An impressive second half performance from Folkestone ensured their returned to the Ryman Premier League ended with three points.
After finishing 24 points clear at the top of the southern division last season, many Invicta fans were worried about the lack of new signings made by Neil Cugley. These worries continued after Cugley’s side only won one of their pre-season fixtures, losing four. However, before the opening day of the new season former QPR striker Ben Pattie came in, presumably to fill the void left by Harry Smith.
Pattie started up front in a familiar looking Folkestone starting eleven alongside Ian Draycott. They would face a side who finished 17th in the Premier division last season and were looking to improve in 2016-17.
Although both teams started quickly, it was the hosts who came closer to opening the scoring in the opening minutes. First the two attacker combined, Draycott set up Battie, only for the new signing to take on too many players and eventually run out of space before Draycott broke through alone, only to lose his balance at the final moment and hit his effort over.
Harrow soon worked their way into the game though, and a quick counter attack almost resulted in the opening goal within 22 minutes. Ryan Hope and Lewis Driver did well to combine only for Harry Newman to end the move with a shot over from the left wing.
Ian Draycott soon returned to the centre of the action, dummying past a defender before hitting an impressive shot just over Luke Williams’ goal, bringing a disappointing first half to an end.
Much like the first half, the second period began with Folkestone on top, but this time they were able to capitalize on their pressure. A long range effort from the left wing was tipped onto the post by Luke Williams, only for Ben Pattie to rush onto the loose ball and power a shot into the open net, giving Folkestone their first goal of the season.
They nearly doubled their lead moments later when Sam Beale found Jordan Wright on the right wing. The tricky winger put an impressive cross towards the near post which was eventually cleared by the harrow defenders.
Soon after a weaving run from Scott Heard gave the midfielder an opportunity to shoot, but his effort was easily saved to the left of Williams.
Despite failing to do so before, Folkestone doubled their lead on 67 minutes when Heard latched onto a long pass forward from midfield and, in one touch, lifted the ball over Williams to give Folkestone their second goal of the campaign.
Harrow looked for a way back into the game with time running out, but after finding a way into the Invicta penalty area, both Ryan Hope and Francis Babalola were smothered by defenders as the hosts looked to keep their opening day clean sheet.
With only four minutes of time remaining, Ian Draycott helped to put the result beyond doubt. Substitute Ashley Miller did well to drive down the right wing and put a perfect cross towards the head of Draycott who finished with ease, ensuring Folkestone began their first season in the Ryman Premier since the 2010-11 campaign with a convincing 3-0 win.
Invicta now face a run if two consecutive away trips, first to Staines on Tuesday before Cugley’s side face a tough trip to recently relegated Havant and Waterlooville next weekend.
Folkestone Invicta: Roberts, Vincent, Blanks, Friend, Chappell, Wright (Newman), Starkey, Heard, Drayott (Dolan), Pattie (Miller), Beale
Subs not used: Sahadow, Chalmers- Stevens
Harrow Borough: Williams, Ochoa, Josh Webb, Willment (Peacock), Preddie, Joshua Webb, Bryan (Babalola), Hope, Charles- Smith, Driver, Newman (Meite)
Subs not used: Taylor, Nicholas
Attendance: 361