Sunday 19th February 2006

Scorers:
Hermitage 1, 6
Willers 21

Half Time 1 - 3

Man of the Match:
Glen Nicholls - Stood out with a performance full of running and always looking to get on the ball and make things happen for Invicta.

Invicta went into this game with four players unavailable, giving the other thirteen squad members the chance to claim a place in the starting line up for next weeks semi final. With two points at stake and Invicta always finding Coulsdon a difficult team to overcome, this game was no different.

On a bitterly cold morning and the wind blowing up a very uneven pitch, Invicta found themselves playing into the wind in the first period and were out the blocks by going ahead inside the first minute when Nicholls put Mason clear and his shot was parried for Hermitage to slot home from six yards with barely 30 seconds gone.

It was 2-0 on 6 minutes when Teddy was bundled over in the box and Hermitage netted the penalty having missed his last two. Coulsdon were bold with their attacking play as they pushed 3 and 4 players up on a regular basis to try and get onto the long ball over the top. Their ambition did finally play off on 19 mins as D Scott beat Kinderman with a low drive.

Invicta responded quickly and good work again from Nicholls saw Willers through on goal and he finished very smartly in the corner on 21 mins.

The conditions were difficult for a passing game and both defences were simply having to clear up the final pass.

With Invicta 3-1 up at the break, a solid second period was needed to keep Coulsdon at bay and take the chances at the other end. The period was largely uneventful with a injury to Teddy a concern ahead of next weeks game. Coulsdon’s best effort was well saved by Kinderman and Thompson went close with a header from a Nicholls corner.

In summary, an efficient performance from Invicta who were able to rotate the players from the bench and take the 2 points to keep them ahead of the chasing pack.

Next week, Invicta host Addington Palace in the League Trophy semi-final at Swanmead with a 10.30am kick off.

League table