2007-8 Match Reports

Aylesford 2 v 3 Tonbridge Invicta — by Tony Hermitage — last modified 2008-04-13 19:12

Tom Willers was the hero as Invicta twice came from behind to grab all 3 points with a 87th minute winner from the leagues leading goalscorer, which also gave him his hat trick. In a very close encounter Aylesford took a deserved lead on 30 mins with a fine chip from the right winger in a very even first period. Invicta were given a strong talking to at hal ftiem and were level within a minute of the restart when Hermitage crossed to Willers and he clamly cut inside the defender and netted his first. Aylesford continued to play and a mistake by Faulkner allowed the home side to retake the lead with the softest of goals on the hour mark. Invicta themselves were gifted a goal when the keepr and defender hesistated and allowed willers to rol the balll into an empty net. Both teams then went for the winner going close at both ends, but with 3 mins plus injury time on the clock, Thompson won the ball in midfield and found Willers who lobbed the keeper to make it 3-2. Invicta had to work very hard for this win and may feel a little fortuitoius to take all 3 points but they showed great character and determination to hold onto top spot. MoM went to Tom Willers for the goals but well done to Jamie Mason who gave an impressive display in the centre of midfield.

MPE 2 v 4 Tonbridge Invicta — by Tony Hermitage — last modified 2008-03-30 18:49

Invicta were made to work hard for this victory over a good footballing side and had their keeper James Faulkner to thank at the break after 3 excellent 1 on 1 saves. A neatly worked goal inside 5 mins gave the home side the lead and acted as a wake up call to the visitors. The equaliser came on 15 mins when Andy whittome won the ball inside his own half fed Hermitage who turned and put Willers through who held off two defenders to chip the keeper. Faulkner then made two terrific saves to keep the scores level. On the half hour Holmes was fouled and Hermitage drove the ball across the box for Thompson to run onto and fire home. The returning Mason took a blow to the head shortly after and had to be replaced at the break after a good half hours display. The second period saw Invicta with the greater posession with Edmeads dominating the middle of the park and Teddy making some positives runs down the left one of which he set up Edmeads who blasted home from 12 yards. The game was effectively closed out when Willers grabed his second after a goalmouth scramble on 70 mins. More chances were created at both ends in the final 20 minutes and MPE scored their second in injury time from a corner. A much improved performance from last week but all areas of Invicta's game will need to be on song when they meet Larkfield in the Cup Final. MOM went to Matt Thompson for an excellent defensive display.

Tonbridge Invicta 7 v 0 Senacre Dolphins — by Tony Hermitage — last modified 2008-03-23 21:19

Invicta would have been happy with this scoreline at the start of play against a side whose results have improved in recent weeks, but the with the visitors only having 9 players for the game, it turned into a farce by the end with Senacre finishing the game with 7 men, after 2 players were sent off for violent conduct along with the Invicta keeper James Faulkner after reacting to being punched and kicked. Credit to the referee and the Invicta players for keeping their control and discipline in such circumstances to see the game through to the end.. Reece Dangerfield opened the scoring and Hermitage and Thompson made it 3-0 at the break. The second half saw Invicta dominate but the quality of the football was poor. Two penatlies were awarded that Nicholls and Holmes finished well with Reece netting his second and Teddy also getting on the scoresheet to make it 7-0. Hopefully the remaining games for Invicta this season can be played against teams wanting to play football.

Tonbridge Invicta 4 v 1 Wateringbury — by Tony Hermitage — last modified 2008-03-09 19:13

Invicta won the game comfortably in the end but were not at their best against a team who played a lot better than their league position suggests and gave 100% effort throughout the 90 minutes. Invicta went ahead on 20 mins when Holmes cleared from his own box before linking up with Hermitage to set up Edmeads whose first strike hit the bar but was quickest to follow up for his 14th goal of the season. It was 2-0 on the half hour when Edmeads put Hermitage through and his selfish pass to Dangerfield saw him finish neatly from 8 yards. Wateringbury pulled one back right on hal f time with an excellent strike from wide left that gave Faulkner no chance. The opening 10 mins of the second period saw Wateringbury push for an equaliser and it was only when Teddy an Josh Poore joined the game that Invicta regained the initiative and when a free kick was awarded for a foul on Teddy, Mase curled in a beauty after 65 mins. The 4th came when Hermitage again proved provider and Teddy shot from 18 yards was too good for the keeper. A good performance from Chris Austin who worked tirelessly in the middle of the park. Overall Invicta had enough on the day but will need to sharpen up for next week top of the table clash v Blue Eagles.

Tonbridge Invicta 2 v 1 Bredhurst Village — by Tony Hermitage — last modified 2008-03-02 20:04

Invicta met Bredhurst for the third time this season and once again it proved a very close game, played in an excellent spirit and for Invicta an important win in their challenge on the MML U18 Div 1 title. Invicta started very brightly and created 3 good chances in the first ten minutes with Dangerfield having the best but blasted over from 8 yards. Poore and Edmeads were seeing plenty of the ball in the midfield but it was the final pass that lacked quality. Bredhurst always looked dangerous on the break, attacking with pace and gave the Invicta back line a really testing afternoon. Invicta finally broke through on 35 mins when Stengel and Hermitage combined on the left and his cross was flicked on by Dangerfield and when Holmes shot was well saved by the keeper, the ball fell to Dangerfield and he netted from 4 yards. The second period again started well for Invicta and when Willers pass found Poore making a deep run from midfield he went one on one with the keeper who made a fine save from his first effort but the rebound fell nicely and Poore tapped into an empty net for his first of the season on 55 mins. Bredhurst kept battling and playing their football and as Invicta could not get a third to seal the win more belief came into Bredhurst and only a fine save from Faulkner denied them a goal from a fine free kick. Further chances followed as the Invicta defence was put under tremendous pressure with Freke, Phillips, Whittome and Stengel all called upon to make last ditch tackles. Finally on 85 mins a goal came with a neat one two and after 4 clean sheets it was Bredhurst who last breached the Invicta defence in the Cup semi final and certainly deserved a goal for their efforts in this game. Invicta held on in the last 5 nervy minutes, for the three points.

Tonbridge Invicta 0 v 0 Larkfield FC — by Tony Hermitage — last modified 2008-02-24 19:31

Todays game was the first meeting of 3 over the next 2 months as this dress rehearsal for the Cup Final had expectations of a tight game, it did not disappoint. Defences were largely on top, with Larkfield looking the stronger in the first period but unable to break though. Whittome, Nicholls, Freke and Teddy did enough to keep Larkfield's superior possession to half chances with Faulkner alert to any breaches in the back line. The second period saw Invicta come into the game more and both Dangerfield and Willers started to threaten with Teddy causing problems by running at the Larkfield defence. The best chance of the game came when Dangerfield unselfishly slipped in Willers one on one with the keeper who made an excellent save to deny a certain goal. A late chance fell to Holmes but again the keeper was very quick off his line to block the shot. Whittome cleared a header off the line and Faullkner had to tip over a fine curling effort late on. A fair result on the day with Whittome and Dangerfield putting in excellent performances. The end result will have suited rivals Castle Colts and Blue Eagles but there is still a long way to go before the title is decided.

Tonbridge Invicta 1 v 0 Leybourne — by Tony Hermitage — last modified 2008-02-10 18:47

With Edmeads and Stengel on Man U duty, Thompson suspended and Huartson on long term injury, Invicta welcomed back Josh Poore to the squad for a game that proved as tight as the scoreline suggested. Chances were at a premium as both defences dominated in the first period. Invicta's best chance fell to Dangerfield on 35 mins but he shot wide after good work from Willers. Teddy and Hermitage were combining well on the left but the final ball to the front two was not quite there from the midfield quartet. Leybourne were competing well and showed why they were giving all the top teams a close game. The breakthrough came 5 mins in to the second half when Holmes fed Willers and he dribbled his way to the by line and set up Hermitage to blast home from 6 yards. Leybourne pushed on and despite leaving gaps at the back Willers and Dangerfield could not secure a second goal. That left Whittome, Freke and Phillips to hold firm at the back, with Teddy deputising at left back playing well in Thomo's boots. Despite some late scares Invicta held on with Freke making some great blocks to avoid Faulkner having to perform any heroics. This was a very hard earnt win and the return fixture will be no easier at Cobdown

Tonbridge Invicta 3 v 0 Addington — by Tony Hermitage — last modified 2008-02-06 18:01

Three goals in a 10 minute spell mid way through the first period was enough to seal the 3 points for Invicta. The visitors started brightly and Faulkner made a fine save to tip a shot around the post when the scores were level. Chris Hermitage should have scored on 10 mins when he beat the offside trap but put his shot wide of the far post. As Invicta pushed forward, good work from Phillips and a much improved Teddy set up Hermitage whose shot was parried and Jack Edmeads tapped home on 19 mins. It was soon 2-0 when Edmeads cut in from the right and with Teddy about to strike on goal the ball was intercepted and flew in the back of the net via the defender. With Addington losing their shape Teddy took full advantage when a through ball from Phillips set him free and despite a good block from the keeper, Teddy (right footed) finished it off from 8 yards. Invicta's defence were still having to work with Whittome and Nicholls having excellent games. The second period saw Invicta with most of the possession but unable to break through with the final pass missing its intended target. The best chance fell to Dangerfield when Willers pulled it back but the ball was blasted over from 6 yards. With Invicta in control Addington were becoming a little frustrated and credit to all the Invicta players for their control and discipline to get the job done.

Larkfield Boys 0 v 11 Tonbridge Invicta — by Tony Hermitage — last modified 2008-01-27 19:00

As the scoreline suggests this was a one sided affair after Invicta had taken a grip on the game by the half way stage. 4-0 up at the break with Tom Willers scoring a hat trick and an excellent free kick from Jack Edmeads. It was not until 20 minutes into the 2nd period that Jack Edmeads netted Invicta's 5th that Invicta dominated and both Hermitage and Dangerfield both netted twice with a deep run from Matt Thompson saw him finish at the second attempt. Willers rounded things of with his 4th of the game and 22nd of the season. MoM went to Jack Edmeads for his contribution in the build up play towards the goals. The clean sheet was also well earnt with Jack Freke and Andrew Whittome ensuring Larkfield strikers were kept at bay and allowing Faulkner an easier afternoon.

Tonbridge Invicta 2 v 1 Bredhurst Village - Cup Semi Final — by Tony Hermitage — last modified 2008-01-20 19:24

Invicta U18’s reach Final Faulkner excels as Hermitage strike puts Invicta on the way to the Final Tonbridge Invicta U18’s reached the final of the Maidstone Minor league Cup, (the Ron Hamer trophy) with a narrow 2-1 victory over Bredhurst Village at Larkfield today. Two second half goals from Chris Hermitage and Jack Edmeads sealed the win, but Invicta man of the match was James Faulkner who made a string of superb saves to keep the tie alive after Invicta went behind. Invicta with a full squad of 16 available for the tie, lost Luke Huartson in the warm up as his knee had not fully recovered. Matt Thompson returned from his one match suspension and the side that did so well v Castle Colts formed the starting line up. Invicta made a bright opening with Tom Willers going close but Bredhurst were clearly up for this game and were quicker in the tackle and more creative in their attacking options. Nicholls and Freke had to make challenge after challenge as Thompson and Stengel found the attacking width of Bredhurst a real threat. When they did get through Faulkner was at his best to deny the opposition; a shot low to his left being the pick of 3 vital saves in the first period. It was no surprise when Bredhurst went ahead on 35 mins with a fine turn and shot into the corner. Leading scorer Tom Willers was being well, marshalled and despite some fine runs was never able to get his shot away. Half time proved a relief to Invicta. The second period saw Whittome replace Teddy as Invicta started winning a share of the 50:50 tackles and found themselves in more possession of the ball. Mason replaced a Stengel and the influence of Edmeads began to take shape as more space became available in the middle of the park. Both Phillips and Thompson had good attempts on goal, but it was from a throw in that Edmeads flicked on and Holmes won the next challenge, which saw the ball fall to Hermitage and he crashed a volley over the keeper from just inside the box. 1-1 with an hour gone. This certainly lifted Invicta’s work rate and the game became more open as both sides looked for a winner. A point blank save from Faulkner again denied Bredhurst as they won a series of corners. Invicta’s second goal came on 75 mins when Phillips found his shooting boots and as his shot bounced off the bar, Edmeads coolly slotted home to make it 2-1. Invicta could not kill the game off as Bredhurst pushed on with numerous tackles and headers being won by the Invicta defence to see the game through. A much improved performance from Invicta in the second period but this game could easily have gone either way without the hands and body of James Faulkner!

Castle Colts 2 v 4 Tonbridge Invicta — by Tony Hermitage — last modified 2008-01-06 18:48

Invicta inflicted a first league defeat on Castle Colts with a 4-2 win that sees them climb to 3rd place in the league. In an enthralling encounter that was a credit to both sides, there was little to choose between the teams for the first hour, with Invicta taking the honours in the final third of the game. Colts were quicker out the blocks and penned Invicta back for the opening skirmishes, but it was Invicta’s first attack that enabled them to take the lead. A great block in the Invicta box by Holmes and winning a second challenge saw the ball break to Edmeads who carried the ball up field, fed Hermitage who slipped Holmes through 1v1 with the keeper and despite a fine save, Edmeads slammed home the rebound. Colts came straight back and forced a series of corners that Invicta struggled to deal with, but Faulkner remained untroubled. The deserved equaliser came on 20 mins when a long ball from Colts own half put the home side no 11 through and a very cool finish made it 1-1. The game continued to ebb and flow with Phillips and Edmeads beginning to even things up in the middle of the park as Teddy and Holmes found themselves doing more defending than attacking in the wide midfield positions. Invicta went 2-1 up on 25 mins, when Willers picked up the ball wide on the right and reached the by-line and his cross was met by Teddy who despite the efforts of the keeper the ball crossed the line. Back came Colts with a fine save from Faulkner who tipped the ball onto the post from a point blank header and collected the rebound, a long range shot also hit the bar. With half time approaching Invicta were under real pressure and again the no 11 got behind the Invicta defence and an even better finish made it 2-2. There was still time for another attack and when Faulkner brought down a Colts attacker in first half injury time, it looked like Invicta would go into the break 2-3 down. The penalty missed the target and Invicta escaped. The second period saw the game open up as both teams were going for more goals. Chances fell at both ends with Faulkner making a superb save from a near post header and spreading himself to deny another scoring opportunity for the home side. The league’s leading goal scorer Tom Willers started to come alive and he was causing all sorts of problems in the home defence and his good work saw the ball fall to Edmeads but he shot straight at the keeper who held on well. The important break through came on 70 minutes when Holmes fed Willers and having beaten two defenders, seemed to take too long but cheekily lobbed the keeper from 12 yards. Invicta were now fighting to win every ball as they sensed victory could be achieved and both Nicholls and Freke in the centre of defence refused to be beaten. Edmeads was getting on the ball more and more and the extra possession took the heat out the game and frustrated the home side, as they could not get into the Invicta box. The game should have been sealed when Edmeads fired wide with the goal at his mercy, but shortly after the prolific Willers hit his 18th of the season firing into the top left hand corner on 80 mins. Invicta safely played out the final 10 mins to secure a vital 3 points. Credit to all 13 players who produced an excellent all round performance with Mozza Holmes earning man of the match for his overall contribution in defence and attack and thoroughly deserving a run in the team.

Addington 1 v 2 Tonbridge Invicta — by Tony Hermitage — last modified 2007-12-31 09:32

Invicta's final game of 2007 ended in a narrow victory coutesy of two second half goal from Chris Hermitage and the leagues leading goalscorer Tom Willers, his 16th of the season. 1-0 down at the break there was little to choose between the teams with space on a small pitch proving a premium. Few chances of note were created in the opening half and Addington scored on the half hour after hesitation between Austin and Faulkner inside the box. The second period saw Invicta step up the pace and created the better chances and relief came on the hour when Thompson and Edmeads combined to set up Hermitage who netted from 8 yards. A strike from Holmes was denied by a fine save and Dangerfield struck the bar before a flick on from Edmeads fell to Willers and he prodded the ball home from 6 yards. The home side pushed on but Freke and Thompson in the centre of defence remained solid and only a last gasp challenge from Freke forced the home striker to fire over the bar when perhaps he should have scored. Willers was denied a second after the referee consulted with the linesman. For the chances created and second half possession Invicta just about deserved the win but will have to improve next week against 2nd place Castle Colts.

Tonbridge Invicta 4 v 1 Holtwood Rangers - League Cup Qtr Final — by Tony Hermitage — last modified 2007-12-16 19:10

Invicta progressed to the Adrian Owens cup semi final with a convincing win over Div 2 side Holtwood Rangers. It took Invicta 30 mins to finally break down a determined Holtwood team when Thompson and Edmeads combined to drive home from 8 yards. It was 2-0 within 5 mins as Edmeads turned provider for Willers to finish from inside the 6 yard box. It remained 2-0 at the break and Invicta suffered the loss of influential midfielder Luke Huartson with damaged ligaments following a nasty challenge. Holtwood did threaten and Faulkner made a fine stop to keeps the scores level earlier in the half. The second period saw Invicta press and Dave Stengel gave an impressive performance in the centre of midfield when asked to replace Huartson. It was the ball winning skills of Stengel who put Willers through and a delightful chip made it 3-0. Invicta were dominating and the best goal of the game came from a flowing move that started with Jack Freke and Edmeads supplied the cross for Willers to ram home his header for his hat trick. The game did become more stretched and chances fell at both ends with Invicta guilty of missing 5 golden chances. A consolation goal came in injury time as Faulkner was finally beaten to make it 4-1. Whilst the midfield and attackers will take the accolades the defensive five were organised and solid throughout the game with Mozza Holmes doing well at full back.

Tonbridge Invicta 11 v 0 Larkfield Boys — by Tony Hermitage — last modified 2007-12-02 20:33

Whilst the rain eased off for this afternoon kick off, and some pre match forking from the teams groundsman Steve "the turf" Mason, ensured the game was played, the pitch did cut up down the middle and made it difficult for both teams. Invicta took the wind and the slope in the first period to push home an early advantage against a Larkfield team who arrived on kick off. The first goal came direct from a Hermitage corner, using the wind to good effect on 6 mins. It was 2-0 on 10 mins when Jack Edmeads slid the ball home from 12 yards. Tom Willers finally made it 3-0 after a couple of earlier opportunties went begging. Before the break Edmeads and Willers both scored their seconds and a fine Hermitage volley after good work from Thompson made it 6-0 at the break. Both Phillips and Stengel had good opening 45 minutes as did Edmeads who were rested at the break. Larkfield applied the pressure in the opening 15 minutes of the second period and penned Invicta back and were denied by some excellent tackles from Nicholls and the safe hands of Faulkner. Invicta finally got hold of the ball and some good interplay between Dangerfield and Freke, allowed Willers to round the keeper for his hat trick. Further goals followed from Huartson and a deep run from Thompson before Willers finished with 2 more to take his tally to 5. Overall a commanding performance from Invicta with all players making excellent contributions in the game.

Ex Blues 1 v 0 Tonbridge Invicta - U18 Kent Cup — by Tony Hermitage — last modified 2007-11-25 18:38

Invicta have no complaints as they were knocked out of the U18 Kent Youth Cup against by a more determined and better team on the day. The winnning goal came with 15 minutes left on the clock and despite a couple of half chances it proved sufficient for the home side. The frustration of the day was summed up when Matt Thompson was sent off for his second bookable offence with 5 mins left. With a grade 4 referee assigned to the game the quality of his communication between the players and his decision making left much for improvement. Well done and all the best to Ex Blues in the next round. Invicta will be looking to put the result and performance behind them as they entertain Larkfield Boys at home next week.

Bredhurst Village 1 v 6 Tonbridge Invicta — by Tony Hermitage — last modified 2007-11-18 17:44

On a bitterly cold afternoon, Invicta maintained their run of form despite going behind in the 2nd minute to the home side. A small pitch made it diffcult for both teams to find any space in which to play the ball around with both defences having to to keep their concentration levels up as the ball was moving from end to end. Invicta equalised on 12 mins when Dangerfield was alert to ball played over the home defence and lobbed the keeper. Jack Edmeads drilled home on 17 mins to make it 2-1 which settled the visitors. The 3 man forward line of Bredhurst were causing problems and they created two good scoring opportunities before Invicta started to gain some control on the game. Dangerfield missed two good heading opportunities before making in 3-1 on 42 mins after Edmeads and Hermitage combined. Austin made way for the returning Willers at the break and with the wind at their backs Bredhurst pushed on but captain Matt Thompson, Invicta's man of the match alongside Phillips in central defence held firm. Faulkner was troubled with some long throws and twice the home side went very close to narrowing the deficit. Invicta stretched their lead when Huartson burst through from midfield, combined with Dangerfield and blasted home on the hour. Invicta kept up the pressure, Holmes came on for Edmeads and Stengel for Dangerfield, and when Stengel was fouled 30 yards out, Hermitage executed a perfect strike in the top right corner to make it 5-1. The final goal was attributed to Huartson on 80mins after good work from Teddy on the left. In the end a comfortable victory but this game was very much alive for 70 mins and both the finishing of Invicta and determination in defence proved the difference on the day.

Tonbridge Invicta 3 v 0 Sittingbourne Lions - Cup Rd 2 — by Tony Hermitage — last modified 2007-11-11 17:45

Invicta prgressed to the next round of the Ron Hamer Trophy againat a spirited 10 men of Sittingbourne Lions. Invicta went ahead ion 2 mins when the keeper gifted Chris Hermitage the ball from a goal kick and he put it into an empty net. The score remained unchanged to half time with the keeper making amends with some excellent stops from Dangerfield, Teddy and Mason. Invicta stepped up the pace early in the second period and with Jack Freke moving into the centre of midfield, Invicta passed the ball much better and started to create better openings. Dangerfield made it 2-0 on 50 mins and Mason 3-0 on 60 mins settled the tie. A number of chances went begging in the final 20 mins with Dangerfield missing 3 golden opportunties. Jack Freke was man of the match with Matt Thompson, Luke Huartson and Teddy providing quality 90 minute performances. Invicta return to league action next week with a tough encounter away at Bredhurst.

Tonbridge Invicta 3 v 0 M.P.E, — by Tony Hermitage — last modified 2007-11-04 18:58

A strong Invicta squad finally overcame a determined MPE side that played some good football in thssi game. MPE had the better of the opening 45 mins but were unable breach a resilient home defence with Thompson and Nicholls again standing firm. The second period saw a much improved Invicta unit who finally got the ball down and played. Huartson and Austin gained a grip in midfield and Edmeads saw a better quality of ball to create opportunties for Dangerfield and Hermitage. A neat finish from Dangerfield from an Edmeads pass on 55 mins opened the scoring and settled the home side. A Hermitage corner on 65 made it 2-0 when Thompson headed home from close range. MPE still pushed forward as the game opened up with Freke & Mason (both returning from injury) being kept busy. An excellent save from Faulkner in a 1 on 1 situation ensured he kept his 2nd clean sheet of the weekend. Holmes replaced Teddy on 80 mins and slotted in well up front and earnt a free kick outside the box. Mason stepped up and curled the ball home to make it 3-0. Invicta deserved the win on the back of their 2nd half display and will be looking to start off stronger in their 1/4 final cupt ie next week.

Margate Youth 1 v 3 Tonbridge Invicta (AET) — by Tony Hermitage — last modified 2007-11-03 08:22

In the wettest and windiest conditions of the season so far, Invicta returned from the west kent coast with a well earmnt victory to put them in round 2 of the Kent Youth Cup. Playing with the wind in the first period Invicta were unable to breach the home defence despite creating all the openings. However, Invicta improved their football in the second half and despite the home side taking a lead on 55 mins, they responded very well. Luke Huartson netted the equaliser on 60 mins and with Edmeads causing the home defence problems down the right a winning goal was a matter of time. Dangerfield hit the post and Thompson had a fine goal disallowed for offside. Extra time it was and when Hermitage found Thompson from a corner the game was won, a third followed after Hermitage saw his cross deflected into the net for a 3-1 win. An excellent defensive display from Nicholls and Thompson gave the home side few chances and Austin and Huartson dominated the midfield as the game progressed.

Tonbridge Invicta 2 v 3 Castle Colts — by Tony Hermitage — last modified 2007-10-14 19:57

Invicta twice came from behind in an entertaining first period but a goal in the 87th minute proved decisive in a close fought contest. Invicta started the brighter but were caught out on 6 mins with the pace of the visitors front line. A rare goal from Andrew Phillips on 12 mins as the ball broke from a Mason cornergave Invicta a deserved equaliser. Chances followed at both ends with Hermitage and Edmeads both going close and Faulkner saved well with his feet. Castle Colts made it 2-1 on 20 mins, but were pegged back when Willers was brought down and Hermitage made it 2-2 from the spot at the second attempt. Invicta probably had the edge in the first half, yet the second saw Castle Colts on the offensive using the width well. when it looked as though the defences were going to see the points shared, a corner was not cleared and the ball was forced home with 3 mins to go. Even then the Invicta had one final opportunity which Matt Thompson just failed to get enough on the ball and it edged wide from a corner A competitive and entertaining game that could have gone either way. Invicta MoM went to Jamie Mason, with Jack Edmeads putting in another quality performance.

Tonbridge Invicta 9 v 1 Borough Green — by Tony Hermitage — last modified 2007-10-07 20:03

Invicta returned to winning ways against a spirited Borough Green side at Longmead today. Despite going 1-0 down to an excellent strike after 10 mins, a well worked equaliser from a Stengel throw saw Hermitage net a rare header on 20 mins. Despite spuring further opportunties in the first period, centre half Nicholls showed the way with a fine strike from 18 yards on the stroke of half time. The second period continued with Invicta dominant and both Jack Edmeads and Tom Willers scored close range hat tricks. Thompson finshed the scoring when he finally found his shooting range to rifle a shot in the top left hand corner. An impressive all round performance with wingers Teddy and Jamie Mason influential throughout.

Tonbridge Invicta 0 v 5 Blue Eagles — by Tony Hermitage — last modified 2007-09-30 19:29

Invicta were second best in all departments today as Blue Eagles took revenge on their cup exit by Invicta the previous week. Despit only being 1-0 down at the break with the home defence under heavy pressure Invicta could not get a grip on the game in the second period. A further 4 goals followed as Eagles were finding their players at ease and finished very well giving Faulkner no chance. Invicta hope to have a bigger squad to select from next week and competition for places can begin in earnest. Well done to Dave Stengel who made his debut today coming on in the last 20 mins and gave a good account of himself. MoM went to Matt Thompson for having to absorb much of the attacking pressure and getting the team going in the final 15 mins as he moved into midfield.

Tonbridge Invicta 3 v 2 Blue Eagles — by Tony Hermitage — last modified 2007-09-23 17:09

Invicta U18's made it 4 wins in a row following a narrow 3-2 victory over Blue Eagles in the first round of teh Ron Hamer Trophy. Two goals from Tom Willers and one from Chris Hermitage celebrating his 18th birthday proved enough despite a fine comeback late on from Blue Eagles.

[···] — by Tony Hermitage — last modified 2008-02-06 17:47

 

[···] — by Tony Hermitage — last modified 2008-03-23 20:57