the second finishing a swift passing move ending with a Bolam cross and a tap in for Leigh.

A decent performance not helped by frustrating refereeing. Well done

Scorers : Jake Leigh 2, Jack Harris, Alex Bolam, OG

Man Of The Match : Ben Brown for a strong defensive display

30/10/05 League

Tonbridge Invicta Under 12's A 6 V Godstone Under 12's 3

Invicta remain undefeated in the league this season but for periods of this game the strong wind threatened to frustrate the home side who had to come from 1-3 down to deservedly win the game.

The game started well for Invicta when within the first two minutes a Jack Harris solo effort opened the scoring but slack defending allowed the visitors to equalise a short while later. Much of the first period was played in the Godstone half with, Invicta creating the better scoring chances but not converting. It was with a little surprise therefore that a wind assisted long range effort and a close range scrappy effort gave the visitors a two goal advantage before Jack Harris reduced the deficit to one just before the break.

Now with the wind in their favour for the second period Invicta really had to use it to their advantage, continue to play the better football and the goals would materialise.

Andrew Coulter down the left side and Brad Deadman on the right started to use their pace and direct running at the Godstone defence to really strecth the play and create chances.

The scores were levelled after ten minutes of the restart. A Jake Leigh header crossing the line from close range. Alex Bolam, using the gusting wind, troubled the Godstone keeper with two long range efforts before Leigh grabbed his second and then another to complete a second half hatrick within fifteen minutes, to give Invicta a two goal lead. With five minutes to go Rory Mawdsley got the final touch from an Invicta corner to complete the comeback.

Before the match, the talk was of wanting to impose ourselves on the game and win it in the first half. For a number of reasons this didn't happen but everyone showed great spirit and composure to fight back and claim the points. Well Done

Scorers : Jake Leigh 3, Jack Harris 2, Rory Mawdsley

Man Of The Match : Jake Leigh

23/10/05 League

Tonbridge Invicta Under 12's A 7 V Oxted & District Under 12's 1

Invicta maintained their unbeaten start to the season with an excellent energetic display of football.

It was however, the visitors who took the lead on five minutes from a corner. An unchallenged header finding the net. With Oxted pushing high onto the home sides defensive line there were a couple of opportunities for them to extend the lead before a Brad Deadman pass found Jack Harris on the edge of the box. Harris's cool lob leaving the advancing keeper stranded.

Five minutes before the break the same duo of Deadman and Harris crafted another goal. A swift passing move ended with a clever back heal from Deadman into the path of Harris who nearly broke the net with his finish. Harris completed his first half hat trick just before the break when an Alex Bolam through ball provided the opportunity for him to again lob the advancing keeper.

The second half was a one sided affair with Invicta adding four more goals. Another for Harris who then turned provider for Deadman by cutting the ball back from the goal line for a tap in.

Invicta remained disciplined and looked to play a passing game throughout. Arguably the goal of the game was a solo Andrew Coulter effort. He ran from just inside the opponents half, passed three Oxted defenders on the edge of the box and finished from a tight angle from the left side. With a couple of minutes remaining Jake Leigh showed real determination to outrun the last defender, saw his first shot blocked by the keeper but run onto the loose ball and finish well to complete the scoring.

A really enjoyable performance with everyone playing their part and appreciated by the large number of home supporters. As I said after the game, this squad has real potential, we must continue to work hard for it to be realised.

Scorers : Jack Harris 4, Brad Deadman, Andrew Coulter, Jake Leigh

Man Of The Match : Jack Harris for his best display of the season. Energetic, intelligent and emphatic finishing

16/10/2005 League

Addiscombe Raiders Under 12's  1 V Tonbridge Invicta Under 12's A 1

A game in which Invicta created enough chances to win comfortably ended all square and enable the away side to maintain their unbeaten start to the season.

The first half saw Invicta playing downhill and Addiscombe finding it hard to clear the ball. Despite this the best chances to score came from three perfectly flighted corners to the back post by Paul Ansdell. On each occasion, Invicta failing to get the slightest of touches that would have sent any one of them goalbound.

Within two minutes of the restart Brad Deadman gave the away side a deserved lead. A strong run from 30 yards out, when flanked by three defenders, was finished with style. Despite playing uphill Invicta continued to dominate possession and created the best chances with Addiscombe limited to a couple of chances to which Lewis Davies in goal, was equal.

One nil is a dangerous scoreline and so it proved, with ten minutes left to play. Invicta were caught in possession on the half way line and with the defence outpaced the lone striker slotted the ball home.

Having fought a 0-0 draw against this same opposition last season we knew that as a team we would have to work hard to create goalscoring chances and take these chances as and when they came. We did play well as a team and fought hard throughout the game but . . . . . as the season progresses we will learn whether this is a point gained or a point dropped. Still unbeaten in the league, let's keep it going.

Scorer and Man Of The Match  : Brad Deadman

9/10/2005 League Cup

Tonbridge Invicta Under 12's A 1 V Junior Sports 4

Playing opposition from two divisions higher, Invicta gave a good account of themselves and created enough chances to win the game.

The first half was tight with both sides playing good football and having to work hard to craft any goalscoring opportunities. A couple for Invicta but at half time still 0-0.

Ten minutes after the restart the deadlock was broken when a great corner to the back post was left for an opposition player to volley home from close range. Almost immediately Invicta created a chance to level when Freddie Greehy sent a perfect cross from the left side, it fell to the feet of Jack Harris who drove it hard at the goal only to see the keeper make a great save from six yards.

The home side continued to push for the equaliser, Brad Dedman was unlucky not to level it after a run on goal, his finish just brushing the wrong side of the far post. With quarter of the game remaining Jake Leigh tucked the ball away from close range after a period of Invicta pressure.

With extra time looming both sides were looking to win the game, which was now much more open. The chances kept coming, however not dealing with a cross allowed Junior sports to regain the lead and two more goals in the last five minutes made for a slightly flattering scoreline.

We had enough chances to win the game but became outnumbered in important areas towards the end of the game. Back to League action next week . . . . . lets keep that 100% record.

Scorer : Jake Leigh

Man Of The Match :  Andrew Coulter

2/10/2005 League

Tonbridge Invicta Under 12’s A 3 – Seymour Villa A 1

 Two of the early pace setters in the Tandridge League produced a hard fought and enjoyable display at the Racecourse Sportsground, with the home side maintaining their 100% start to the season.

 It was the visitors who struck first when, on nine minutes a cross from the right hand side fell between two defenders and out of the reach of the goalkeeper for an easy tap in for Villa. Going behind for the first time this season really galvanised Invicta who continued to play the better quality football and add a real determination to their play.

 (This determination caused the opposition to loose their control, which showed itself in one particular incident of aggression from one of their players. This was answered in the best possible way with the next goal – well done Billy)

 The chances started to materialise but it was the 22^nd minute before one was converted. Billy Yates getting a tap in at the far post after the opposition failed to clear the ball.

 At half time the message was to keep playing the passing game and the goals would come.

 Invicta’s central midfield trio of Paul Ansdell, Rory Mawdsley and Alex Bolam were bossing the game, breaking up the oppositions play effectively and looking to create at every opportunity.

Just into the last quarter of the game and Invicta went ahead. A diagonal ball from Mawdsley, after a break at pace found Jack Harris ten yards out and he finished emphatically. From this point forward there was only one team in it.

Jake Leigh was providing an excellent outlet down the right hand side, his pace and direct running always causing problems for the opposition. One such run and perfect cross provided Freddie Greehy a chance to control and then lash the ball into to the roof of the net at the far post to make it 3.1 with seven minutes to go.

 The most determined and controlled performance thus far, with everybody doing exactly what was asked of them to the best of their ability, thankyou

 Scorers : Billy Yates, Jack Harris, Freddie Greehy

 Man Of The Match : Jamie Wagland an excellent defensive display

25/9/2005 League

Wickham Wanderers 3 Invicta 9

The winning start to the season continued with a great display against a spirited Wickham side. Invicta's intentions were made clear within the first five minutes when two two goals of great quality but of differing styles claimed an early lead for the away side. The first was a solo run and cool finish when flanked by three defenders, by Jack Harris. The second, a run down the left hand side by Freddie Greehy ending with a perfect cross into the path of Rory Mawdsley to claim his first for the Club. 

Despite playing up a slight hill and with a strengthening wind against them Invicta continued to enjoy the majority of possession. The dominance was rewarded on 11 minutes when a Harris lob from wide on the right made it three. The home side was finding it difficult to build any meaningful possession and as a result, were restricted to the occasional counter attack and so it was no surprise that a further Invicta goal was added with five minutes still left to play in the first half. An excellent controlled volley by Freddie Greehy from just inside the box after he had collected a misplaced clearance. (The only slight element of surprise being that it came from his right foot)!

Just before the break the opposition were awarded a goal despite the linesmans flag being raised for an obvious offside during the bulid up play.

Changes were made at the break and within four minutes of entering the game Andrew Coulter made it five. Andrew turned provider, a couple of minutes later when after an energetic run down the left hand side he played a perfect cross into the danger area for Billy Yates to claim his first for Invicta.

Not being positive when defending a corner allowed Wickham to claim a  second but normal service was resumed almost immediately when Rory grabbed his second and Billy finished from close range to also net his second with a quarter of the game remaining. Rory's influence was showing in many aspects of Invicta's play and it was his cross which was deflected over the line by a defender to make it 9.

The tradition of soaking the manager when ten are scored in a game was causing some concern as there was still ten minutes to play ! There was another goal but almost thankfully it went to the home side and a happy and dry journey home was secured.

A good display and one for which you should all be pleased. Much more disciplined in midfield. Well done, lets keep it going . . . . .

Man Of The Match : Rory Mawdsley - a really busy midfield performance 

Scorers : Jack Harris 2, Rory Mawdsley 2, Billy Yates 2, Freddie Greehy, Andrew Coulter, OG

18/9/2005 League

Invicta 2 Coulsdon Athletic 1

A winning start against opposition that was familiar to many of us. Both sides had obviously strengthened pre-season and this made for close, hard fought encounter.

Normal service was resumed, when in the third minute a perfectly weighted through ball from the right hand side was latched onto by Jack Harris to finish strongly.

Invicta continued to play the better football, looking to pass the ball at every opportunity but it was a piece of individual skill that doubled the lead. Harris again, this time when given time on the edge of the box, picking his spot and curled a low shot into the far corner.

Two goals up at half time and with the back four playing an excellent line, catching the opposition offside on many occasions it looked as though the scoreline would be increased in the second half.

However, ten minutes after the break Coulsdon were awarded a penalty which was converted, they then really pushed for the eqauliser and from then on the home side found it hard to gain possession in the middle third.

With five minutes to go Invicta were awarded a penalty and an opportunity to put the game out of reach but it wasn't to be with the crossbar saving the away side.

Coulsdon playing 4 up front for the last quarter of the game put Invicta under immense pressure but the home side stayed strong and determined to hang on to the lead and claim the points.

Really pleasing to get off to a winning start and it was good to see that at corners we were much more mobile and everyone attempted what has been practiced in training. We just need to be a little more disciplined and not get ahead of the ball too much.

Man Of The Match : Lewis Davies, a confident display

Scorers : Jack Harris 2