Goals from Folkestone Invicta’s new attacking duo of Paul Booth and Ian Draycott were enough to see them through a difficult game at home against Faversham Town.
Neil Cugley’s side came into the game with one point after they drew 1-1 away at three bridges whist their opponents went to the Fullicks Stadium with three points as a result of a 2-1 win against Worthing courtesy of a late Wayne Wilson penalty.
The hosts came into the game with no changes from their trip to West Sussex, however Faversham manager Ray Turner made two changes from his side’s success at Salters lane, John Scarborough came in for Dan Carrington in defence and Luke Harvey made his first start of the season in the place of Dean Grant to partner Renford Tenyue up front.
From the first attack of the game it was obvious that the Lilywhites wanted to take the game to their hosts after a promising first attack Jamie Maxted headed over from Wayne Wilson’s corner and soon after an uncommon lapse in concentration between Liam Friend and Roland Edge Allowed Luke Harvey to intercept a pass and hit a powerful shot over Tim Robert’s goal.
As the game began to progress both teams had chances from their opponents mistakes, Simon Overland was put under unexpected pressure by Paul Booth which forced the goalkeeper to attempt to use his thigh in an unsuccessful attempt to control the ball, this left Booth in enough space to take a chance but his effort was smothered by Overland.
This opportunity allowed Folkestone to put further pressure on their opponents and Dane Luchford on the right wing was the key to their most dangerous attacks, after new signing Ian Draycott found Luchford the winger was able to put a delightful cross into the six yard box, a goalmouth scramble ensued but it was soon over as Paul Booth’s delicate effort was tipped wide.
For the visitors, it was Sam Bewick who was their main man in the first half, the midfielder was able to exploit his team’s breakaways and was able to turn it into an attacking opportunity, however, after a promising run down the left wing from Tenyue, Bewick was only able to force his shot into the ground and soon after he was able to cut inside from the left wing but his weak, curling effort was easily saved by Tim Roberts.
The best chance of the first half came as a result of some outstanding build up play between Faversham’s three main attacking players, as Renford Tenyue fed the ball to Bewick he had already began to make his move, Bewick used his vision to find Luke Harvey behind him before Harvey flicked the ball on further to Tenyue who was now in plenty of space, despie having the opportunity to take the ball further, the striker went for a long distance effort which Roberts was forced to reach full- length in order to tip the dipping shot over to keep the scores level during a frustrating half of football for both teams.
Just five minutes into the second half the deadlock had been broken by Folkestone’s 33 year old striker Paul Booth, after a promising run from Ian Draycott he played the ball across the penalty area for Booth who was able to hit a well-placed shot towards the near post to give Invicta the lead for the first time in this young season.
The hosts continued to attack despite their lead and they were nearly able to score another through Booth’s new strike partner Ian Draycott, after receiving a pass from Booth, draycott used his explosive pace to get away from his marker, although he was able to place his shot underneath the goalkeeper the onrushing defender John Scarborough was able to make a vital block at the very last second.
Despite Faversham’s efforts to get back into the game some quick thinking from Dane Luchford helped the hosts to extend their lead, after he was fouled the right sided winger took a short quick free kick to Paul Booth who was charging down the right wing, Booth was able to find Ian Draycott in the six yard box and the striker was able to convert the cross for his second goal in two competitive matches for Invicta.
Booth was nearly able to give Folkestone a third goal two minutes after he set up Draycott but after another strong run down the right wing his shot towards the near post was brilliantly forced over by Overland.
The two goal lead allowed the hosts to take more risks and use the tiring Faversham defence to their advantage but both times Draycott broke away his shot was well saved.
Faversham continued to attack when they had an opportunity but they found the Folkestone defence tough to break down, despite this, in the 64th minute Luke Harvey made use of the space around him to receive a pass from midfield with his back to goal before curling a perfect left footed shot past the diving goalkeeper to give Faversham a chance to get back into the game.
However, despite Harvey and his teammates’ best efforts, they were unable to find any space behind the tough Folkestone defence until the final seconds when Dean Jamie Maxted’s long throw fell into a crowd of players, although Dean grant was able to convert from within four yards, the assistant referee had already raised his flag for offside against the substitute which cut the visiting fan’s celebrations short.
That win gives Folkestone four points which puts them into 8th place whilst Faversham remain on three points as they drop down to 13th. Invicta will stay at home for their next game against Tooting and Mitcham on Saturday, on the same day Faversham will travel to Merstham who will go into the game feeling positive after a big 6-0 win over three bridges in midweek.
Folkestone Invicta: Roberts, Vincent, Edge (Yianni), Friend, Chappell, Newman, Luchford (Pilbeam), Blanks, Draycott, Booth, Everitt
Subs not used: Coyne, Wright
Booked: Blanks
Faversham Town: Overland, Sherlock, Maxted, Bewick, Bourne, Scarborough (Grant), Wilson, Marsden, Tenyue, Harvey, Botterill
Subs not used: Oliver, King, Monger, Carrington
Booked: Wilson, Maxted, Marsden
Attendance: 237