A goal inside the final 20 minutes of a very even game gave National League South Concord Rangers from Canvey Island a 1-0 win as Folkestone continued their run of pre-season friendly games on a warm Tuesday evening at The Fullicks Stadium.
The approach play of both sides was often impressive, though neither could find the cutting edge until a shot against the post rebounded off unlucky Invicta keeper Tim Roberts and into the net.
This was a feisty affair at times, giving referee Kirsty Dowle one or two minor problems that this excellent official dealt with without too much fuss – certainly not from the referee herself, at least.
Home boss Neil Cugley was satisfied with his team’s performance though he was without both Sam Hasler and Ronnie Dolan with Johan Ter Horst not fully fit.
All three are however expected to be in the squad for Saturday’s promising clash with our Kent ‘neighbours’ Dartford – another National South outfit.
Talking about last night’s game, Cugs said: “They’re a strong side in terms of quality and numbers. I knew every name on their team sheet and I’m talking about some good players here.
“Sammy (Moore, pictured) must have used about 20 last night and that’s what these games are for. On the whole we played pretty well and probably deserved something at least a draw out it.”
The closest Folkestone went to scoring came with a typical effort from Ian Draycott early in the second half, though Invicta also had reasonable claims for a penalty in a ‘ball to hand’ incident – one of those that, as they say, you have seen given now and then.
Ex-AFC Wimbledon, Leyton Orient and Dover player Sammy Moore who managed Leatherhead last season was also pleased with the game.
Moore, who manages the Beach Boys jointly wit prolific striker Jack Midson told his Twitter followers: “That was a brilliant test last night – exactly what we need at this stage of pre-season.
“We’re obviously delighted to get a win and a clean sheet but more importantly got more minutes in the bank.”
Local coach Sammy who hails from Deal, added: “Big thanks to Folkestone Invicta – you’re gunna be right up there (in your league) again next season.”
Neil Cugley said: “Sammy and Jack Midson are still both very good players – I don’t think he (Moore) wants to play more than he has to, but I’ll be surprised if Jack doesn’t.
“It’s always nice when opposing managers say nice things about your club, and we thank him for that. I’ve got a feeling they could do much better this season too.”
Among the host of top names at this level was Sam Beasant, above left, who like his dad – the FA Cup winning Dave Beasant, is a goalkeeper.
Folkestone Invicta: Roberts; Aboagye, Blanks, Vincent, Davies, Evans, McCann, Everitt, Draycott, Yusuff, Paxman
Subs: Ter Horst, Starkey, Walmsley (all used), Price and Shaw
Concord Rangers (as per list): Beasant, Clohessy, Shaw, Minshull, Sterling, Hayes, Green, Boakye-Yiadom, Trialist, Knott.
Subs not named