Folkestone came into their game against Leatherhead as underdogs, their bad start to the season left them stuck in 13 in the Ryman League Division One South but after scoring 5 against Horsham last week their fortunes seem to be changing.
Leatherhead started the day top of the table by one point above Hastings United; they hoped to keep hold of top spot after only losing one game in November before today’s match.
Invicta started with intent, however as they pressed forward this left holes in the defence, they were lucky to keep their opponents goalless after a mix- up during one of the visiting strikers stopped after thinking he was offside, play continued, letting the hosts get away with some abysmal defending from the counter attack.
Folkestone had another chance soon after. A free kick was taken from the halfway line towards the penalty area, after a moment of panic the Leatherhead defence was able to clear the ball as far as Matt Newman, but his half volley rocketed just past the post.
It took half an hour for the first goal of the game to be scored, Josh Vincent found time to put a cross into the area, after striking an unfortunate defender the ball fell to Dane Luchford who was able to strike the ball into the net for his 12th goal of the season.
It only took another seven minutes for Folkestone to score a second. Yohan Ter Horst’s agile footwork in the penalty area completely bamboozled the Leatherhead defence; the young striker found Paul Booth beside him who was able to finish well at the near post to give his team a two goal lead.
The seasiders could have scored a third straight after but Paul Newman’s cross got caught in the swirling wind and Deren Ibrahim was able to tip the cross- turned- shot over his goal.
Folkestone went into the changing rooms at half time knowing that they were the better team, with Leatherhead not expecting the onslaught the hosts had given them in the first half.
Leatherhead came out for the second half needing to score an early goal against a strong Invicta defence if they were going to travel back to Surrey with three points. Their first chance came from a corner, but some brave goalkeeping from Tim Roberts kept the two goal lead for his team.
For the majority of the second half neither team looked as though they were going to score a mix of bad passing and great defending helped Folkestone to maintain the lead.
When chances did start to fall again, they came to Folkestone with Ter Horst being the main contributor. After he flicked a Michael Everitt free kick wide, some good footwork gave him some time on the touchline, but after cutting inside his shot was tipped wide by the goalkeeper.
A double substitution for Leatherhead gave them some new attacking options. Mohamed Eisa came on for Leroy Griffiths and made an impact; his quick dribbling and close control left huge gaps in the Invicta defence. His shot from the edge of the area curled inches past the post.
Despite their hard work, Leatherhead’s best chance of scoring nearly came by an own goal in the final minutes. Tim Roberts was off his line after badly clearing a pass from one of his centre backs. Liam friend’s pass trickled past the desperate goalkeeper who was relieved to see it roll out for a goal kick.
Folkestone came away with a very good win against a good side, putting them into 10th position whilst Leatherhead slip into 4th. Folkestone’s next game is away to 18th placed Burgess Hill Town.
Attendance: 267
Folkestone: Roberts, Vincent, Elliot, Friend, Chappell, Newman, Luchford (Beecroft), Blanks, Ter Horst, Booth, Everitt
Booked: Blanks
Subs not used: Stevenson, Austin, Coyne, Egan
Leatherhead: Ibrahim, Mahak, Hill, T Parkinson (Semakula), Coyle, Nnamani, Smart (Griffin), Smith, Bradbrook, Draucott, Griffiths (Eisa)
Booked: Hill, Nnamani
Subs not used: Burchen, D Parkinson