Sunday 12th February 2006

Scorers:
Willers 25, 60, 68
Hermitage 28

Half Time 2 - 0

Man of the Match:
Ollie Leigh – Making his first start after a number of impressive second half appearances, Ollie took his opportunity well with a sound, solid no nonsense display with a excellent contribution amongst Invicta’s impressive back line.

In a dress rehearsal for the League Trophy semi-final in 3 weeks time, Invicta came out on top in this league encounter to keep up their challenge for title honours against a formidable Addington side who gave the home side their biggest test to date in 2006.

Playing with 10 men for the opening 20 minutes, Addington started very brightly and pushed Invicta back in their own half for most of the opening 10 minutes, but had only one fierce shot to worry Kinderman who gathered at the second attempt.

Invicta’s best chance fell to Teddy who outpaced the full back but blasted over from 8 yards. Addington were picking up most of the second ball in the centre of midfield as Nicholls and Poore took time to settle into a passing game.

Invicta eventually settled and as Addington returned to their full compliment, Willers was making in roads behind the back line despite the close attention of the centre half. A fine save denied Willers before he got clear and finished with a low drive on 25 mins to give Invicta a deserved lead. It was quickly 2-0 after Willers shot was well saved and Hermitage tucked away the rebound.

A lively 2 minutes ensued as a tackle on Teddy resulted in retaliation and both players were rightly booked by some appropriate officiating from Bill Dack. With tempers high, Teddy was substituted to calm him down giving Hinson an opportunity to impress and to avoid any immediate repeat on the field matters down as the game approached half time.

The second half required Invicta to remain solid at the back with a clean sheet the target and credit again this week to full backs Freke and Whittome who denied any space behind them leaving Leigh and Thompson to deal with the central threat.

Despites words not to get involved, within 2 minutes of the re-start Nicholls and his opposite number were both booked and Mr Dack made sure both captains were aware of how any any future misconducts in the game would be dealt with.

The football returned and with possession 50/50 for most of the half it was clear the next goal was going to be crucial. Fine play by Nicholls put Willers through and having got passed one defender, drove the ball home under the advancing keeper. Addington heads fell a little at that point and the game was closed out when Willers completed his hat trick, (his third in 3 games) scored a fine solo effort picking the ball up on the halfway line and saw off 3 challenges and finished low into the corner of the net.

With both sides short of their full compliment, the next encounter on a less slippery surface may prove a different game, yet it will be as equally competitive between two very able footballing sides.

Next week, Invicta host an improving Addiscombe Corinthians who Invicta narrowly beat 1-0 in December.