Sunday 5th February 2006

Scorers:
Invicta - Willers (32, 38, 65, 75), Poore (6), Nicholls (13)

Half Time: 4 - 1

Man of the Match:
Tom Willers - Four goals making it 25 for the season and once again a real handful for the opposition's defence. His 4th goal beating 4 players was delight to watch.

Invicta reached the semi final stage of the league Trophy after a convincing win over Wickham Wanderers on a fine morning for football. With Tom Willers hitting the post inside the first sixty seconds Invicta’s intent was clear from the off and the only surprise was it took six minutes to open the scoring after both Willers and Poore missed a further 3 golden opportunities.

A good interception and pass by Barnett, sent Poore on his way and he outpaced the defence to finish inside the box for 1-0. Invicta’s second came from a free kick 25 yards out that Nicholls struck and a wicked deflection wrong footed the keeper to make it 2-0 on 13 minutes.

Wickham were working hard as a team and still gave Invicta plenty to think about with their pace up front. Further chances to seal the game fell to Invicta’s front two, but some rushed finishing and good goalkeeping kept Wickham in the game. This became a problem when a long ball was allowed to bounce and the Wickham attacker lobbed Kinderman and it was 2-1 despite Thompsons attempts to clear.

Parsons and Nicholls were proving effective in the Invicta midfield and ensuring a good supply of ball was fed to the front pair as well as Teddy on the Invicta left who was making a solid contribution to the game.

The game was fairly open and eventually Willers found the net when Barnett again put the ball through and with the keeper blocking the first effort Willers followed up to net his first of the game. Just before half time it was 4-1 as Willers found space inside the box and shot home from 12 yards.

Hermitage and Leigh came on at half time for Barnett and Mason as Invicta ensured Wickham were given little opportunity to get back in the game. When they did break the back line, Kinderman was alert to the danger.

It was not until the last 15 mins that Invicta added to the scoreline with Willers getting his hat trick from a Hermitage through ball on 65 and a great solo effort from Willers dribbling passed 4 defenders and blasting home from 12 yards sealed an emphatic performance. Invicta had the luxury of missing a penalty when Hermitage blasted over after Willers was brought down.

Once again a solid defensive foundation with Freke and Whittome looking comfortably at full back and a more solid central midfield partnership allowed Invicta to build and create the chances today and progress to a semi final that will prove a difficult test if they wish to make the final in late April.

Next week, Invicta host 4th place Addington Palace in a tough league game.