15/4/07 Invicta 4 Stanhope 0

In a game closer than the score line suggests Invicta were saved in the early moments by a splendid clearance from Coulter which inspired the team. On 13 minutes a good run and cross by Deadman was met by Harris’s head for 1-0. With play going from end to end and with some good saves from Davies it was 30 minutes before Coulter sped onto a pass from Harris to make it 2-0. The second half produced more splendid play as the Invicta defence and midfield controlled the game and kept the passes flowing. Invicta went close several times before a long clearance from Davies was gathered by Harris who blasted his shot past the diving keeper for 3-0. The final goal came from Coulstock after the Stanhope defence failed to deal with a throw in.

Scorers : Harris 2, Coulter, Coulstock

Man Of The Match : Jack Harris

Invicta 6 Darwin 0

Following last week’s wins Invicta started well and an early cross from Bristow was crashed home by Coulstock for 1-0. With the wind behind them Invicta dominated play with some good passing moves which saw Fletcher and Coulstock going close before Ansdell scored from a corner. Positive play and strong tackling from Greehy and Leigh ensured Darwin’s chances were limited to a few long range shots fielded well by keeper Davies. Coulstock scored again from close in before Harris and Joseph added two more from corners to make 5-0 at half time. Darwin played a long ball game in the wind but the Invicta defence and midfield cleared up well and set up the forwards who created more chances for Deadman and Harris before Bristow netted off the Darwin defender to make it six.  

Scorers : Aaron Coulstock 2, Jack Harris, Paul Ansdell Alex Bristow, Jordan Joseph

Man Of The Match : Jordan Joseph

Battersea 1 Invicta 3

Invicta 2 Battersea 1

Invicta A came away with two wins in this double header to improve their league position. In the first game Battersea struggled to cope with the strong running of Harris who latched onto the long ball twice in the first half to give Invicta a 0-2 lead. Battersea raised their game but Harris completed his hat trick with a solo run before Battersea scored a consolation goal. Battersea improved their play in the second game and went ahead with a good shot, keeping their lead until half time despite some good attacking play from Invicta. A few tactical changes put Invicta back in control and Coulstock scored from a well taken corner. Moments later Leigh’s strong running latched onto another through ball to put Invicta 2-1 up. The game closed with each side going close.

Scorers : Harris 3, Coulstock, Leigh

Man Of The Matches : Jack Harris

Whyteleafe 4 Invicta 2

In the return from last week’s fixture both sides played a more cautious game. Invicta survived some early pressure from Whyteleafe before getting into the game. They went close through Coulstock and Fletcher but on ten minutes Whyteleafe broke away to open the score. The game flowed from end to end as the midfielders battled to control the game. Bristow and Fletcher again went close and Deadman played a positive role in goal for the injured Davies. On 32 minutes Invicta got their reward when Bristow’s fine pass put Coulstock clear to make it 1-1. The second half saw Invicta fall behind to a well taken free kick that was generously awarded. Whytleafe score twice more on the break to make it 4-1 as Invicta chased the game, they finally scored as Coulter slotted home from a corner to restore some pride.   

Man Of The Match : Ben Fletcher

Scorers : Aaron Coulstock, Andy Coulter

11/3/07 League

Invicta 4 Whyteleafe 7

It took 20 minutes for Invicta to compete with Whyteleafe and apart from a couple of good saves from stand-in keeper Deadman and good shots from Coulstock and Harris Whyteleafe dominated play scoring four well taken goals.

Invicta raised their game after an individual effort from Coulstock put them on the score sheet but Whyteleafe scored another to go in at half time 1-5 up. Some changes were made and Invicta played with a more determined style pulling back to 3-5 with goals from Harris and Bolam.

Whyteleafe were dangerous on the counter attack and some fine tackling by Wagstaff kept them out. Whyteleafe went further ahead before Harris pulled another one back after some determined midfield play by Fletcher. Invicta created many more chances but Whyteleafe scored a final goal late on to flatter the final score.  

Man Of The Match : William Wagstaff

Scorers: Coulstock, Harris 2, Bolam

4/3/07 League

Edenbridge Utd 3 Invicta 1

Tonbridge Invicta visited table topping Edenbridge United for a game played in poor weather conditions. Edenbridge were quick to score when Invicta failed to clear from defence. Invicta competed well from constant Edenbridge pressure and Wagland made some telling defensive headers. Invicta looked dangerous on the counter attack but fell further behind on 30 mins when Edenbridge scored from close range. Just before half time Edenbridge scored a third with the best move of the half.

The second half saw Invicta put Edenbridge under pressure and Bristow and Harris went close before Harris was upended for a penalty that he converted. Invicta made the running and Edenbridge survived a big penalty call when Bristow was sent tumbling in the box. Invicta finished the game strongly but Edenbridge hung on for the win.

Man Of The Match : Freddie Greehy

Scorer : Jack Harris (pen)

18/2/07 League

Beckenham Athletic U13 7 V Tonbridge Invicta U13 ‘A’ 0

When these two sides met earlier in the season it was Invicta who played arguably their best football this season and were comfortable winners. Tables were turned in this game and with Invicta still not firing on all cylinders it was unfortunate to find Beckenham, on their own admission putting in their best performance of the season.

Early exchanges saw chances at both ends before on five minutes the ball was aloud to bounce around in the area and with no pressure being applied to clear it, struck home by Beckenham. It appeared clear from the very vocal response by the home team and their support that they were determined to make up for the previous result.

The game became stretched, with Beckenham’s mobility causing Invicta problems and when a second was conceded midway through the half the decision to play a 4-3-3 was taken.

Direct running by Brad Deadman and Alex Bristow with Jack Harris playing in the hole produced a number of chances, which on another day may have found the net. I felt that if only a goal could be scored the balance of the game could change.

The second half saw Beckenham score from the most acute of angles on two occasions and an overhead kick from the edge of the box !! The four goals in the last seven minutes gave a flattering scoreline although they thoroughly deserved the victory.

Man Of The Match : Will Wagstaff / Jamie Wagland

Darwin U13 2 V Tonbridge Invicta U13 1

Defeat by the odd goal in consecutive weeks and further proof if it were needed that concentration and determination must be maintained throughout the whole game if Invicta are hoping to compete week in week at this higher standard.

Invicta took the lead when Brad Deadman twisted and turned just inside the box before being fouled by a Drawin defender. Jack Harris hit the back of the net with the resulting penalty.

Disappointingly the lead lasted only two minutes because backing off a Darwin player allowed him to pick out his shot from 20yds, unchallenged.

Third minute of the second half produced the winner for Darwin. Again it was not pressurising the ball that enabled a Darwin player to wander into the box, turn onto his left foot and hit a shot through the mass of players in front of him.

Generally a flat performance from both sides, which saw Invicta chasing the game towards in the final stages and not converting numerous chances. A point apiece would have been a fairer result but it was not to be.

Man of The Match : Lewis Davies / Jack Harris

Scorer : Jack Harris (pen)

Tonbridge Invicta U13 A 4 Whyteleafe U13 A 5

Following the previous weeks energetic performance, Invicta continued with their rollercoaster of a season with a performance, which contained a very flat 20 minute spell resulting in a loss to the bottom side in the division.

In the first ten minutes of the game Invicta passed and moved off the ball very well and the signs were good. It was an unfortunate goal that they conceded on ten minutes when a speculative shot found the back of the net with Whyteleafe’s first attack of the game. Despite this the home side responded almost immediately when a Jack Harris drilled cross deflected in off a defender to level the scores.

Whyteleafe played with a very compact shape, which dragged Invicta into the middle of the pitch also, when spreading the play to use the width of the pitch would have been a better option. It was however a slick passing move in the centre of the pitch that ended with Alex Bristow playing a slide rule pass to Jack Harris who finished well from 16 yards. A third goal was adjudged offiside when Alex Bristow again provider crossed for Jack Harris who met it on the volley and hit the roof of the net . . . . shame, as it was a great goal.

All square again at 2-2 when a Whyteleafe forward got behind the flat Invicta defensive lineon 28 minutes.

At half time a couple of changes and the message was to spread the play using the width of the pitch and work hard off the ball to create the space.

A disappointing start to the second half saw Invicta concede three goals without reply and find themselves chasing the game. A switch to three up front and instructions to get the ball to the forwards early produced two fight back goals and for a while it looked as though at least a point would be salvaged. Jamie Wagland and Jack Harris the scorers.

This proves there are no easy games in this division and a high level of performance has to maintained throughout the whole season.

Scorers: Jack Harris 2, Jamie Wagland, OG

Man Of The Match : Jamie Wagland, Brad Deadman

Seymour Villa U13 0 - Tonbride Invicta U13 A 4

Report to follow

Man Of The Match : Aaron Cousltock

Scorers : Aaron Cousltock, Brad Deadman (p), Freddie Greehy, Alex Bristow

Tonbridge Invicta U13 A 1 - Tulse Hill 4

This was a much better performance with everyone showing both physical and mental strength.

The final scoreline is a little flattering to the opposition as Invicta had a number of chances to score, especially in the first half, at the end of which they found themselves 0-1 down.

A touch of fortune with two of the visitors second half goals before Alex Bristow grabbed a thoroughly deserved late consolation goal for Invicta.

Our last three games have been against extremely strong opposition. There were signs in this game that you are coming to terms with opposition of this type and competing. Take the concentration, commitment and physical strength into the next few league games and the results will start to come again.

Man Of The Match : Alex Bristow

Scorer : Alex Bristow

Santley United U13 9 - Tonbridge Invicta U13 A 1

Report to follow but I can't think of anything to write about this game apart from the fact that the result was not ten as reported by the home side, was probably 9 but may even have been 8

Man Of The Match : William Wagstaff / Lewis Davies

Scorer : Aaron Butterworth

Waterloo U13 5 - Tonbridge Invicta U13 A 1

The last game of 2006 for Invicta was a physically tough but entertaining game and with both sides attempting to play football in near perfect conditions, there was much to enjoy. The final scoreline is a little flattering to the home side, who although were the better side, endured periods of determined pressure from Invicta.

When the game eventually kicked off some 25 minutes late, it was Invicta who gained greater possession in their opponents half. It was a shame therefore that it was Waterloo who scored first from a twist and a turn on the edge of the box in the fifth minute. The game plan was to put the opposition's defence under pressure by playing the ball early, making the defenders turn and chase. Once the ball was into the final third we would have a greater chance of creating scoring chances. This was a tactic that was carried out effectively for the remainder of the half. Alex Bolam and Jamie Wagland in the centre of the pitch played such balls and Jack Harris and Aaron Coulstock chased and pressurised and were supported well by the hard working wide midfield players Freddie Greehy and Alex Bristow. A number of chances came and went before an Alex Bolam free kick fell to Harris who hit the roof of the net from 10yards to level the score. A second goal for Waterloo sent them into the break with the advantage.

The first goal of the second half was always going to be the most important of the game and almost immediately after the restart it was claimed by the home side. With the slope against them it was literally going to be an uphill battle to get back into the game. Another goal midway through the half and two in the last five minutes gave the game a one sided look but it was far from that and Invicta can take great encouragement form their performance as there were enough chances to score more and the standard of play was good throughout the entire game.

Congratulations to the whole squad for continuing to improve throughout the whole of 2006. You have raised your game to the higher standard of opposition now faced week to week.

Man Of The Match : Andrew Coulter

Scorer : Jack Harris

SE Elite U13 1 - Tonbridge Invicta A 2

Invicta displayed great character to advance into the third round with a battling performance. Despite having not played for three weeks there was no rustiness to the performance. Instead there were a number of factors that could have effected the away side but they stuck to their task and came away with the win.

Early exchanges were fairly equal, a couple of penalty claims went unrewarded and a great cup tie was on the cards. Lewis Davies showed alertness of his line a number of times to sweep up and save Invicta before on fifteen minutes, Andy Coulter finished from inside the box to take the lead. Invicta continued to have the greater share of the ball but it was Elite who probably posed the greater danger in front of goal. It was no surprise therefore that they levelled five minutes before the break.

A couple of tactical changes at half time to try and cause the opposition a few more problems and with the increasing wind and slope now in their favour the signs were good for the second half. Despite a couple of injuries picked up soon after the restart, Invicta's shape was better. Jack Harris scored to regain the lead on 45 mins and when Alex Bristow gained a penalty for his team, a strange decision to retake it having been successfully converted meant that scoreline remained at 1-2. The remainder of the game was sensibly ushered out to claim the victory that the long journey deserved.

Well done you all battled hard in poor conditions

Man Of The Match : Lewis Davies

Scorers : Andrew Coulter, Jack Harris

Tonbridge Invicta U13 A 12 - Battlebridge 0

Against lower league opposition, Invicta continued their good form and importantly, kept a clean sheet. Scoring five goals in the first five minutes allowed the home side to make a few positional changes and enjoy themselves. Despite a goalkeeping playing centre forward, centre forwards playing in goal and defence, left sided players playing on the right, right sided playing on the left and playing with ten men to match the opposition's ten men, the team somehow managed to keep their shape !!

I won't provide a full match report because this was a useful run out but far from a competitive game. As they say, you can only beat the opposition put in front of you and in front of our team sponsor you certainly did that. Let's give this competition a real go and see if we can invite him to watch us in the final !!

Man Of The Match : Jordan Joseph

Scorers : Jordan Joseph 3, Alex Bristow 2, Aaron Coulstock 2, Jack Harris, Ben Brown, Alex Bolam, Rory Mawdsley and yes . . . . . GK Lewis Davies

Tonbridge Invicta U13 A 6 - Beckenham Athletic 1

Invicta continued their good League form with their best performance so far and are undefeated since the first game of the season. Beckenham Athletic were physical opposition but the home side more than matched them in every area of the pitch. In fairness, the first quarter of the game saw Beckenham in the ascendancy; They could have been two up had it not been for a combination of poor finishing and alert goalkeeping by Lewis Davies.

16 minutes had elapsed when Jack Harris' shot struck the post and Andy Coulter was quickest to react finishing from close range. Invicta then saw out the half taking the advantage into the break. Due to the tight nature of the game, no changes were made at half time, as had originally been planned. This was arguably the right decision as within the first six minutes of the restart Invicta scored three more goals. The first from Aaron Coulstock made perfect of use of a sensible advantage played by the ref after Jamie Wagland was felled in the centre circle. Almost immediately, Aaron turned provider, setting up Jack Harris. When Brad Deadman's audacious shot (cross?) from distance wide on the right hand side hit the back of the net the result was beyond doubt.

A brief glimpse of a spirited fight back by Beckenham resulted in a goal and prevented Invicta from keeping the first League clean sheet of the season. There was no panic and the football continued to be played. On 55 minutes a swift passing move down the left between Freddie Greehy and Jack Harris gained the ground which enabled the cross to be played in to Aaron who finished decisively. The final goal of the game was arguably the best and completed a hat trick for Aaron. Running at speed at the defence caused the necessary panic which resulted in him being 1v1 with the keeper who was rounded skilfully.

A really pleasing performance in which every member of the squad played their part. Closing down and hassling the opposition prevented them from imposing themselves on the game. A couple of players played in a position that I know is not their favourite but it was exactly this that one the game so convincingly.

Scorers : Aaron Coulstock 3, Andrew Coulter, Jack Harris, Brad Deadman

Man Of The Match : Aaron Coulstock for an excellent hat-trick

5/11/06 Tesco Kent Youth Cup 2nd Round

Tonbridge Invicta U13 4 - Thamesview Youth U13 6

Invicta checkout of the Kent Youth Cup with a creditable performance against opposition form the Medway League A Division. Playing opposition of this standard it was clear before the game started that there would be no special offers with every opportunity having to be earned. It was pleasing therefore that pound for pound, on this performance, the teams were fairly equal. The difference between the sides being a little more urgency getting to the ball from Thamesview. (Our willingness to challenge for the ball not just the first time but a second, in all areas of the pitch is something that will be worked on)

After an initial bright start by the home side, it was the opposition who were the first to impose themselves on the game, with much of the early exchanges taking place in Invicta's half. Two goals in the ninth minute set the standard for this high scoring encounter. The first to the home side, a Paul Ansdell Through ball to Alex Bristow whose strong finish from the edge of the box found the top corner. A lack of concentration allowed an immediate equaliser. Midway through the half, strong midfield play from Jamie Wagland created an opportunity for Jack Harris to regain the lead for Invicta. He made no mistake with the finish.

Two (for the price of one) goals conceded meant that it was Thamesview who went into the break with the advantage

The second half started with Invicta on their heels and when a fourth goal went in from distance for the opposition the home side was always chasing the game. Brad Deadman pulled one back from close range soon after entering the game and for a time there was real optimism that Invicta could get on level terms. Hesitancy in the penalty area cost Invicta a fifth but when Aaron Coulstock rounded the keeper and finished well to again get within a goal that optimism returned. Invicta dug in deep and continued to attempt to at least force extra time. Not one head went down which was good to see. The final five minutes saw us down to ten men due to injury and to concede a sixth was perhaps harsh.

You'd have to be off your trolley not to have enjoyed this game. Back to League action next week so let's see if we can bag another win and a couple more points because . . . . . . . . . . . every little helps !!

Scorers : Alex Bristow, Jack Harris, Brad Deadman, Aaron Coulstock

Man Of The Match : Jamie Wagland - extra Club Card points for Jamie's performance today

Stanhope U13 2 - Tonbridge Invicta U13 A 5

For this game, Invicta had only eleven players fit to start the game. This meant a number of players had to play in positions that were new to them, for the greater good of the team. Credit should be given to all players, who produced a committed display of football to claim the victory deserving of the performance.

As soon as the second minute the advantage was claimed when a short corner was played to Alex Bristow who shot from distance and on the angle,finding the far top corner of the goal. Invicta continued to have the greater share of possession, with the back four of Rory Mawdsley, Andrew Coulter, Jamie Wagland and Paul Ansdell dealing with the Stanhope forwards comfortably and allowing goalkeeper Lewis Davies little action.

It wasn't however, until the thirty second minute that the lead was increased. Brad Deadman's shot on the turn from 20 yards gave the keeper no chance.

At half time the message was to keep doing the simple things well and not over play the ball in midfield, instead looking to play the ball wide at every opportunity to stretch the opposition. Before Invicta had chance to put any of this into action, they conceded after a swift passing move unlocked the midfield and defensive line.

Without the luxury of any substitutes, a couple of players picked up knocks but continued to battle for their team mates when on another day, changes could have been made. It was this attitude form the whole team that saw Invicta score three more during a ten minute spell midway through the second half. The first from Aaron Coulstock who opened his league account having shown strength in a number of tackles on the edge of the box to create a shooting chance for himself which he finished well. Jack Harris then finished from a Freddie Greehy cross. Harris then scored the goal of the game when he cut inside from the left hand side leaving two defenders in his trail, then beat another two on the edge of the box before finishing strongly. In between these three, the home side scored once more.

Credit to you all for an enjoyable and disciplined performance

Scorers : Jack Harris 2, Alex Bristow, Aaron Coulstock, Brad Deadman

Man Of The Match : For the second week in a row; a great display of string forward play

Whyteleafe U13 A 2- Tonbridge Invicta U13 A 3

The extremely heavy pitch prevented this from being a game of passing football but Invicta coped best with the conditions to take the points.

Early exchanges provided Invicta with the best chances to score but it wasn't until the 26th minute that the deadlock was broken. A strong run from Aaron Coulstock saw him cut inside from the right hand side, his pass found Jack Harris who's vision allowed him to play the ball on to Freddie Greehy who struck a left foot shot across the face of the keeper and into the far corner. Four minutes later Jamie Wagland's shot from 20 yds was saved but not gathered by the Whyteleafe keeper and Alex Bristow was quickest to the loose ball and finished from close range. A clean sheet again eluded Invicta when they conceded just before half time.

The half time message was to deny the opposition time on the ball in crucial areas of the pitch and to play with more width when in possession. Doing both allowed Invicta to regain the two goal advantage. The ball won in the centre of the pitch was played wide to Alex Bristow who turned provider with a whipped in cross, met at the back post by Jamie Wagland. The away side continued to dominate what was turning into a physical encounter but were unable to convert any of the numerous chances created. When Whyteleafe scored a second towards the end of the game it made for a nervy last five minutes but Invicta held out to claim the victory deserving of the performance.

Scorers : Freddie Greehy, Alex Bristow, Jamie Wagland

Man Of The Match : Jack Harris, for a strong display of forward play

Invicta U13 A 2 - Seymour Villa U13 A 2

Man Of The Match : William Wagstaff & Freddie Greehy

Scorer : Freddie Greehy 2

Tulse Hill U13 7 - Invicta U13 A 1

A late kick off after a lengthy away journey was not ideal preparation for this Cup game but it was the physical strength combined with speed which proved to be the difference between the two sides. Despite this, the scoreline is slightly flattering as errors and hesitancy accounted for at least three of the home side's goals, therefore the league fixtures against this same team should not be feared.

Three minutes into the game Invicta were a goal down. Allowing the ball to be crossed in at pace without putting pressure on the player with the ball resulted in a the ball being met first time by the centre forward. Hesitancy in not dealing with a ball played in behind the back four resulted in a second goal on seven minutes. Invicta then settled and for the majority of the first half matched their opponents, showing great tenacity. It was disappointing therefore that two minutes before the break it was again indecisiveness that led to a third.

A hammer blow of a goal almost directly from the restart and Invicta were 4 down. Despite this it was encouraging to see not one head drop and again for periods of the second half the game was reasonably even. it was the pace and movement of the home side that stretched Invicta and the space created was exploited twice more. In between the sixth and seventh goals, a deserved consolation was struck by Freddie Greehy who struck an early shot from the the edge of the box past the advancing keeper.

Not the compactness and shape today. Tulse Hill are a good side but we made them look a little better than they may actually be.

Man Of The Match : Andy Coulter for an energetic and dependable display as always

Scorer : Freddie Greehy

Invicta U13 A 3 - Bearstead U13 0

Invicta's first venture into the Kent Youth Cup saw them raise their game to provide a patient and controlled performance which sees them safely into the second round of this prestigious competition. Playing on the larger pitch at Swanmead, the home side made better use of the extra space to stretch the opposition and create chances, resulting in a comfortable 3-0 win.

From the whistle Invicta were in the ascendancy, some neat passing moves creating scoring opportunities which didn't find the back of the net. Despite which Invicta remained calm and continued to play the better football, which was rewarded in the 23rd minute; Jack Harris collected the ball on the edge of the box, threaded his way through three defenders and smashed a rising shot into the roof of the net.

The second half continued as the first with Invicta playing a patient game with excellent support for the player in possession. An Alex Bolam corner was guided into the net by a combination of Bearstead GK and defender to make it two and when a Paul Ansdell reverse pass played in Jamie Wagland on the edge of the box, he finished well to put the game beyond doubt.

The scoreline could have been greater with little troubling the Invicta defence and a great display from the opposition's keeper maintaining a respectable score.

Well done to the whole squad for a mature display. The back four covered well for each other, Lewis was commanding in goal and quick of his line to spot danger. The midfield were compact and quick to close down when defending and spread the play well when in possession.

Man Of The Match : Alex Bristow - for an energetic and productive performance

Scorers : Jack Harris, Jamie Wagland, OG

Invicta U13 A 0 - Edenbridge U13 2

Against an Edenbridge side who probably fancy themselves as title contenders, an Invicta side depleted by the absence of four key players due to injury, holiday and sickness, provided a performance from which there can be many positives.

The home side started the brighter with the early exchanges taking place in the Edenbridge half. It took Edenbridge 10-15 minutes before they started causing problems for Invicta. The attacks coming from their pacey right sided players who were getting to the goal line and getting the crosses in with regularity. Just before the end of a fairly even first half a corner dropping on the six yard line was met by an unchallenged Edenbridge head which guided the ball into the back of the net. Disappointingly Invicta went into the break 0-1 down.

The final goal came five minutes into the half and was from a shot from the edge of the area which dipped and swerved, deceiving goalkeeper for the day Jack Harris. Towards the end of the game Invicta tried to get the ball to the front line quicker. Brad Deadman and Alex Bristow gave everything they had but the goal didn't come. Invicta had their fair share of possession in the second half but were unable to create any clear chances and occasionally lost the ball too easily in important areas of the pitch.

A good game of football against a team who on the day probably just deserved the points.

Man Of The Match : Jake Leigh who showed great commitment in his new role at right back

Invicta U13 A 3  Chipstead U13's 0

Invicta continued to show good form in the second of their pre season games, in what turned out to be a tougher test than their previous game. Chipstead were a well organised and compact team with the home side having to work hard to create scoring opportunities. Despite which, the scoreline could have been greater with a number of shots not finding the net and the away side restricted to only a handful of clear chances.

Goals from Rory Mawdsley from distance and Alex Bristow in the first half and Brad Deadman in the second were supported well by the whole squad who continued to work hard for each other and kept a compact shape throughout the whole game.

Invicta U13's 6 V Six-In-One U13's 2

With the arrival of 4 new players to strengthen last season's championship winning squad, there was a fresh look to Invicta for this local derby with 6-in-One and it was the team that played the better football that won the game.

Despite going a goal down early in the game, Invicta stuck to their task and allowed their game to do the talking. Intelligently using the width of the new home pitch to spread the opposition, goals from Brad Deadman, Freddie Greehy, Jamie Wagland and Jack Harris were scored without reply before the break. The team left the pitch at half time to applause from the home support.

For the second period, there were a a number of changes and despite a more physical and determined approach from the opposition the home side rarely looked in trouble. The back four remained strong and a compact shape gave little meaningful possession to 6-in-1. A second goal for Deadman and a debut goal from Sam Taylor completed the scoring before a late second from the away side spoilt what some may consider would have been the perfect scoreline (6-1 V 6-in-1).

A very good pre-season result. It is important to maintain the attitude and form displayed in this game and take it into the League fixtures.