Date: 25th September 2005

Scorers:
Invicta: Thompson 2, Hermitage 35
Addington: Unknown 20

Half Time: 2 - 1

Man of the Match: Matt Thompson – a few candidates this week but a strong disciplined and tireless display from the captain Thommo ensured Invicta made it two wins on the spin. His early goal settled the home side and never allowed Hamsey to settle into their passing game in the centre of midfield.

Having seen off last season's South division champions Addington Palace last week, Invicta under 16s were up against Hamsey Rangers, also promoted from the South division, and another team that did the double over Invicta last season. A fair and competitive footballing encounter with little to choose between the sides was expected on the day and so it was proved.

Invicta made one change to last week's starting line up with Whittome replacing the rested Parsons and Teddy Hallford-Nye returning from injury on the bench.

As the rain clouds disappeared and the blue sky spread over Swanmead, Invicta were quick out the blocks and in their first meaningful attack, a cross from Macey was only partly cleared and Thompson was on hand to hit a low drive into the bottom left hand corner after only 2 minutes.

The game soon settled with both sides having equal possession, Hamsey’s threat was predominantly down Invicta’s left and Holmes was finding himself pegged back with Freke again showing his value to the team with some solid defending.

Hamsey were seeing more of the ball as Invicta tried to find their front men and the pressure brought a series of corners that Kinderman, Leigh and Thompson had to deal with on separate occasions. Hamsey could not force the equaliser and Invicta had two good chances to go further ahead when Thompson squeezed between the defender and goalkeeper but his strike went agonisingly wide. Hermitage was then gifted a ball from a goal kick but his lob also went wide.

On 20 minutes Hamsey netted the equaliser when an otherwise solid performance from Barnett saw him miscue his clearance and the Hamsey number 8 latched onto the ball and finished very well giving Kinderman no chance. Shortly after the same player found space on the right and hit a curling drive that came off the post and was cleared.

Invicta got themselves together and a strong finish to the half saw Hermitage get clear from a Leigh pass and lob the advancing keeper from 25 yards to make it 2-1 at the break.

With options on the bench, Invicta introduced Ted Hallford-Nye for his debut at left midfield for the steady Holmes and Parsons at right back for the improving Whittome. Both players were keen to prove their worth in the second period and contribute to another victory.

The second period saw a lot of effort and energy from both sides but the defences were both very effective with Invicta’s Leigh and Barnett forming a good understanding in the centre.

The introduction of Parsons saw some fine link up play with Macey and Willers down the Invicta right and a free kick from Macey almost gave Teddy his first goal as he raced in at the far post.

Hinson came on after 60 minutes with Teddy pushing up front to add some extra pace to the front line as Phillips and Thompson started consolidating in midfield.

A contentious moment occurred on 70 minutes when a long ball over the top saw Kinderman come off his line and instinctively spread himself and deflect he ball away. After the ball was cleared to the other end of the pitch, appeals that the keeper was outside his box resulted in consultation between the linesman and referee and Hamsey were awarded a free kick on the edge of the box.

Fortunately for Invicta the strike at goal went over and Invicta survived. Taylor replaced the tiring Teddy on 70 mins and Invicta saw through the game to secure a winning home start to this campaign.

Invicta’s manager was delighted with the overall team effort and understanding of their individual roles. In terms of possession a draw might have been a fair result, but we did create the better chances over the 80 minutes. The second half performance from Tom Parsons was the best he had seen for a long time in terms of attitude, purpose and effectiveness.

Thank you for the show of support from the parents and family members and a big thank you to Sarah Thompson for providing the boys with the Mars Bars.

Well done to Steve Mason and Kevin “honest” Phillips for running both the lines and John Holmes the unenviable task of refereeing.

Next week, away vs Eversley Rangers – West Wickham direction – please check emails and web site for full details.

P.S. Rangers won away and Chelsea conceded!!