This week we travelled to Hadlow Harrow in search of the 3 points that would clinch the league title, however as Hadlow are one of the better footballing sides in the division we knew that this was going to be far more than a formality.
 
Our lead up to the game was far from ideal as we were still without the injured duo of Andy Thomas and Andy Hunt. Things became even worse when we arrived at the ground as both Martin Tamplin and Marc Falkner reported niggling injuries. Martin then aggravated his knee problem in the warm up, which ruled him out of taking any part in today's game.
 
Pete Hart had also rejoined the first team squad and Mike Bowen was working, however we we pleased to welcome back the teams most cultural player, Ben Bridges. Having spent the last week visiting the ballet and London's finest museums, Ben kindly made himself available for this all important fixture.
 
We lined up today with J Faulkner in goal. A reshuffled back four of Bridges, Herbert, Chambers and Thompson. In midfield were M Faulkner, Allan, Poore and Tuema, with Warner and Rosier up front. On the bench this week were Piscina, Barron and Churcher.
 
On a cold, wet and windy day we knew that it was going to be extremely hard for both sides to get the ball down and play free flowing football. It was more a case of getting stuck in and making sure that we took any chances that came our way. This became even more evident when we were made to play up the slope and against the wind in the first period.
 
The opening exchanges were fairly scrappy as both teams tried to get a foot-hold on the game. It is probably fair to say that our hosts were the first to settle and put us under a lot of pressure. James was called into action early on and saved well at the feet of the Hadlow attacker to keep the scores level. However that didn't last too long as on 20 minutes a long free kick was headed into the back of the net to give Hadlow the lead.
 
On the balance of play this was nothing more than we deserved as we really did look out of sorts, but thankfully conceding our first goal in six matches gave us the kick up the backside that we needed. We slowly began to play ourselves back into the game and although we had to soak up a lot of pressure we did look quite dangerous on the counter attack.
 
Based on the poor weather conditions a 1-0 deficit wouldn't have been a bad score line to take into the second half, however with time fast approaching the 45 minute mark our luck took a turn for the good as Tuem's strike from the edge of the area somehow managed to find its way into the back of the net to make the scores 1-1 at the break.
 
Having done all of the hard work in the first period we knew that providing we applied the same attitude in the second half we would surely get that all important goal.
 
With the wind and driving snow at our backs we made a fast start to the second 45, which set the tone for the rest of the match as we barely let Hadlow out of their own half.
 
Matt's long throws from the left were causing all sorts of confusion in the Hadlow penalty area and it was only time before we created that half chance that would secure the win.
 
Thankfully we didn't have to wait too long as mid-way through the half, Tuem's low corner was steered into the back of the net by Glen.
 
This goal really did settle us down as we started to string our passes together and create numerous more scoring opportunities. Scott and Leon, who had replaced Faulks and Rosie, began to link up well down the left and if it wasn't for some good defending, both could of found themselves on the score sheet.
 
However it was left to one of the defenders to show the forwards how to do it, as with time running out Matt's strong tackle on the half way line saw him win the ball before picking himself up, diving forward and cooly lobbing the keeper from 25 yards. This sparked mass celebrations amongst the Invicta players and travelling supporters as the league title had been well and truely wrapped up.
 
A 3-1 victory is probably more than we may have expected from today's game, however this just goes to show the spirit and camaraderie within the camp. All of the boys have worked tremendously hard this year and it is pleasing to know that all of that hard work has finally paid off.
 
Congratulations to everyone and with one trophy already secured we now have to set our sights on completing the league and cup double.
 
Before then though we still have to finish off our league programme, starting with our final home match of the season against Leigh next week.