Date: 4th December 2005

Scorers:
Willers 8, Hermitage 17, Holmes 66, Poore 76

Half Time 0 - 2

Man of the Match:
Andrew Phillips - Andrew continued his good form with another battling midfield display winning back the ball on numerous occasions and making sure the Invicta defence were well protected.

Invicta went to bottom of the table Wickham Wanderers knowing this would be no easy stroll and it certainly turned out that way as Wickham showed tremendous spirit, especially after losing their goal keeper at the start of the second half and never gave up on this game.

Choosing to kick up the slope in the first half, Invicta were under pressure from the off and Wickham went close from a header in the opening period. Parsons coming in at left back to allow French to occupy the left side of midfield for the injured Teddy needed to keep a watchful eye on the home sides pacey winger.

Invicta were able to release the pressure with their first attack when an impressive Whittome slid a through ball to Willers who beat the offside trap and calmly rounded the keeper in the 8th minute.

Thompson and Barnett were still the busier of the central defenders, but were very solid in their determination to keep another clean sheet. French and Parsons changed positions and both looked more comfortable as the game settled. Invicta’s second was a touch fortuitous as Willers closed down the home defence and his back pass put the keeper under pressure and his clearance was blocked by Hermitage who had the easiest of tap ins to make it 2-0.

Wickham were playing a dangerous game with the offside trap and Willers did get through again but a tame shot was well saved as the game reached the half way point.

Barnett and Poore made way for Leigh and Holmes in the second period to keep the squad rotation going and with the first attack Willers chased a Mason through ball and accidentally collided with the keeper who sustained a leg injury and was unable to continue.

Invicta with the slope were building up the pressure and chances fell to Hermitage and Mason whose deep run saw an excellent save with his feet from the deputising keeper. Parsons now playing wide right, got forward and with only the keeper to beat, hit it straight at him.

Hinson and the returning Nicholls replaced Hermitage and Mason and it was from Hinsons corner on 66 mins that was headed on by Phillips and Holmes was on hand the volley home. The game was starting to stretch as more space became available but with Phillips keeping Invicta’s shape in the middle, the defensive four had their own goal of keeping the clean sheet and only endured one scare before the end when Thompson was able to recover and Kinderman made a comfortable save from the hard working Wickham captain Steve Tye.

There was still time for Nicholls to make it 4-0 but he blasted over from 10 yards out with the goal at his mercy. On 76 mins Poore showed him how it was done as he was put through by Barnett and drove a low shot passed the keeper.

Overall this was an efficient display from Invicta without the flowing football they have been able to produce in recent weeks. Invicta maintain 2nd position and host Eversley Rangers next week who they beat 3-2 earlier in the season having been 2-0 down so once again a real test is expected.

Leading Scorers:
Tom Willers 11
Chris Hermitage 7
Matt Thompson 4