Folkestone Invicta were two minutes away from reaching the Third Qualifying Round of the FA Trophy, a feat that would have equalled their best run since reforming.

But their only defensive slip all afternoon allowed Hungerford skipper Matt Day to ghost into the area converting Dean Stow’s corner, equalising a truly stunning volleyed first half opener from Michael Yianni.

On a squally afternoon, that saw three out of the possible four seasons at the Fullick’s Stadium – fortunately there was no snow! – Folkestone dominated higher league opponents for the second round running, but will now face the long trip to Hungerford on Tuesday night for a replay the visitors barely derserved.

Folkestone manager, Neil Cugley, who took the club on their best run to the Third Qualifying Round 14 years ago, reflected “they are a good side, no denying that, and that’s a reflection of how well we’ve played. We stuck to our task and I thought we might get a second, but that’s what makes it so frustrating that we’ve let the game go right at the end.  We’ve defended so well, and to concede from a loopy cross is disappointing.”

“We’re a bit disappointed in the changing room, but I’m sure we can bounce back and give it a real go on Tuesday night.  We’ve had so many changes of personnel, but it’s starting to settle down now.  It’s taken time but we are getting to be not a bad side, so we’re looking forward to it.”

Playing into a strong wind in the first half, that would turn into a brief storm with a swirling rain which made playing football difficult for both teams, both defences were almost undone by the conditions within the first ten minutes.  Folkestone’s defence was caught napping from a long throw, which Michael Hopkins lofted back into the area, where Josh Grace-Parsons was granted the freedom of the box, but could only volley his shot straight at Tim Roberts.  In reply, Dane Luchford capitalised on a mistake from the Hungerford defence to sneak in, but Paul Strudley comfortably saved the winger’s effort.

On a pitch that was virtually waterlogged – groundsman Gary Towse said that the rain on Friday had flooded the pitch – both teams resorted to playing long balls, but Folkestone were having to pick up the knockdowns as, although Johan Ter Horst and Michael Yianni were willing runners, neither would be expected to win much in the air.

Folkestone took the lead on 22 from a fantastic Yianni volley.  Dane Luchford’s freekick from the right was perfectly placed, centrally in the box, for Yianni to run off his marker and hit a sweet right foot shot that was past Strudley before the keeper could fully react.

Roberts on real involvement in the first half, other than clearance kicks, came from two long range efforts either side of the opening goal, but the keeper was able to save easily from strikes by Grace-Parsons and Dean Stow.  Folkestone’s offside trap was constantly frustrating their visitors’ attack, and Liam Friend and Frankie Chappell combined well to keep Hungerford’s leading scorer Mark Draycott queit.

Strudley had to be on his toes to keep out a flick from Luchford, who had been played in by a lofted ball from Phil Stevenson that deceived the Hungerford defence, but the keeper’s best moment came in the early exchanges of the second half.  An intricate one-touch move inside the Hungerford area saw the ball move from Ter Horst, Stevenson and Luchford, before Yianni lashed an effort goalwards, only to see a flying Strudley tip the ball over.

Hungerford seemed to prefer playing into the wind in the second period, utilising the pace of former Newcastle United winger, Alan O’Brien on the left.  Roberts was alert to block a header at the back post from Matt Day, from O’Brien’s corner, then the winger led a 4 on 3 break, and fired a low ball across the box.  Right winger Stow had time to control the ball, but somehow pulled his shot horribly wide of the goal, although defenders were recovering onto the line.

This seemed to briefly inspire the visitors, and midfielder Luke Brewer especially, as he went on a bullocking run through three tackles before running out of room.  But Folkestone’s well marshalled defence seemed to have blunted their opponents best efforts, as the game went through a scrappy phase.

However there was to be a sting in the tail as Hungerford forced a replay through Day’s header with two minutes left.  The Hungerford skipper ghosted into the 6-yard area to meet Stow’s corner, with Roberts slow to advance from his line.  Cugley wasn’t going to blame his keeper, as he added “Tim has been outstanding for us.  He’ll probably blame himself, but you can’t say it was a clanger.”

So it is off to Hungerford on Tuesday night for the replay, as Folkestone look to achieve a little piece of club history and reach the Third Qualifying Round for only the second time.

FOLKESTONE INVICTA: Tim Roberts, Josh Vincent, Chris Elliott, Liam Friend ©, Frankie Chappell, Roland Edge (Nat Blanks 78), Dane Luchford, Phil Stevenson, Johan Ter Horst (Matt Newman 83), Michael Yianni, Micheal Everitt.

Subs not used: Simon Austin, Connor Coyne, Paul Egan.

Goal: Michael Yianni 22.

Booking: Liam Friend 75.

HUNGERFORD TOWN: Paul Strudley, Mark Hughes, Michael Hopkins (Harry Goodger 83), Jon Boardman, Matt Day ©, Luke Brewer, Dean Stow, Ian Herring, Josh Grace-Parsons, Mark Draycott (Stefan Brown 75), Alan O’Brien.

Subs not used: Scott Rees, Gary Horgan, James Clark.

Goal: Matt Day 88.

Booking: Jon Boardman 76.

Attendance: 242
Referee: Mr Michael Smith
Assistants: Mr Steven Parmenter and Mr Jonathan Pickford