Date: 18th September 2005

Scorers:
Invicta - Willers 15, Hermitage 25, Thompson 39, Mason 60
Addington - Unknown 55, Omeofe 70

Half Time: 3 - 0

Man of the Match: Ollie Leigh – a strong and organised defensive display that ensured Invicta held a clean sheet in the first period and built the platform from which they went on to secure their first win of the season.

Invicta U16s promoted to division C of the Tandridge League were up against last season's South division champions Addington Palace whom they lost to by the odd goal in their two matches last time around.

A physical encounter was expected and a disciplined approach was required to keep focused on the football, which Invicta did very well indeed along with a good refereeing performance from Mike Laxton.

A scrappy opening saw both sides create half chances before a free kick by Mason saw Tom Willers and the keeper challenging for the cross and Willers came off the better to open his account for the season on 15 mins.

Addington were firing in plenty of shots from long range which Kinderman saved comfortably, though he had to be alert and smother a couple of through balls. The centre of defence saw Leigh & Barnett holding the line well and forcing Addington wide with their forward play.

The second goal was an opportunist effort after Willers tussled for a through ball that fell to Hermitage who slotted home from 18 yards on 25 mins.

The game continued to ebb and flow with Addington dominating possession up to half time as Thompson and Phillips spread themselves too thinly in the middle of the park, but Jack Freke was having a fine debut at left back for Invicta and snuffed out any attacks down his side and also making good use of the ball from the defensive positions.

Addington did have a goal disallowed for offside, however the key moment of the game came on the stroke of half time when an Addington clearance fell to Thompson who hit a fine shot low into the corner to make it 3-0 at half time, a score line that reflected Invicta’s finishing quality as much as their dogged and determined defending.

With options on the bench, Invicta remain unchanged at the start of the second half with the aim of thwarting any early pressure from Addington. This went to plan as Phillips and Thompson regained midfield control and set up opportunities for Willers who was twice denied by last ditch tackles, claims for a penalty by Willers were denied. Mason & Parsons were combining better on the Invicta right as the second period progressed.

Hinson replaced Holmes on the left as Addington pushed more men forward and they gave themselves a lifeline when Invicta failed to clear and despite claims for handball the Addington forward made it 3-1 on 60 mins.

The response from Invicta was positive and they looked to attack at every opportunity. The 3 goal gap was restored when Hermitage was fouled 20 yards out and Mason who saw one free kick in the first period fly over the bar dispatched a delightful curler in the top left hand corner giving the keeper no chance.

Whittome replaced the injured Willers on 65 and Invicta went about protecting their lead. Addington pulled a second back with 10 mins to go when a fine run down Invicta’s right saw Omeofe cut in and slide the ball past the advancing Kinderman.

Taylor replaced the tiring Hermitage on 70 mins and Invicta saw through the game to secure a winning start to this campaign.

Invicta’s manager was delighted with the teamwork and application by the players in the game and to see four different players on the score sheet bodes well for the rest of the season. Invicta take on Hamsey Rangers next week at Swanmead in what will be another competitive and close game.

Once again, there was an excellent show of support from the parents, who were equally delighted with the boys performance and individual contributions. My apologies to Simon & Steve for forgetting the flask of hot coffee in the kit bag. I have been drinking it all afternoon!