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Compiled by Editor - [email protected]
Invicta Newslines INDEX for 2003/4
May 2004 News click here


Saturday, May 01, 2004

FINAL SCORE
Folkestone Invicta (1) 3-0 (0) Newport IoW
Att: 322
John Guest was a late withdrawal for Invicta so John Ayling was promoted to the starting line-up. Invicta took a little while to adjust to the new formation but little John Walker was a revelation as a centre back (my Man of the Match). Newports smallest player, keeper Justin "Mr Muscle" Hughes, was oustanding and he frustrated Invicta for a large part of the game. A brace for Dryden 35th and 84th minute and Waters in the 88th ensured all the points for Invicta and 5th place in the league.

INVICTA: Kessell, Walker, Lamb, Flanagan, Ayling (Waters), Everitt, Chandler (Winfield), Munday, Dryden, Blackman (Dyson), Hogg. SNU: Kieron Mann.
NEWPORT: Hughes, Buckman, Wood, Pilcher, Holmes (Isaacson), White, Stevens, Youngs (Thorpe), Bridges (Rayner), Hatcher, Perry. SNU: McCormack

Results DM Eastern Saturday 01 May 2004
Bashley 0-1 Sittingbourne Att 155
Corby Town 1-2 Tonbridge Angels Att 130
Dartford 2-1 Burnham Att 259
Eastleigh 1-0 Rothwell Town Att 274
Erith & Belvedere 2-1 Banbury United Att 205
Fisher Athletic (0) 0-2 (0) King's Lynn Att 709
Fleet Town 1-1 Ashford Town Att 138
Hastings United 1-4 Histon Att 321
Salisbury City 1-1 Chatham Town Att 701
Stamford 1-0 Burgess Hill Town Att 350

King's Lynn are crowned as the champions of the DM Eastern, 3 points clear of Histon and Tonbridge (Histon have the better goal diff), Eastleigh finish 4th, Invicta 5th, Salisbury 6th and Stamford 7th. Although Banbury lost they claim the 8th spot which means a playoff for them.

FINAL DME Table


Friday, April 30, 2004

COME IN NUMBER 61 - Your Time Is Up!
It's been a long old season, glad to see all the suggestions going on to the forum for Player of the Year, hopefully you'll all get your votes in asap and give hard pressed committeee members sometime to watch Invicta in cruise control sink Newport. Presentation tomorrow at 5.15 in the clubhouse.

By my reckoning its game 61.
FAC x 6, FAT x 5, DMC x 4, KSC x 4, DM x 42, however I didn't count friendlies.

Mr Cugley has promised me a list of pre-season friendlies soon which I will make available to you so you can organise your summer hols.

Have a good summer.

DM Eastern Saturday 01 May 2004
Bashley v Sittingbourne
Corby Town v Tonbridge Angels
Dartford v Burnham
Eastleigh v Rothwell Town
Erith & Belvedere v Banbury United
Fisher Athletic v King's Lynn
Fleet Town v Ashford Town
Folkestone Invicta v Newport IoW
Hastings United v Histon
Salisbury City v Chatham Town
Stamford v Burgess Hill Town


Wednesday, April 28, 2004

KSCF RESULT
Folkestone Invicta (1) 1 - 2 (0) Margate
42 min Chandler (pen)
HT 1-0.
56 min Clarke (pen) 84 min ?
FT 1-2

Read Richard Murrill's FULL match report

HERE's SOME OTHER VIEWS - expressed on the forum

Not the best of games, but
Margate Historian Thu Apr 29 00:14:43
Folkestone had a real go at it in the first - half. Margate's superior class showed through in the end and just about deserved to win. That's 3 KSC's for Chris Kinnear in 6 years and the first time Margate has won it 2 years in succession since 1936 & 37. Good atmosphere all round,no trouble, FIFC a real credit to Kent Football.

Have a look at www.margate-fc.com
We are getting there!!


Re: Margite
Anonymous Wed Apr 28 22:36:20
though crowd looked quite large.
ive seen worse refs, but i think being the final jus made the decisions more annoying.

i think we must raise our game whenever we play margit, because we always manage to make them look rubbish, then they always still get all the luck.


Excellent Performance - A final worthy of the name
Dover Mosquito Wed Apr 28 22:48:16
Congratulations to Invicta for playing some very good football against a Margit side that had no idea how to cope with a very good centre forward.

I thought the penalty for Margit was a bit harsh but, based on the number of clear chances, Folkestone played the better football. As for the ref, well he missed Porter elbowing someone and could have booked Phil Smith but in all fairness he did let the game flow as much as possible and speaking as a neutral I think he had a fairly good game, 8/10. And before someone says I don't know what I'm talking about I've seen over 50 different refs at a higher level this season!

Good Luck next season, and thanks for a great night's entertainment, which is what football is all about.


Monday, April 26, 2004

THE ROAD TO THE WESTBOURNE (FOLKESTONE)
John Ullman Kent Senior Cup

Dec 17 R1 Maidstone 0-3 Invicta (Watkins, Hogg, Ayling)
Jan 27 R2 Ashford 1-2 Invicta (Hambley 2)
Mar 23 SF Bromley 0-5 Invicta (Chandler, Flanagan 2, Watkins, Hogg

Wednesday 28 Apr 2004 JUKSC Final Invicta v Margate 7.45pm

After having been drawn away from home for all of the John Ullman Kent Senior Cup ties, Invicta Football Secretary Richie Murning won the toss that decided the venue for the final. Whether this is a poisoned chalice (our away form is much better) remains to be seen, but Invicta's splendid cup and trophy runs this season certainly are deserving of some reward for the players and fans.

Captain Scott Lindsey is sidelined due to an accumulation of penalty points, and Drew Watkins sustained an injury during last Wednesdays trip to Eastleigh which will keep him out for the remaining two games of the season. Invicta manager Neil Cugley has no real selection problems for Wednesday, with such a small squad available to him the team will almost pick itself.

Anyway there's sure to be a good atmosphere at the Westbourne Stadium, Cheriton Road when Conference side Margate are the visitors so come along and give the lads a cheer. Invicta have appeared in the KSC Final before but have never yet won it. Folkestone and Margate both have football teams to be proud of so come along and give them your support.


Saturday, April 24, 2004

FINAL SCORE
Banbury United (2) 4-3 (1) Folkestone Invicta

Read Richard Murrill's FULL match report

DM Eastern Other Results Today
Ashford Town 2-1 Bashley
Burgess Hill Town 4-1 Fisher Athletic
Burnham 3-1 Hastings United
Chatham Town 3-2 Corby Town
Histon 5-1 Fleet Town
King's Lynn 1-0 Erith & Belvedere
Newport IOW 2-0 Stamford
Rothwell Town 2-2 Dartford
Sittingbourne 1-0 Salisbury City
Tonbridge Angels 0-2 Eastleigh

King's Lynn victory ensured that they or Histon would be crowned champions next weekend. Histon had a good day at Fleet Towns expense but are still 3 points behind the Linnets. Tonbridge lost at home to our midweek conquerors Eastleigh and will have to settle for third place.


Click for DM Eastern Leagues Championship Race Latest (Positions/fixtures) ...

Final fixtures

Wed Apr 28 - KSCF Invicta v Margate 7.45pm
Sat May 01 - DM Invicta v Newport (IoW) 3pm


Wednesday, April 21, 2004

TONIGHTS RESULT
Eastleigh (1) 2-1 (1) Folkestone Invicta

Read Richard Murrill's FULL match report


Wednesday, April 21, 2004

TUESDAY NIGHTS RESULTS
King's Lynn 1-0 Bashley [1083]
Salisbury City 0-0 Histon

NEWS FROM THE DUGOUT
Manager Neil Cugley was delighted to report after a long season that he was very happy with the current squad and had signed-up everybody again for the 2004/5 season he was however looking to strengthen the squad. Next seasons list includes Blackman, Chandler, Dryden, Dyson, Everitt, Flanagan, Guest, Hogg, Kessell, Lamb, Lawrence, Lindsey, Munday, Watkins.

John Ayling awaits word from America regarding a scholarship to further his University studies so there is uncertainty about John's year ahead, anyway we wish him well.

Steve Lawrence will miss tonights game at Eastleigh and Saturdays important game at Banbury due to an injury which necessitated his substitution against Burnham. Adam Flanagan misses tonights game due to work commitments but will be available on Saturday.

I hope to have a list of pre-season friendlies for you next week. Watch this space!


Tuesday, April 20, 2004

CONGRATULATIONS: Now relax and enjoy
Congratulations to Neil Cugley, his management team and the players on achieving the top seven place this season which puts Invicta at Step 3 (premier leagues) of the restructured leagues for 2004/5. Now lets relax and enjoy the remaining fixtures and perhaps score a few more goals than our top seven opponents.

The last month has been a bit of a strain to everybody connected with the club with our resources severely stretched, no wins since the Kent Senior Cup Semi-Final at Bromley, four draws and two defeats at a time when we could have been in contention for winning the DM Eastern division.

Cooperation between the officers of the club and the Supporters Club members has been at an all-time high but some bridge building will be required to regain the level of trust and understanding that we started the current season with. The open meeting on June 7th will be a good starting point.

Congratulations to Tonbridge, King's Lynn, Histon, Eastleigh and Salisbury who all go up to Step 3. The seventh spot is still undecided as is the 8th place side who go in to a play-off situation.

We now await the deliberations of the wise men who will decide which geographical split to adopt. An option that gives the greatest benefit to a greater number of clubs could still see Invicta making several trips to the west country so our travelling days are not necessarily over.

FIXTURES REMAINING
DM Eastern Saturday 24 April 2004
Ashford Town v Bashley
Banbury United v Folkestone Invicta
Burgess Hill Town v Fisher Athletic
Burnham v Hastings United
Chatham Town v Corby Town
Histon v Fleet Town
King's Lynn v Erith & Belvedere
Newport IOW v Stamford
Rothwell Town v Dartford
Sittingbourne v Salisbury City
Tonbridge Angels v Eastleigh

KSC Final Wednesday 28 Apr 2004
Invicta v Margate 7.45pm

DM Eastern Saturday 01 May 2004
Bashley v Sittingbourne
Corby Town v Tonbridge Angels
Dartford v Burnham
Eastleigh v Rothwell Town
Erith & Belvedere v Banbury United
Fisher Athletic v King's Lynn
Fleet Town v Ashford Town
Folkestone Invicta v Newport IoW
Hastings United v Histon
Salisbury City v Chatham Town
Stamford v Burgess Hill Town


Saturday, April 17, 2004

FINAL SCORE - Invicta Promoted
Folkestone Invicta (1) 1-1 (0) Burnham
Folkestone scorer: Hogg (19min). Burnham Scorer: ?? (80min)

A rock hard pitch, a swirling wind. Just when you think it can't get any worse ... Banbury and Bashley give us an assist by loosing and we are promoted. It wasn't pretty but "Well done lads."

INVICTA: Kessell, Everitt, Lamb, Flanagan, Guest, Lindsey, Chandler, Munday, Dryden, Lawrence (Ayling), Hogg. SNU: Dyson, Walker, Blackman, Watkins.
BURNHAM: Smith, Braich (Brown), Brett, Horsted, Emms, Nutter, Logie, Ferdnand, Jones (Elliottt), Lockhart, Toley (Cannon).


Read Richard Murrill's FULL match report

FIXTURES w/c Apr 17, 2004
DM Eastern Saturday 17 April 2004
Bashley 0-6 Tonbridge Angels
Corby Town 2-3 Burgess Hill Town
Dartford 0-5 Histon
Eastleigh 1-2 Sittingbourne
Erith & Belvedere 3-0 Newport IOW
Fisher Athletic 0-0 Rothwell Town
Fleet Town 0-0 Chatham Town
Hastings United 1-0 Banbury United
Salisbury City 0-3 King's Lynn
Stamford 4-1 Ashford Town

It's a three horse race now between Tonbridge, King's Lynn and Histon. Eastleigh are 4th and Invicta go 5th on goal difference over Salisbury (6th). The top 6 are promoted.

Click for DM Eastern Leagues Championship Race Latest (Positions/fixtures) ...

MIDWEEK FIXTURES
DM Eastern Tuesday 20 April 2004
King's Lynn v Bashley
Salisbury City v Histon

DM Eastern Wednesday 21 April 2004
Eastleigh v Folkestone Invicta


Friday, April 16, 2004

PREVIEW
Invicta will hope to cement their position in the top 7 of the Dr Martens Eastern division this weekend enabling them to move to level 3 (lower premier sides) of the revised non league. Conference 2 (N & S) are the new level 2 (upper premier sides).

John Ayling will have a fitness test on Saturday and Cugley would like to at least get John onto the subs bench for the rest of the season. Steve Lawrences return has given Invicta further attacking options, and Jim Dryden is finding the net regularly now.

. FIXTURES w/c Apr 17, 2004
DM Eastern Saturday 17 April 2004
Bashley v Tonbridge Angels
Corby Town v Burgess Hill Town
Dartford v Histon
Eastleigh v Sittingbourne
Erith & Belvedere v Newport IOW
Fisher Athletic v Rothwell Town
Fleet Town v Chatham Town
Folkestone Invicta v Burnham
Hastings United v Banbury United
Salisbury City v King's Lynn
Stamford v Ashford Town

DM Eastern Tuesday 20 April 2004
King's Lynn v Bashley
Salisbury City v Histon

DM Eastern Wednesday 21 April 2004
Eastleigh v Folkestone Invicta

MORE REORGANISATION THOUGHTS FROM TONY KEMPSTER
The position has become a bit clearer in the North where the Northern Premier League has stated that there will be no relegation and they will take 8 or 9 clubs from its feeders. Let's assume it is 8. This would mean 4 each from the NCE and the NWC leagues. None from the NL as no club that has applied can finish in a high enough league position. Looking at the Southern and Isthmian leagues this would leave 8 clubs to move up from the feeders if there were no relegation or 15 if the bottom clubs were to be relegated. These would come form the 12 feeders. Have a look at maidstoneunited.co.uk where Darren Lovell has done an analysis of the situation following the Easter Weekend matches.

TonyKempster.co.uk


Friday, April 16, 2004

An Interview with Sanjay: Richard Murrill

I have just completed the second of my celebrity interviews with an Invicta Fan. This time it is Programme Editor / Journo / Rock Promoter Richard � note pad � Murrill.

I caught up with Richard at his office in Sandgate Road with Coral his long term partner.

Favourite other team: Chelsea also I have a soft spot Maccabi Tel Aviv

First Folkestone game: Dartford back in 1973

Best ever game: Folkestone Towns win was the 4.1 win v Dover with John Kemp scoring two in his only game for the Town. As for Invicta the FA Trophy games against Hayes and Woking in 1998 �99

Worst game: A painful defeat by Great Wakering Rovers in the FA Vase when we had the team to get to Wembley in 1997-98

Favourite Player: Now John Ayling in the past Rick Reina and Frank Ovard.

About you

Age: 36 Single! Honest as the day is long, church going pillar of society who lives for pleasure but is hard to please.

Job: Copywriter with Saga

Food: YES please Bacon, Egg and Chips +++ Indian +++++ Italian!

Drink: Lager or Coffee

Hobby: Wine, women and song ��� and soaps! Emmerdale for me!

Music: Changes everyday �. The Smiths / Snuff / Intensified / Smurfs

What about your charity work ? I have been raising funds for Cats for years I help out at the Risborough Lane Cat sanctuary at weekends.

What about the dancing? Who told you that! I do a bit of dancing but not so much since my ankle injury!

Holidays? I always go to Lapland in the winter it is the local dancing I enjoy. Also a trip to Hamburg can be fun.

Hopes for the future: Folkestone to get out of debt and to have another good season and win at Dover!
I retire happy and run a home for old cats.

Many thanks Richard have a good summer.

Sanjay.


Monday, April 12, 2004

FINAL SCORE
Folkestone Invicta (0) 0-0 (0) Erith & Belvedere
INVICTA: Kessell, Everitt, Lamb, Flanagan, Guest, Lindsey (Red 80), Watkins (Chandler 59), Munday, Dryden, Lawrence (Blackman 68), Hogg. SNU: Walker, Dyson, Egan.
ERITH & BEL: Elliott, Tozer, Taylor, Verlesi, S Sodje (Tarrant), Briggs, Aboyage, Standen (Ricketts) Adams, A Sodje, Lorraine,. SNU: Seitsowen.


Read Richard Murrill's FULL match report

Other DM Eastern Monday 12 April 2004
Banbury United 1-0 Stamford
Bashley 7-0 Fleet Town
Burgess Hill Town 1-0 Ashford Town
Burnham 1-2 Eastleigh
Chatham Town 3-0 Dartford
Corby Town 0-0 Rothwell Town
King's Lynn 1-0 Histon (Att: 1617)
Newport IOW 1-1 Salisbury City
Sittingbourne 0-1 Fisher Athletic
Tonbridge Angels 2-1 Hastings United

Invicta's bore draw has dropped them to 6th position in the league, just above Banbury and Bashley, it's getting very tense!



Click for DM Eastern Leagues Championship Race Latest (Positions/fixtures) ...


Saturday, April 10, 2004

FINAL SCORE
Histon (1) 2-2 (2) Folkestone Invicta
Invicta's starting lineup included a name from the past, Steve Lawrence , and a name for the future John Walker. Both played the full 90 minutes as Steve prepares to come back as Invicta's centre forward for the 2004/5 season.

In the 22nd minute Hoggy's low cross was turned into the goal; by Jimmy Dryden. (0-1).
Adrian Cambridge levelled the score at the 26th minute.
30th minute Jimmy Drydens second, fed by Paul Lamb. HT 1-2.
In the 48th minute Ian Cambridge levelled score after a mix-up in defence. (2-2)
In injury time Histon had a goal dissallowed. FT 2-2.

INVICTA: Kessell, Everitt, Lamb, Walker, Guest, Lindsey, Chandler, Munday, Dryden, Blackman ?, Hogg. SNU: Watkins, Winfield, Flanagan, Dyson, Egan.


Read Richard Murrill's FULL match report

Other DM Eastern Saturday 10 April 2004
Ashford Town 1-0 Newport IOW
Dartford (0) 1-0 (0) King's Lynn
Eastleigh 4-0 Burgess Hill Town
Erith & Belvedere 0-0 Corby Town
Fisher Athletic 1-2 Banbury United
Fleet Town 0-3 Sittingbourne
Hastings United 1-1 Bashley
Rothwell Town 0-1 Burnham
Salisbury City (1) 1-1 (0) Tonbridge Angels
Stamford 5-3 Chatham Town

Tonbridge stay a point clear of the rest after a 90th minute goal at Salisbury. Histon 2nd, King's Lynn 3rd, Salisbury 4th, Invicta 5th on goal difference over Eastleigh, Stamford 7th, then Banbury, Bashley and Burgess Hill.



Click for DM Eastern Leagues Championship Race Latest (Positions/fixtures) ...

NEXT FIXTURES
Apr 12 - DM Invicta v Erith & Belvedere 3pm
Apr 17 - DM Invicta v Burnham 3pm


Friday, April 09, 2004

EASTER PROGRAMME
The Easter football programme often resolves the last of the the promotion and relegation issues but this year come Tuesday there may be some question marks still. Many more teams are involved this year because of the impending restructuring of non-league fotball.

That wonderful run of 24 league games undefeated seems a long time ago as Invicta struggle to get the six or so points that should make a top seven place a certainty.

Second placed Histon (Saturday's opponents) are promoted but they have an opportunity to win the league so will not be doing us any favours.

Monday afternoon we face Erith & Belvedere who are in the basement of the league but whose players will be eager to impresss their new manager Kevin Hales, they have also signed new players from Welling Utd.

Neil Cugley's ever shrinking squad is likely to be even further denuded by injuries. There are concerns about John Ayling (ankle), Drew Watkins, Jim Dryden and Adam Flanagan, all struggling for fitness and now the ever present Tony Kessell has a hand injury. Youth team keeper Kieran Mann is standing by. One or two familiar faces are expected to be involved until the end of the season, namely Steve Lawrence and Roy Guiver.

FIXTURES
Saturday Apr 10 DM Histon v Invicta 3pm
Monday Apr 12 DM Invicta v Erith & Belvedere 3pm

nb The Kent Senior Cup Final against Margate will be played on .Wednesday April 28 wth a 7.45pm KO

The draw for the Easter Raffle wll be held in Stripes after the Erith game (Mon Apr 12), please get ticket stubs and cash to the Club shop by 3pm at the latest.


Monday, April 05, 2004

LATEST RESTRUCTURING ANALYSIS FROM TONY KEMPSTER

I have reprinted Tony's notes from his excellant website, they indicate that the administrators have several options from which to make their choices and that we could still find ourselves travelling long distances and have few local Kent derbies.
Ed.


I have updated the restructuring part of my site at www.tonykempster.co.uk to reflect the league positions at 4th April 2004.

I have assumed that the best placed teams in the Premier Divisions won the playoffs for places in Step 2 and that the team with the best playing record won the playoffs for Step 3.

At step 3, I have provided 3 options showing 3 different possible splits - 1. North, South East, The Rest; 2. North, West, East; 3 North, Midlands, South. Option 1 involves the most overall travelling and option 3 the least. Which version do you prefer?

At step 4, it is still uncertain as to how many teams will be relegated to step 5 and how many will be promoted to step 4. This is expected to be announced on 9th May - so teams will not know which step they are playing in until after the season has finished. Because of this uncertainty and to avoid providing any misleading information, I have not allocated clubs to divisions at the step 4 level. Instead, there are 3 columns. Teams that will almost definitely be in step 4. Teams that could be relegated from step 4. Teams that could be promoted to step 4. The "could-be-relegated" teams are those currently in the relegation positions of SLE, SLW, IL1N, IL1S and NP1. The "could-be-promoted" teams are those currently in the top 2 (top 3 for NWC, NCE and NL) of each of the current level 8 (next season step 5) leagues. I do not know whether all/some/none of these clubs have applied and have eligible facilities. They are just included on league position alone as it is unlikely that any club finishing outside the top 2 or 3 teams will be considered. So the 88 teams to make up step 4 will come from the 105 shown below. i.e. 17 of those 43 teams in the 2nd and 3rd columns will not be in step 4 next season - which ones remains to be seen.

The Alliance issued a letter and a list of clubs to all interested parties on 29th January. There will be differences between the lists included in that letter and the lists produced on my site as mine is based on league positions at 4th April and the Alliance is based on 30th November.

The maps and lists are presented as purely illustrative and are based on the above assumptions. I do not envy the administrators who face the task for real next month.

As always, any comments are welcome.

Tony
www.tonykempster.co.uk


Sunday, April 04, 2004

EASTER FIXTURES w/c Apr 5
DM Eastern Tuesday 06 April 2004
Histon v Eastleigh
Newport IOW v Rothwell Town

DM Eastern Saturday 10 April 2004
Ashford Town v Newport IOW
Dartford v King's Lynn
Eastleigh v Burgess Hill Town
Erith & Belvedere v Corby Town
Fisher Athletic v Banbury United
Fleet Town v Sittingbourne
Hastings United v Bashley
Histon v Folkestone Invicta
Rothwell Town v Burnham
Salisbury City v Tonbridge Angels
Stamford v Chatham Town

DM Eastern Monday 12 April 2004
Banbury United v Stamford 3.00
Bashley v Fleet Town 3.00
Burgess Hill Town v Ashford Town 3.00
Burnham v Eastleigh 3.00
Chatham Town v Dartford 3.00
Corby Town v Rothwell Town 3.00
Folkestone Invicta v Erith & Belvedere 3.00
King's Lynn v Histon 3.00
Newport IOW v Salisbury City 3.00
Sittingbourne v Fisher Athletic 3.00
Tonbridge Angels v Hastings United


Saturday, April 03, 2004

FINAL SCORE
Sittingbourne (1) 2-1 (1) Folkestone Invicta
Lamb scored in the 3rd minute but the Brickies recovered well with goals from Coyle (29) and Campbell (86).

On a day when several of the top sides wobbled Invicta's loss drops them down to 5th place in the league.


Read Richard Murrill's FULL match report

Other Results DM Eastern Saturday 03 April 2004
Banbury United 1-0 Fleet Town
Burgess Hill Town 2-1 Stamford
Burnham 2-2 Fisher Athletic
Chatham Town 0-1 Hastings United
Dartford 1-5 Eastleigh
Histon 0-2 Ashford Town
King's Lynn 0-2 Salisbury City
Newport IOW 0-1 Corby Town
Rothwell Town 1-1 Erith & Belvedere
Tonbridge Angels 0-2 Bashley



Click for DM Eastern Leagues Championship Race Latest (Positions/fixtures) ...


Friday, April 02, 2004

KEEP GOING LADS - No Changes
The March 31st deadline came and went but Neil Cugley was not given any additional monies to sign a new striker. Andy Ingleston had posted a request on the forum requesting some new money from supporters to plug the gap left in our formation by the departure of Allan Tait to high-flying Crawley, but the fans didn't respond in big enough numbers.

There is better news regarding John Aylings return to the team, manager Neil Cugley told me that John will have a fitness test tomorrow and he hopes that he will be able to take a place on the bench at least. Of course Sittingbourne know quite alot about Aylings abilities from the many on-loan appearances he made for the Bourne but I suspect Neil is looking a little further ahead, probably to the Histon game (Apr 10).

The squad that remains may be small but it is fit and fiercely competitive and we as fans must continue to get behind them with encouragement and a little blind faith. The run of league games (unbeaten for 24) is over, now we start another run at Sittingbourne.

FIXTURES
Apr 03 DM Sittingbourne v Invicta 3pm
Apr 10 DM Histon v Invicta 3pm


Tuesday, March 30, 2004

MIDWEEK RESULTS
DM Eastern Tuesday 30 March 2004
Folkestone Invicta (1)1-2 (1) Bashley
Bashley went ahead in the 30th minute, Chandler equalised in the 41st minute. HT 1-1
Bashley went ahead in the 66th and continued to threaten the Invicta goal. FT 1-2
On a night when Tonbridge lost on the Isle of Wight, Invicta's unbeaten run comes to an end via the last team to beat them in the league.

Read Richard Murrill's FULL match report

Erith & Belvedere 1-2 Stamford
Newport IOW 2-0 Tonbridge Angels


Click for DM Eastern Leagues Championship Race Latest (Positions/fixtures) ...


Monday, March 29, 2004

FIXTURES w/c 29 Mar 04
DM Eastern Tuesday 30 March 2004
Erith & Belvedere v Stamford
Folkestone Invicta v Bashley
Newport IOW v Tonbridge Angels

DM Eastern Wednesday 31 March 2004
Eastleigh v Chatham Town

DM Eastern Saturday 03 April 2004
Banbury United v Fleet Town
Burgess Hill Town v Stamford
Burnham v Fisher Athletic
Chatham Town v Hastings United
Dartford v Eastleigh
Histon v Ashford Town
King's Lynn v Salisbury City
Newport IOW v Corby Town
Rothwell Town v Erith & Belvedere
Sittingbourne v Folkestone Invicta
Tonbridge Angels v Bashley


Saturday, March 27, 2004

FINAL SCORE
Folkestone Invicta (1) 2-2 (0) King's Lynn
Invicta got off to a great start with Jim Dryden scoring in the 5th minute. Only one team in it 1st half but Invicta failed to score to underline their superiority. HT 1-0.

Kings Lynn were sent out early to start the 2nd half, KL took control of the game. Equalised with a great free kick from David Staff in the 60th minute. KL went ahead in the 75th and always looked like scoring more goals. Blackman was brought on to create some more scoring opportunities for Invicta A late corner was missed by Wilson and David Staff became hero turned into villain blatantly handling. So a red card for Staff and Martin Chandler stepped up to score from the penalty spot in time added on. FT 2-2

Referee Ian Gosling did a good job and did his best to avoid isuing cards.

INVICTA: Kessell, Everitt, Lamb, Flanagan, Guest, Lindsey, Chandler, Munday, Dryden, Watkins (Blackman), Hogg. SNU: Walker, Dyson, Winfield.
KING'S LYNN: Wilson, Jones, Hammond, Burrows (Hefty), Fuff, Stevenson, Camm, Holmes, Staff (SO 90), Watkins, Woodrow (Harris). SNU: Nobes, Fishlock .

Read Richard Murrill's FULL match report

Other DM Eastern Saturday 27 March 2004
Ashford Town 0-2 Salisbury City
Bashley 1-1 Banbury United
Burgess Hill Town 0-1 Tonbridge Angels
Corby Town 1-1 Burnham
Erith & Belvedere 0-3 Histon
Fisher Athletic 1-0 Chatham Town
Fleet Town 1-3 Rothwell Town
Hastings United 0-1 Eastleigh
Sittingbourne 1-0 Newport IOW
Stamford 1-0 Dartford



Click for DM Eastern Leagues Championship Race Latest (Positions/fixtures) ...


Friday, March 26, 2004

WHEN SATURDAY COMES
Saturday 27 March 2004 DM Invicta v King's Lynn 3pm

A warm welcome awaits the followers of King's Lynn at the Westbourne Stadium and Stripes bar on Saturday for the top of the table clash that could have a bearing on the final outcome of our league championship. Its one of several games where the top 6 sides play each other and have the opportunity to put some space between themselves and their contenders.

Click for DM Eastern Leagues Championship Race Latest (Positions/fixtures) ...

The Linnets are very much in the driving seat, unbeaten at Cheriton Road, currently top with the best goal difference in the league, so all they need to do is hold their nerve isn't it , but hang on a minute ! ...

  • The Linnets run-in contains two meetings with Salisbury City and a potential banana skin of a game to finish their season at the rapidly improving Fisher.
  • The Linnets will not need reminding about Invicta's in-form defender/goal scorer Adam Flanagan and Invicta's ability to play for all of the 90+ minutes of the game.
  • The Linnets will also know that despite Invictas loss of a star striker to Crawley and only being able to field one striker in recent starting line-ups, Invicta are scoring 5 or 6 goals with regularity.
  • Invicta's first team squad maybe small (but its perfectly formed), the team picks itself (everybody gets a game whether they want it or not).
  • After the desperation of the 20032/3 season Invicta is now gettting more than its fair share of luck.
All to play for I think, have a good day, we are certainly looking forward to it.


Tuesday, March 23, 2004

FINAL MIDWEEK SCORE
Kent Senior Cup SF Tuesday 23 March 2004
Dover 1-3 Margate
Bromley 0-5 Folkestone Invicta

Folkestone Invicta have progressed to another Kent Senior Cup Final, goal scorers were Chandler, Flanagan (2), Watkins and Hogg. Neil Cugley will be hoping that we can win the final for the first time in our history. Invicta are home to Margate in the final.


Read Richard Murrill's FULL match report

DM Eastern Tuesday 23 March 2004
Ashford Town 2-1 Corby Town
Rothwell Town 0-1 Tonbridge Angels

In the league Tonbridge won their game at Rothwell Town with the last kick of the game. Tonbridge and King's Lynn are top of the league with equal points for the same number of games played, KL are ahead on goal difference.

Saturday is crunch time for Invicta when King's Lynn are the visitors.


Monday, March 22, 2004

FIXTURES w/c 22 Mar 2004

Kent Senior Cup SF Tuesday 23 March 2004
Dover v Margate
Bromley v Folkestone Invicta

DM Eastern Tuesday 23 March 2004
Ashford Town v Corby Town
Rothwell Town v Tonbridge Angels

DM Eastern Saturday 27 March 2004
Ashford Town v Salisbury City
Bashley v Banbury United
Burgess Hill Town v Tonbridge Angels
Corby Town v Burnham
Erith & Belvedere v Histon
Fisher Athletic v Chatham Town
Fleet Town v Rothwell Town
Folkestone Invicta v King's Lynn
Hastings United v Eastleigh
Sittingbourne v Newport IOW
Stamford v Dartford


Saturday, March 20, 2004

FINAL SCORE
Chatham Town (0) 0-3 (1) Folkestone Invicta
Invicta against the wind in the first half, 36th minute Drew Watkins ghosted into the box and got on the end of the cross field ball. HT 0-1.

A freak goal in the 89th minuute where the ball went in off Jim Dryden, followed by Drydens 2nd in the 90th minute when he pounced on the goalkeepers clearance. FT 0-3.

Unbeaten run ol league games now stands at 23. At the top Histon Stamford drew 0-0, King's Lynn came back from a goal down to win 2-1 and Tonbridge took all the points off Ashford.


Read Richard Murrill's FULL match report

Other DME Results Saturday 20 March 2004
Banbury United 4-0 Corby Town
Burnham 2-5 Sittingbourne
Dartford 3-0 Fleet Town
Eastleigh 5-1 Erith & Belvedere
Histon 0-0 Stamford
King's Lynn 2-1 Burgess Hill Town
Newport IOW 1-2 Hastings United
Rothwell Town 0-1 Bashley
Salisbury City 2-1 Fisher Athletic
Tonbridge Angels 1-0 Ashford Town


Click for DM Eastern Leagues Championship Race Latest ...


Friday, March 19, 2004

NEWS FROM THE DUGOUT
During Tuesday's tough encounter with Tonbridge, Martin Chandler sustained calf and ankle injuries, he is 50/50 to start up at Chatham on Saturday. Drew Watkins came back from injury and played the whole of the Tonbridge game so he will have a precautionary fitness test at Chatham. John Ayling's return looks like being 2/3 weeks away (ankle ligaments). Striker Steve Lawrence is back in training after three years during which he has been establishing his local business. Steve wants to get fit and be our centre forward next season, Neil Cugley will not want to rush Sevie but don't be surprised if he makes an appearance on the bench on Saturday or Tuesday night (Bromley).

Tim Hambley has now returned to Welling after the completion of his loan period, he has been struggling with an injury so all parties are happy with the arrangement.

FIXTURES
Saturday Mar 20 DM Chatham v Invicta 3pm
Tuesday Mar 23 KSC Bromley v Invicta 7.45pm


Tuesday, March 16, 2004

FINAL MIDWEEK SCORE
Dr Martens Eastern
Monday 15 March 2004
Fisher Athletic 2-1 Histon

Tuesday 16 March 2004
Dartford 1-0 Sittingbourne

Folkestone Invicta 1-1 Tonbridge Angels
A much better performance from Invicta against a strong rather physical Tonbridge side who benefited from some confusing refereeing decisions in the 90th minute enabling them a share of the points. Jim Drydens 3rd goal in the last three outings would suggest he's found his shooting boots again but still hasn't found the right strike partner. Invictas midfield were superb, partcularly Everitt (Man of the match) and Chandler (limped off near the end of the match to be replaced by Blackman).
Read Richard Murrill's FULL match report

Newport IOW 1-0 Burnham

Click for DM Eastern Leagues Championship Race Latest ...


Sunday, March 14, 2004

TABLE
Doc Martens Eastern @ Mar 13
Pos Team P W D L F A GD Pts
1 King's Lynn 33 22 6 5 78 29 49 72
2 Histon 31 21 7 3 75 32 43 70
3 Tonbridge Angels 31 21 5 5 67 36 31 68
4 Folkestone Invicta 31 18 10 3 73 29 44 64
5 Salisbury City 33 18 7 8 64 37 27 61
6 Eastleigh (-3) 31 18 4 9 63 33 30 55
7 Stamford 33 15 10 8 49 35 14 55
8 Burgess Hill Town 34 15 7 12 56 42 14 52
9 Banbury United 34 14 9 11 51 49 2 51
10 Bashley 32 14 5 13 51 45 6 47
11 Ashford Town 33 11 8 14 42 42 0 41
12 Sittingbourne 33 11 8 14 46 49 -3 41
13 Chatham Town 33 10 9 14 37 51 -14 39
14 Corby Town 33 11 6 16 36 60 -24 39
15 Fisher Athletic 33 10 8 15 52 68 -16 38
16 Burnham (-3) 33 10 8 15 40 61 -21 35
17 Hastings United 34 9 6 19 52 79 -27 33
18 Dartford 33 9 5 19 38 64 -26 32
19 Newport IoW 31 8 6 17 35 55 -20 30
20 Rothwell Town 32 7 7 18 22 39 -17 28
21 Erith & Belvedere 33 5 7 21 37 71 -34 22
22 Fleet Town 34 5 6 23 31 89 -58 21

FIXTURES
Dr Martens Eastern
Monday 15 March 2004
Fisher Athletic v Histon

Tuesday 16 March 2004
Folkestone Invicta v Tonbridge Angels
Newport IOW v Burnham

Saturday 20 March 2004
Banbury United v Corby Town
Burnham v Sittingbourne
Chatham Town v Folkestone Invicta
Dartford v Fleet Town
Eastleigh v Erith & Belvedere
Histon v Stamford
King's Lynn v Burgess Hill Town
Newport IOW v Hastings United
Rothwell Town v Bashley
Salisbury City v Fisher Athletic
Tonbridge Angels v Ashford Town


Saturday, March 13, 2004

FINAL SCORE
Folkestone Invicta (1) 1-0 (0) Dartford
Invicta started brightly and within 5 minutes were a goal up courtesy of Jim Dryden. I dont know why it is that Invicta seem to have all there off-days at the Westbourne but this was very uninspiring stuff and we breathed a collective sigh of relief at ten to five when the ref signalled the end of the match.

INVICTA: Kessell, Everitt, Lamb, Flanagan, Guest, Lindsey, Chandler, Munday, Dryden, Hambley (Blackman), Hogg. SNU: Walker, Winfield, Watkins, Mann.
DARTFORD: Simpson, Gibson, Osbourne, Tedder, Ratchford, McClements, Kwashi, Hales, Sykes, May, Fagan (Nicholls) SNU: Potter, Ansell, Tedder.

Read Richard Murrill's FULL match report

The top three all drew today so 4th placed Invicta and fifth place Salisbury edged two points nearer to dispute the fact that this was a three horse race.

Click for DM Eastern Leagues Championship Race Latest ...



Other Dr Martens Eastern Saturday 13 March 2004
Ashford Town 1-2 Burnham
Burgess Hill Town 0-2 Chatham Town
Erith & Belvedere 0-3 Salisbury City
Fisher Athletic 3-1 Bashley
Fleet Town 1-0 Corby Town
Hastings United 3-0 Stamford
Histon 1-1 Tonbridge Angels
King's Lynn 1-1 Eastleigh
Rothwell Town 2-0 Newport IOW
Sittingbourne 0-0 Banbury United


Thursday, March 11, 2004

NEWS FROM THE DUGOUT
Manager Neil Cugley was looking forward to tonights training session and full of praise for the level of fitness that PTI Lee Dyson has achieved with the small Westbourne stadium squad. Cugs looks upon his Manager of the Month award as an award for all of the squad and his management team and is very positive about still going for the top spot in the league.

Tim Hambley trains with Welling tonight and is expected to be fit enough to return to the side for Saturdays clash with fellow tunnellers Dartford. Drew Watkins has seen a specialist and will hopefully be able to resume training next week. John Ayling has damaged ankle ligaments and looks unlikely to be gracing the Dr Martens Eastern stadiuu with his talents for another 3 weeks or so.

The goals still seem to be flowing despite the departure of Allan Tait, no sooner do we loose one supplier and another source appears. Lee Blackman's appearances to goals ratio makes very satisfying reading and the tireless Jim Dryden has hopefully found his shooting boots. The midfield have continued to chip in with many important goals so hopfully Invicta will keep the long unbeaten run going just a little longer.

FIXTURES
Saturday Mar 13 - DM Invicta v Dartford 3pm
Tuesday Mar 16 - DM Invicta v Tonbridge Angels 7.45pm


Wednesday, March 10, 2004

MIDWEEK SCORE
Dr Martens Eastern Tuesday 09 March 2004
Bashley 0-0 Stamford
Burnham 1-1 Corby Town

Dr Martens Eastern Wednesday 10 March 2004
Burgess Hill Town 1-0 Salisbury City

Both Stamford and Salisbury City lost midweek opportunities to improve their league positions.

Click for DM Eastern Leagues Championship Race Latest ...


Tuesday, March 09, 2004

FIXTURES - w/c Mar 08
Dr Martens Eastern Tuesday 09 March 2004
Bashley v Stamford
Burnham v Corby Town

Dr Martens Eastern Wednesday 10 March 2004
Burgess Hill Town v Salisbury City

Dr Martens Eastern Saturday 13 March 2004
Ashford Town v Burnham
Burgess Hill Town v Chatham Town
Erith & Belvedere v Salisbury City
Fisher Athletic v Bashley
Fleet Town v Corby Town
Folkestone Invicta v Dartford
Hastings United v Stamford
Histon v Tonbridge Angels
King's Lynn v Eastleigh
Rothwell Town v Newport IOW
Sittingbourne v Banbury United


Sunday, March 07, 2004

ALLAN TAIT
Good luck to Allan Tait who has gone back to his local club Crawley Town, over two seasons Allan has left us with some memorable goals in the old memory banks. Thanks for everything Allan.

KSC SEMI-FINAL DRAW
The Kent Senior Cup semi-final draw has been made, Invicta have been drawn away to Ryman Div 1 South side Bromley. The tie is scheduled for March 23rd.

MANAGER OF THE MONTH
It should come as no surprise to many of you that the Dr Martens Eastern Division Manager of the Month for February is your own ... your very own ... NEIL CUGLEY. Congratulations Neil, your record speaks for itself, unbeaten in 20 league matches.

THE EASTERN
Not much changed in the upper reaches of the DM Eastern table on Saturday. Invicta, Histon and King's Lynn all won away from home and Tonbridge were turned over at home to Sittingbourne (I'll bet Stumpy and Chris enjoyed that one). Invicta are gradually inching there way upwards and away from the pack, with only a six point gap between third place Angels and fourth placed Invicta, the home game on Tuesday week (16th March) looks likely to be fairly significant. None of you will want to miss that.

Congratulations to Jim Dryden on scoring his second goal of the week, his rather barren spell has hopefully come to an end.

NEXT FIXTURE
Mar 13 DM Invicta v Dartford


Saturday, March 06, 2004

FINAL SCORE
Newport IOW (0) 0-3 (2) Folkestone Invicta
John Ayling was injured in the 5th minute and substituted in the 9th by John Walker making his first appearance for the first team. Jim Dryden opened the scoring heading in Hoggs cross in the 29th. Mark Munday was on hand to score the second in the 45th. Chandlers corner kick went loose to Lee Blackman who scored the third. FT 0-3.

Att: 224
INVICTA: Kessell, Everitt, Lindsey, Flanagan (Dyson 90), Guest, Ayling (Walker 9), Chandler, Munday, Dryden, Blackman, Hogg. SNU: Watkins, Egan.

Read Richard Murrill's FULL match report

OTHER DME Results
Saturday 06 March 2004
Banbury United 4-1 Burgess Hill Town
Bashley 2-0 Erith & Belvedere
Burnham 0-3 King's Lynn
Chatham Town 1-1 Ashford Town
Corby Town 1-0 Fisher Athletic
Dartford 2-0 Rothwell Town
Eastleigh 0-2 Histon
Salisbury City 3-2 Hastings United
Stamford 5-0 Fleet Town
Tonbridge Angels 1-3 Sittingbourne


Thursday, March 04, 2004

ALLAN TAIT MOVING ON TO PLAY AT A HIGHER LEVEL
The Folkestone Invicta board have isssued the following statement this morning.

Following discussions with all the players regarding next season Allan Tait has decided that irrespective of what we could offer he wants to play football at a higher level.

It has therefore been agreed that Allan will leave Folkestone Invicta today for Crawley, his local club, with Folkestone Invicta receiving a nominal sum for his services.

Allan has left on extremely good terms and he wishes to thank all those that supported him over the last two seasons and the club thanks him for the professionalism demonstrated throughout his contract and wish him alll the best for the future.


Wednesday, March 03, 2004

VOLUNTEERS
That well known Invicta stalwart Phil Orris has found himself taking on yet another role around the football club. At Mondays Shareholders meeting he found himself unopposed for the vacant position of Company Secretary. I think all of Clarkies old jobs have finally been taken on (unless we are still looking for a chief cook and bottle washer). The well known adage rings true, if you want a job doing well you give it to the busiest person in the room. Well volunteered Phil.

On a serious note though, if anybody out there has been thinking that they might like to help out the football club in some voluntary capacity they would be welcomed with open arms. Even if you are unable to offer your time on a regular basis, club officials or Supporters Club committee members would be glad to talk to you and find a task for you.

NEWS FROM THE DUGOUT
Wot no midweek game, what went wrong there! The players are enjoying a week off from the usual Tuesday night scramble to leave work in time to travel half way across the country to play in an important rearranged league fixture. Enjoy the rest lads, normal service will be resumed soon.

This weekend Newport, Isle of Wight is the destination, the most expensive sea crossing in the world so I'm told.

Tim Hambley's loan period has been extended by another month, grateful thanks to Welling who have been more than generous with the arrangements. Tim was injured in last Saturdays pre-match warm-up (thigh strain) and his place was taken by that mercurial home-grown hat trick star John Ayling. I wonder if John will be in the starting line-up again on Saturday!

Our star of the Salon (and the silver boots), Drew Watkins, is out of action for 2-3 weeks.

FIXTURES
Mar 6 DM Newport (IoW) v Invicta 3pm
Mar 6 KLD2 Invicta Res v Groundhoppers 3pm
Mar 13 DM Invicta v Dartford 3pm


Tuesday, March 02, 2004

Tony's Football Site
Tony Kempster has been updating his site again in regard to Restructuring issues. He's reworked everything with the league positions as at 29th Feb 2004 and perhaps more importantly he's split the southern part of the country north/south instead of east/west as he takes the view that an east/west split would mean a lot more travelling for a lot more teams. I don't know if this is an FA/Alliance proposal or not or which system is most advantageous to us? Perhaps this could be aired on the forum?

MIDWEEK RESULTS
Tuesday 02 March 2004
Bashley 3-2 Corby Town
Hastings United 4-1 Fleet Town
Rothwell Town 2-2 Burgess Hill Town
Stamford 2-1 Burnham

WEEKEND FIXTURES
Saturday 06 March 2004
Banbury United v Burgess Hill Town
Bashley v Erith & Belvedere
Burnham v King's Lynn
Chatham Town v Ashford Town
Corby Town v Fisher Athletic
Dartford v Rothwell Town
Eastleigh v Histon
Newport IOW v Folkestone Invicta
Salisbury City v Hastings United
Stamford v Fleet Town
Tonbridge Angels v Sittingbourne


Tuesday, March 02, 2004

INVEST IN FOLKESTONE
Folkestone is to have its own Mayor again, the high speed rail link to the capital should enable travellers to be in London within the hour and Ashford (15 minutes away) links us to Lille, Brussels and Paris courtesy of Eurostar. Various initiatives are in force at present, creation of the Arts quarter, a new shopping centre looks more likely to be built now and tthe town now boasts full Conference Facilities.

Invest in Invictas Future Success - Folkestone Invicta FC are great ambassadors for the town of Folkestone. Good runs in this seasons FA Cup/Trophy and a probable step-up to a premier league for the 2004/5 season have helped to increase awareness of our town at a time when Folkestone is searching to reclaim its own identity.

The football club is delighted to report that its financial status is now healthier than ever in addition to having the strongest squad of players in its history. Much of the long-term debt has been cleared or re-scheduled and with your help we hope to consolidate on these gains and take Invicta to higher levels still. The supporters club have taken a lead to further protect the club with a generous purchase of a �1,000 block of shares.

To make your investment, print the share application/standing order mandate and start your purchase today, each share costs �50. You may wish to pay by standing order in which case you define the amount and the frequency, alternatively you can attach your cheque and submit your form.


Sunday, February 29, 2004

THE JOY OF SIX
Cugley experiences the Joy of Six twice in one week (6 goals at Dartford and Fleet) and is confidantly stating that Invicta can win the league. In an interview with Radio Kent, Cugs surprised the announcer (a Tonbridge fan) by stating that the Dr Martens Eastern top spot was still in Invicta's grasp. The top sides still have to play easch other once more and although we are several points behind the top three they face some more difficult matches than Folkestone. So its official folks, it is not just a three horse race (Tonbridge, Histon & King's Lynn) Invicta are definately contenders not pretenders.

PLAYER OF THE MONTH
Congratulations to Martin Chandler who the Supporters Club have selected as the FJ Fulllick sponsored Player of the month for February. Click for POM

YOUTH RESULTS
Folkestone Invicta 0-1 Ashford Town U18's
Folkestone Invicta 6 - 0 Milton Athletic U16`s
Read the two Paul's (Everitt/Spearpoint) youth section match reports

NEXT YOUTH FIXTURES
Invicta U16's are at home on Tuesday 2nd March in the regional British Lions Cup Final against Littlehampton.

Invicta U18's are at home on Wednesday 3rd against Bearsted 7.45pm Kick Off.


Saturday, February 28, 2004

FINAL SCORE
Fleet Town (2) 2 - 6 (2) Folkestone Invicta
John Ayling was in the starting line-up due to Tim Hambley getting injured during the warm-up. Invicta had a poor first half and Neil Cugley considered thhe 2-2 half time score as fortunate, Fleet were leading twice.

Invicta's second half was much better, they took advantage of the sloping pitch and ran out 2-6 winners. They converted 2 of the 3 penalties awarded.

Fleet scorers: Hale, Smith.
Invicta Scorers: Flanagan, Ayling 3 (1 pen), Chandler 1 (pen), Blackman.

INVICTA: Kessell, Everitt, Lamb, Flanagan, Guest, Ayling, Chandler, Munday (Lindsey), Dryden, Tait (Blackman), Hogg. SNU: Watkins, Dyson.


Read Richard Murrill's FULL match report

Dr Martens Eastern Saturday 28 February 2004
Ashford Town 3-1 Hastings United
Bashley 1-1 Burnham
Burgess Hill Town 1-1 Newport IOW
Chatham Town - Banbury United
Corby Town 3-0 Dartford
Eastleigh 0-0 Tonbridge Angels
Erith & Belvedere 0-2 Rothwell Town
King's Lynn 2-2 Fisher Athletic
Salisbury City p-p Histon (Frozen pitch)
Sittingbourne 0-0 Stamford

Next fixture
Mar 06 - DM Newport (IoW) v Invicta 3pm


Thursday, February 26, 2004

Six of the Best and Two Semi-finals

On a week when the Invicta 1st team grabbed the local attention by giving Dartford six of the best up at Gravesend the two senior youth teams had memorable wins in their respective Youth league cups. The Under 18's have progressed to the John Ullman Cup Final and the Under 16's have booked their place in the British :Lion Cup Final.

The players (Men and Boys), Neil Cugley his management team and Youth Development Officer Mick Dix and his team of helpers are to be congratulated on their achievements, all deserve a vote of thanks and our unwaivering support.

Invicta shareholders are reminded that there is a Shareholders meeting in Stripes on Monday March 1st (7.45pm).

Arbitration Tribunal - Restructure confirmed

The following article appeared on The FA website today: (www.thefa.com)

The Arbitration Tribunal which heard the Isthmian League's challenge to the restructuring of the National League System today announced that it has unanimously dismissed their claims. The Tribunal was made up of three very senior legal figures, including former senior law lord Lord Browne-Wilkinson.

"The FA is of course pleased that our decision and processes have been upheld by the Tribunal. However, the most important point is that we, together with the Alliance partners, can now look to the future and get on with the vital reorganisation of football at this level", Nic Coward, The FA's Director of Corporate and Legal Affairs told us.

The FA believes the new system will raise standards, create more excitement through play-offs, and deliver more consistent rules, regulations and ground grading requirements.

A key principle has been to ensure that the National League System will be fair and equitable for clubs irrespective of their geographic position in the country. Uppermost in The FA's decision-making and consultation throughout this process was that change should not take place for change�s sake, but only if it would bring long-term benefits for the game.

At a meeting in May 2003 the Football Conference and the Isthmian, Northern Premier and Southern Leagues� 'Alliance' agreed to recommend to the National League System Committee a new structure and a timetable to achieve it. This proposal includes the following key features:-

- 22 clubs per league
- Play-offs at each step down to step 4
- Better linkages throughout the league structure
- A semi-national step between the Conference and step 3
- Remove leagues within a league
- Deliver more consistent rules, regulations, ground grading and promotion/relegation through play-offs

This structure was considered by the National League System Committee at their meeting on 9th May 2003 and approved by The FA Council at its Summer Meeting on 21st June 2003. It will now be implemented with effect from the start of season 2004-05.


Tuesday, February 24, 2004

FINAL MIDWEEK SCORE
Dartford 1-6 Folkestone Invicta
Goal Scorers:
Dartford
Kwashi 88
Folkestone Invicta
Hogg 11,
Tait 24,48,73
Chandler 55,
Ayling 82


Invicta go fourth in table on superior goal diff over Salisbury. King's Lynn go top (12 points ahead of Invicta) with Histon and Tonbridge, 2nd and 3rd (11 ponts ahead of Invicta).
Read Richard Murrill's FULL match report

Other Dr Martens Eastern Results Tuesday 24 February 2004
Ashford Town 1-2 Sittingbourne
Hastings United 0-2 King's Lynn
Histon 2-1 Rothwell Town


Monday, February 23, 2004

SOUTHERN FOOTBALL LEAGUE - APPLICATIONS 2004/5

Reported in the Eastern Counties Bulletin this week

The Southern Football League has reported receipt of applications for next season from the following clubs attached to their feeder Leagues:

Eastern Counties League:
Diss Town and Maldon Town (plus a late application from Soham Town Rangers that is currently being processed by the Ridgeons Football league)

Hellenic League:
Bishops Cleeve, Brackley Town, Hungerford Town, North Leigh and Slimbridge

Kent League:
Cray Wanderers and Maidstone United

Midland Alliance:
Barwell, Boldmere St. Michael, Bridgnorth Town, Oadby Town, Oldbury United, Quorn, Rocester, Stratford Town, Studley and Willenhall Town

Sussex County League:
Three Bridges

United Counties League:
Nil

Wessex League:
AFC Newbury, Gosport Borough and Winchester City
Western:
Paulton Rovers


TABLE (top 9) to Feb 21, 2004

Doc Martens Eastern
Pos Team P W D L F A GD Pts
1 Tonbridge Angels 28 21 3 4 65 32 33 66
2 King's Lynn 29 20 4 5 70 26 44 64
3 Histon 28 19 6 3 70 30 40 63
4 Salisbury City 30 16 7 7 58 34 24 55
5 Eastleigh (-3) 28 18 2 8 62 30 32 53
6 Folkestone Invicta 27 14 10 3 57 26 31 52
7 Burgess Hill Town 29 14 5 10 51 33 18 47
8 Stamford 28 13 8 7 42 31 11 47
9 Banbury United 32 13 8 11 47 48 -1 47

FIXTURES w/c Feb 23

Dr Martens Eastern Tuesday 24 February 2004
Ashford Town v Sittingbourne
Dartford v Folkestone Invicta
Hastings United v King's Lynn
Histon v Rothwell Town

Dr Martens Eastern Saturday 28 February 2004
Ashford Town v Hastings United
Bashley v Burnham
Burgess Hill Town v Newport IOW
Chatham Town v Banbury United
Corby Town v Dartford
Eastleigh v Tonbridge Angels
Erith & Belvedere v Rothwell Town
Fleet Town v Folkestone Invicta
King's Lynn v Fisher Athletic
Salisbury City v Histon
Sittingbourne v Stamford


Saturday, February 21, 2004

FINAL SCORE
Folkestone Invicta (0) 0 - 0 (0) Corby Town
INVICTA: Kessell, Everitt, Lamb, Flanagan, Guest, Chandler, Hambley (75 Ayling), Munday, Dryden, Tait, Hogg. SNU: Egan, Rainbow, Blackman, Dyson.
CORBY: Lavin, Marlow, Vallance, Glover (90 Marshall), Julian, White, Forbes, Kennedy, Sturgess, Snedon (Foley), Challinor. SNU: Stanton, Hackett.

Read Richard Murrill's FULL match report

Results - Dr Martens Eastern Saturday 21 February 2004
Banbury United 1-0 Bashley
Dartford 2-3 Tonbridge Angels
Fisher Athletic 2-1 Eastleigh
Fleet Town 0-3 Burgess Hill Town
Hastings United 4-0 Erith & Belvedere
Histon 5-1 Burnham
King's Lynn 5-2 Sittingbourne
Newport IOW 1-2 Chatham Town
Rothwell Town 2-0 Ashford Town
Stamford 2-0 Salisbury City

MIDWEEK FIXTURES
Dr Martens Eastern Tuesday 24 February 2004
Ashford Town v Sittingbourne
Dartford v Folkestone Invicta
Hastings United v King's Lynn
Histon v Rothwell Town


Thursday, February 19, 2004

NEWS FROM THE DUGOUT
Neil Cugley has given the boys a night off from training tonight (Thursday) and is anticipating that the whole squad will be fit enough for consideration/selection for Saturdays Dr Martens Eastern home game against the Steelmen (Corby Town).

Unfortunately captain Scott Lyndsey has to serve a two match suspension but Guest and Flanagan should be able to resume their successful partnership in the centre of the defence (Flanagan served a one match suspension on Tuesday). Munday returns after work commitments caused him to miss the midweek game. With most of the squad available, it looks like we should have a strong bench again on Saturday.

Chandler and Everitt have signed one year contracts, Dryden has signed on for the next two years. I hope to have some more information about other signings on Monday. Peter Overton has returned to Maidstone Utd, the club he started the 2003/4 season with.

FIXTURES
Feb 21 - DM Invicta v Corby Town 3pm
Feb 24 - DM Dartford v Invicta 7.45pm
Feb 28 - DM Fleet Town v Invicta 3pm

MIDWEEK RESULTS
Dr Martens Eastern Wednesday 18 February 2004
Burgess Hill Town 0-1 Burnham

Doc Martens Eastern - Top Nine
Pos Team P W D L F A GD Pts
1 Tonbridge Angels 27 20 3 4 62 30 32 63
2 King's Lynn 28 19 4 5 65 24 41 61
3 Histon 27 18 6 3 64 29 35 60
4 Salisbury City 29 16 7 6 58 32 26 55
5 Eastleigh (-3) 27 18 2 7 61 28 33 53
6 Folkestone Invicta 26 14 9 3 57 26 31 51
7 Burgess Hill Town 28 13 5 10 48 33 15 44
8 Stamford 27 12 8 7 40 31 9 44
9 Banbury United 31 12 8 11 46 48 -2 44


Tuesday, February 17, 2004

FINAL SCORE
Dr Martens Cup Tuesday 17 February 2004
Dover (0) 2-0 (0) Folkestone Invicta
Two goals in the first 15 minutes of the second half condemned Folkestone Invicta to a Dr Martens League Cup exit away to local rivals Dover Athletic for the second successive year.

Invicta had finished the first half strongly, but were disappointing during the second half as Craig Cloke and Israel Amadi scored the goals which gave Dover victory in Tuesday night's Fourth Round tie in front of a 650 crowd.
Read Richard Murrill's FULL match report

Dr Martens Eastern Tuesday 17 February 2004
Erith & Belvedere 0-5 King's Lynn
Folkestone Invicta p-p Tonbridge Angels (rearranged for Mar 16)
Histon 6-1 Newport IOW

The Linnets move to within two points of leaders Tonbridge, albeit having played a match more than the Angels. With five goals this evening Kings Lynn move to the 65 goals mark, the best in the division, with Histon a goal behind. These goals scored totals are the best in all three divisions of the Dr Martens League.


Sunday, February 15, 2004

FIXTURES
Dr Martens Cup Tuesday 17 February 2004
Dover v Folkestone Invicta

Dr Martens Eastern Tuesday 17 February 2004
Erith & Belvedere v King's Lynn
Folkestone Invicta p-p Tonbridge Angels (rearranged for Mar 16)
Histon v Newport IOW

Dr Martens Eastern Wednesday 18 February 2004
Burgess Hill Town v Dartford

Dr Martens Eastern Saturday 21 February 2004
Banbury United v Bashley
Dartford v Tonbridge Angels
Fisher Athletic v Eastleigh
Fleet Town v Burgess Hill Town
Folkestone Invicta v Corby Town
Hastings United v Erith & Belvedere
Histon v Burnham
King's Lynn v Sittingbourne
Newport IOW v Chatham Town
Rothwell Town v Ashford Town
Stamford v Salisbury City


Saturday, February 14, 2004

FINAL SCORE

Burnham (0) 0-4 (3)Folkestone Invicta
Biggest Eastern Division winners of the day were Folkestone, who extended their current unbeaten league sequence to 16 matches. They comfortably beat an in form Burnham side 4-0 away from home with Tim Hambley leading the way with a double. Contrasting fortunes for Burnham who suffered a heavy defeat just seven days after an away win at league leaders Tonbridge. This was a first league defeat in six for Burnham.



Read Richard Murrill's FULL match report

Other Dr Martens Eastern Saturday 14 February 2004
Ashford Town 3-1 King's Lynn
Banbury United 1-0 Hastings United
Bashley 0-1 Rothwell Town
Burgess Hill Town 2-0 Sittingbourne
Chatham Town 0-1 Histon
Corby Town 2-1 Salisbury City
Eastleigh 0-1 Stamford
Erith & Belvedere 2-0 Dartford
Fisher Athletic 1-2 Fleet Town
Tonbridge Angels 2-1 Newport IOW

NEXT FIXTURE
Dr Martens Cup Tuesday 17 February 2004
Dover v Folkestone Invicta


Wednesday, February 11, 2004

RESULTS

Last nights results (FAT) Dover 2 Forest Green 1 (Dover are now away to Hednesford in 5R on Saturday Feb 14) ..... (on Tues Feb 17 Dover will be home to Invicta in DM Cup unless a replay is required against Hednesford) ... Invicta v Tonbridge is rearranged for March 16) .... (DME) Tonbridge 4 Histon 3 (Tonbridge led 3-0, were pegged back to 3-3, Angels winner direct from free kick) ........
Next fixture .... (Feb 14) DM Burnham v Invicta

FIXTURES

The home DM league game against Tonbridge has been rearranged for March 16.

Dr Martens Eastern Saturday 14 February 2004
Ashford Town v King's Lynn
Banbury United v Hastings United
Bashley v Rothwell Town
Burgess Hill Town v Sittingbourne
Burnham v Folkestone Invicta
Chatham Town v Histon
Corby Town v Salisbury City
Eastleigh v Stamford
Erith & Belvedere v Dartford
Fisher Athletic v Fleet Town
Tonbridge Angels v Newport IOW

Dr Martens Cup Tuesday 17 February 2004
Dover v Folkestone Invicta

(providing Dover are not involved in an FAT replay with Hednesford)

Dr Martens Eastern Tuesday 17 February 2004
Erith & Belvedere v King's Lynn
Histon v Newport IOW

Dr Martens Eastern Wednesday 18 February 2004
Burgess Hill Town v Dartford


Monday, February 09, 2004

Folkestone Invicta Fan Interview (Feb 2004)

Interviewer: Sanjay Mork of The Hythe Courier
This months star fan is Phil Jordon well known around the Club.

Role in the Club; Supporters Club Committee Member , Raffle Ticket Seller , Steward , Keeper of the Silly Hats and wearer of the slipper!

My favourite moment with Phil was Hinkley away a couple of years ago. We were losing 1-0 with minute remaining and Phil was have a debate with a 6�3 Afro Carabien Centre Back who thought Phil had his head on upside down . Did PJ shut up oh know he continued and was called a muppett . Jimmy Dryden then banged in Two goals in the last minute for a 2-1 win . Nuff said!
Age? 51

Job? Bookers [ who have a sign at Ashford ]

How long have to supported Folkestone? Since 1985First game Dover away with a4-1 win!

Favourite other team? Derby County

Other Non :League? Burton Albion

Best Invicta Game? easy FA Trophy v Hayes 3-2 Home win [ Hayes were then mid table Conference ]

Worst? Ashford away this season

Favourite Player Current? Adam Flannagan

Favourite All Time? Ricky Reina

Most Hated? Billy Manual

Most Hated other team? Dover who else

What Music Do you like? Beatles

Food? Anything Not Indian

Why do you wear a slipper? An injury received in the summer

Is it true you have been banned from a few cars for moaning? What me moan !

Is your bag ever empty of food ? NO!

Did you really eat two dinner and three puddings at a gentlemens evening? It was 4 puddings!

Wear did you get those hats? One at Burton and the other from Paul Everett

What does fook mean? Go away!
Many thanks for your time Phil keep up the good work and I await new megaphone! Geoff Senior has a lot to answer for!

Next interview Richard Murrell

Interview by Sanjay Mork of The Hythe Courier


Saturday, February 07, 2004

FINAL SCORE
Folkestone Invicta (1) 2-1 (1) Burgess Hill Town
Invicta came from behind again to take all three points, firstly Hillians went ahead from the penalty spot in the 29th minute, and with 4 miutes of the half remainig Hoggy struck the equaliser. HT 1-1

Invicta were much more purposeful in the 2nd half. After 20 mins we changed the system, replacing defender Lindsey with striker Ayling and surprisingly only added the one goal, Guesties well struck low shot to the keepers left. Invicta were looking the part now and got their passing game going, the mystery was that we didn't score anymore goals. It all got a little too much for the Hillians for the period of added time, with two players (Bridle and Andrews) seeing red, going in with two footed tackles and then taking early baths. FT 2-1

With Tonbridge & Histon losing, King's Lynn moved up to the top spot with 58 points from 26. Invicta remain in 6th place but have now moved 7 points away from the chasing pack with 48 ponts from 25. It's amazing what a couple of wins can do.

INVICTA: Kessell, Everitt, Lamb, Flanagan, Guest, Lindsey (Ayling), Hambley, Overton (Chandler), Dryden, Tait, Hogg.
BURGESS HILL T: Stark, Sullivan, Guile, Curnow, Andrews, Downey, Harper, Price, Smith (Kilpatrick), Carr (Sadough), Bridle. SNU: Dalaway, Lucey, Gannon.



Richard Murrill's FULL match report

Dr Martens Eastern Saturday 07 February 2004
Ashford Town 0-1 Eastleigh
Bashley 2-2 Chatham Town
Dartford 2-0 Newport IOW
Fleet Town 0-3 Erith & Belvedere
Histon 1-2 Hastings United
King's Lynn 4-1 Banbury United
Salisbury City 1-1 Rothwell Town
Sittingbourne 4-2 Corby Town
Stamford 2-2 Fisher Athletic
Tonbridge Angels 1-3 Burnham


Friday, February 06, 2004

NEWS FROM THE DUGOUT
Tim Hambley is ruled out of Saturdays visit of the "Hillians" , he has a knee injury and also has the flu (a double whammy!). Mark Munday will have a fitness test tomorrow. Drew Watkins has been struggling with a hamstring problem but is expected to be available. John Ayling and Micheal Everitt both trained this week with colds but manager Neil Cugley expects they will be available. Despite finding the Hillians good opposition a month ago, Neil is unlikely to be happy with anything less than three points as we try to stay with the leading group of the Eastern division.

Next Fixture
Feb 07 - DM Invicta v Burgess Hill Town 3pm


Tuesday, February 03, 2004

FINAL SCORE (MIDWEEK)
Folkestone Invicta (1) 1-1 (1) Histon
Att. 363
Allan Tait scored his first goal since New Years Day in the 21st minute rather against the run of play. Depending on which Histon fan you believe a 42 minute equaliser resulted (1) directly from the cross, (2) from a header or (3) was an own goal by keeper Kessell. They will argue about that one for a while!. HT 1-1.

Invicta upped the tempo a bit in the second half and created a few good chances but luck wasn't on their side and the solid Histon defence showed why they are a top three side. FT 1-1. Histon move level on points with Salisbury in third place.

INVICTA: Kessell, Watkins (Everitt), Lamb, Flanagan, Guest, Lindsey, Chandler (Ayling), Overton, Dryden, Tait, Hogg. SNU:Blackman, Egan.
HISTON: Barber, Farrington, Skelly, Hipperson, Vowden, A Cambridge, Hanover (Munns), Andrews (Tovey), Kennedy, I Cambridge, Parker. SNU: Rowe, Goddard, Coburn.


Richard Murrill's FULL match report

Dr Martens Eastern Monday 02 February 2004
Fisher Athletic 2-1 Salisbury City
Fisher's improved form continues with just a single league defeat in their last nine. Surprisingly, Salisbury lost for the second time in 20 matches and missed out on the chance of going second.

Dr Martens Eastern Tuesday 03 February 2004
Rothwell Town p-p Tonbridge Angels

Dr Martens Cup Fourth Round: Tuesday 03 February 2004
Dorchester Town - Eastleigh

WEEKEND FIXTURES
Dr Martens Eastern Saturday 07 February 2004
Ashford Town v Eastleigh
Bashley v Chatham Town
Dartford v Newport IOW
Fleet Town v Erith & Belvedere
Folkestone Invicta v Burgess Hill Town
Histon v Hastings United
King's Lynn v Banbury United
Salisbury City v Rothwell Town
Sittingbourne v Corby Town
Stamford v Fisher Athletic
Tonbridge Angels v Burnham

DM League Cup Draw
Moor Green v Chippenham Town
Dorchester Town or Eastleigh v Weymouth
Crawley Town v Dover Athletic or Folkestone Invicta
Cambridge City v Hednesford Town


Monday, February 02, 2004

All you ever wanted to know about Restructuring and were afraid to ask!

Author: Tony Kempster
I have updated the restructuring pages on my web site at www.tonykempster.co.uk Comments, corrections and any further info that enable me to make these as accurate as possible, are welcome. The maps and lists are based on my guess of what the structure would have looked like if implemented based on league positions at 31st January 2004. I have assumed that the best placed teams in the Premier Divisions won the playoffs for places in Step 2 and that the team with the best playing record won the playoffs for Step 3.

At step 4, I have assumed that the 9 teams that were in relegation positions were relegated to step 5. These are Fleet Town and Rothwell Town from SLE, Cinderford Town from SLW, Enfield and Barking & East Ham United from IL1N, Corinthian-Casuals and Epsom & Ewell from IL1S, Kendal Town and Ossett Town from NP1. Note only two teams from NP1 as no teams from the Northern League are likely to move up to step 4.

I have assumed that the 10 teams promoted in the "normal" way to replace these are Brigg Town (NCE), Clitheroe (NWC), Cray Wanderers (KENT), Buckingham Town (UC) Wimborne (WESS), Bideford (WEST), Hertford Town & Dorking (IL2), AFC Wimbledon (CC) and Beaconsfield SYCOB (SSM). In the old IL and SL parts of the pyramid, I have chosen the teams to go up as the champions of the relevant feeders with the best current playing record (points divided by games played).

The 15 remaining teams I have chosen to move to step 4 from step 5 are Diss Town (EC), Chichester City United & East Preston (SUSS), Didcot Town & Southall Town (HELL), Rocester (MID), Winchester City (WESS), Paulton Rovers (WEST), AFC Wallingford (CC), Brook House (SSM), Romford (ES), Selby Town & Ossett Albion (NCE), Mossley & Woodley Sports (NWC)

In choosing these 15, I have a) included 2 further teams from the NWC and NCE, making 3 each from these leagues, in an attempt to address the North/South imbalance, b) next chosen the teams in 1st position of those leagues (EC, SUSS, HELL, MID, ES) that did not have teams promoted "normally" and c) made up the 15 with the 2nd placed teams with the best current playing record (points divided by matches played) . I have also excluded teams that I know have not applied - these include AFC Sudbury (EC) and Whitstable Town (KENT) plus all teams from the Northern League.

I do not know if all these clubs have a) applied or b) have the correct ground grading. However for the purpose of this illustrative exercise, this is the easiest assumption to make.

These maps and lists are presented as purely illustrative and are based on the above assumptions. I do not envy the administrators who face the task for real in a few month's time.

Tony Kempster
www.tonykempster.co.uk


Saturday, January 31, 2004

FINAL SCORE
Folkestone Invicta (0) 3-2 (2) Banbury United
Thanks to the hard work of the groundstaff and some of the supporters, Invicta were able to provide some footballing entertainment at the Westbourne Stadium for their football starved fans. A swirling wind provided the main problems which Banbury seemed to cope with better for the first hour, going in at half-time 2-0 up courtesy of Redknapp and Simms.

At a the 65th minute manager Cugley made a daring triple substitution (inspiration or desperation!), Ayling Overton and Everitt, replaced Chandler Hambley and Munday and within 2 minutes Flanagan had scored (1-2). Ayling was creating all sorts of problems for Banbury and his jinking run brought about the penalty reward from which Hogg scored after keeper Tricker had parried the firmly struck spot kick. (2-2) Ayling was to have the final say in the result with his low shot in the 80 th minute. Final score (3-2).

After the only Dr Martens Eastern game to be played today, Folkestone stay in sixth place, now six points behind fifth placed Eastleigh and with two matches in hand.

INVICTA: Kessell, Chandler (Everitt), Lamb, Flanagan, Guest, Lindsey, Hambley (Ayling), Munday (Overton), Dryden, Tait, Hogg. SNU: Blackman, Egan.
BANBURY: Tricker, Fuller, Robinson, Sullivan (Sidder), Allen, Aldridge, Stanbridge (O'Neill), Lee, Simms (Jackson), Redknapp, Potter. SNU: Brock.

 Richard Murrill's FULL match report

FA Trophy Fourth Round: Saturday 31 January 2004
KING'S LYNN p-p Exeter City

Dr Martens Eastern Saturday 31 January 2004
Burgess Hill Town p-p Salisbury City
Burnham p-p Corby Town
Dartford p-p Sittingbourne
Eastleigh p-p Chatham Town
Erith & Belvedere p-p Stamford
Fisher Athletic p-p Histon
Hastings United p-p Fleet Town
Newport IOW p-p Tonbridge Angels


Thursday, January 29, 2004

LOCAL PRESS
Chairman Bob seeks new investors
The Folkestone Herald reported that they had been advised by Invicta chairman Bob Dix that the club had never been in a healthier financial state than it is now. Bob put out a plea to anyone in the local business community who could come forward and help us keep the existing squad together until the end of the season, a season which should see us as a top seven finisher and a premier side again after the summers league restructuring.

Bob pointed out that last season we were saddled with two bank loans and one brewery loan, and that he was delighted to say that these had been cleared and all other debts had been rescheduled and the payments were being managed ok.

If you think you can help your local football club do give Bob a ring on 07770 902 262

THREE HOME LEAGUE GAMES IN EIGHT DAYS
Manager Neil Cugley is only too well aware of the importance of the next weeks games, opponents Banbury (Jan 31 ) and Burgess Hill (Feb 7) have exactly the same points as Invicta, and Histon (Championship contenders) (Feb 3) are a massive 12 points ahead of us. Invicta and Histon have both had Cup success this season and have therefore only played 22 of their league games, at least 3 to 6 games in hand on the rest of the league.

Tim Hambley celebrated his loan extension of a further month by scoring both of Invictas goals at Ashford on an icy Tuesday night, the midfield have been providing a lot of Invicta goals since Allan Taits enforced rest period. Cugley will be a relieved man when he is able to write down against the number 10 on his team sheet again, T-A-I-T, hopefully he will get the chance to over these important three games.


Tuesday, January 27, 2004

FINAL MIDWEEK SCORES

Kent Senior Cup Second Round: Tuesday 27 January 2004
ASHFORD TOWN (0) 1-2 (2) FOLKESTONE INVICTA
Richard Murrill's FULL match report

Bromley 2-1 TONBRIDGE ANGELS

Dr Martens Eastern Tuesday 27 January 2004
Chatham Town 0-3 Burgess Hill Town
Hastings United 1-4 Salisbury City


Monday, January 26, 2004

FIXTURES
Dr Martens Eastern Tuesday 27 January 2004
Chatham Town v Burgess Hill Town
Hastings United v Salisbury City

Kent Senior Cup Second Round: Tuesday 27 January 2004
ASHFORD TOWN v FOLKESTONE INVICTA
Bromley v TONBRIDGE ANGELS

FA Trophy Fourth Round: Saturday 31 January 2004
KING'S LYNN v Exeter City

Dr Martens Eastern Saturday 31 January 2004
Burgess Hill Town v Salisbury City
Burnham v Corby Town
Dartford v Sittingbourne
Eastleigh v Chatham Town
Erith & Belvedere v Stamford
Fisher Athletic v Histon
Folkestone Invicta v Banbury United
Hastings United v Fleet Town
Newport IOW v Tonbridge Angels


Saturday, January 24, 2004

FINAL SCORE
Stamford (0) 0- 0 (0) Folkestone Invicta
Attendance: 203
Another draw for the Invicta Road show on a day when Kings Lynn and Salisbury both won.
Both sides had opportunities at the death to win the game, Ndekwe rounded keeper Kessell and went down, no penalty given and Steadman hit the cross bar from 2 yards. Ayling and Guest had scoring opportunities deep into injury time.

INVICTA: Kessell, Watkins (Everitt 45), Lamb, Flanagan, Guest, Scott, Chandler (Ayling 83), Munday, Dryden, Overton . SNU: Blackman, Dyson, Holdway.


Richard Murrill's FULL match report

Other Dr Martens Eastern Div Results - Saturday 24 January 2004
Banbury United 1-1 Dartford
Burgess Hill Town 1-2 Bashley
Burnham 4-3 Newport IOW
Corby Town 2-1 Chatham Town
Eastleigh 3-0 Fleet Town
Hastings United 4-4 Fisher Athletic
Rothwell Town 1-2 Histon
Salisbury City 2-1 Ashford Town
Sittingbourne 1-2 King's Lynn


Friday, January 23, 2004

FIXTURES
Dr Martens Eastern Div - Saturday 24 January 2004
Banbury United v Dartford
Burgess Hill Town v Bashley
Burnham v Newport IOW
Corby Town v Chatham Town
Eastleigh v Fleet Town
Hastings United v Fisher Athletic
Rothwell Town v Histon
Salisbury City v Ashford Town
Sittingbourne v King's Lynn
Stamford v Folkestone Invicta

MINIBUS
There is a minibus going to the Stamford game on Saturday, leaving Stripes at 10.45am.
Call Derek Miller on 07748 560172 to book your place.

ON OFF, ON OFF, ON OFF!
This weeks casualty, Tuesdays Dover v Invicta Dr Martens Cup fixture, has been rescheduled for February 10. An earlier date of Feb 3 was mooted as a possible date but we didn't want to inconveniance Histon who have a similar backlog of fixtures to Invicta. The away league fixture against Eastleigh (Feb 11) will have to be rearranged now.

The home league fixture against Bashley has been rescheduled to Tuesday March 30th.

The weather looks like bringing more uncertainty into the fixture list with wintry conditions liable to turn up almost anywhere in the next few days. Lets hope that we have all learned a lesson from this weeeks on-off game fiasco and that our opponents will not have reason to call foul!

JAMES MILLAR has left the club and signed for Dover Athletic.


Monday, January 19, 2004

NEWS FROM THE DUGOUT
Manager Neil Cugley was very pleased with the team after another gutsy performance at King's Lynn. They've shown a lot of character over the last couple of away games, fighting back to avoid defeat, we've got to start winnning the home games now to ensure a top seven finish in the league. There's a lot of interest this year in several leagues, because of the reorganisation, so many more teams are in contention for honours.

Tomorrow night at Dover, Cugs expects to start with more or less the same team as Saturday, but Ayling is doubtful with a hamstring problem but expected to be fit for Saturdays trip back to East Anglia for the Dr Martens Eastern division fixture with Stamford.

FIXTURES
Jan 20 DMC R4 Dover Athletic v Invicta 7.45pm
Jan 24 DM Stamford v Invicta 3pm
Jan 27 KSC 2R Ashford Town v Invicta 7.45pm
Jan 31 DM Invicta v Banbury Utd 3pm


Saturday, January 17, 2004

FINAL SCORE
King's Lynn (0) 1-1 (0) Folkestone Invicta
Att: 1004
Adam Flanagan grabs injury time equaliser for Invicta in response to Dave Staff's 58th minute goal directly from a free kick. The second half was played in incessant rain.

INVICTA: Kessell, Watkins, Lamb, Flanagan, Guest, Lindsey, Hambley (Chandler 71), Munday (Blackman 86), Dryden, Hogg, Overton (Ayling 71). SNU Everitt, Egan.


Richard Murrill's FULL match report

Saturday 17 January 2004 - Other Dr Martens Eastern
Ashford Town 1-1 Fleet Town
Bashley 3-3 Dartford
Chatham Town 1-1 Burnham
Erith & Belvedere 1-2 Eastleigh
Histon 2-1 Salisbury City
Newport IOW 0-4 Banbury United
Rothwell Town 0-3 Fisher Athletic
Sittingbourne 0-2 Burgess Hill Town
Stamford 1-0 Hastings United
Tonbridge Angels 1-1 Corby Town

MIDWEEK FIXTURES
Dr Martens Cup Fourth Round: Monday 19 January 2004
Worcester City v Moor Green

Tuesday 20 January 2004 - Dr Martens Eastern
Erith & Belvedere v Ashford Town

Dr Martens Cup Fourth Round: Tuesday 20 January 2004
Cambridge City v Nuneaton Borough
Crawley Town v Welling United or Eastbourne Borough
Dorchester Town v Eastleigh
Dover Athletic v Folkestone Invicta
Hinckley United v Hednesford Town
Tiverton Town v Newport County or Chippenham Town
Weymouth v Bath City


Friday, January 16, 2004

FIXTURES
Saturday 17 January 2004 - Dr Martens Eastern
Ashford Town v Fleet Town
Bashley v Dartford
Chatham Town v Burnham
Erith & Belvedere v Eastleigh
Histon v Salisbury City
King's Lynn v Folkestone Invicta
Newport IOW v Banbury United
Rothwell Town v Fisher Athletic
Sittingbourne v Burgess Hill Town
Stamford v Hastings United
Tonbridge Angels v Corby Town

Dr Martens Cup Fourth Round: Monday 19 January 2004
Worcester City v Moor Green

Tuesday 20 January 2004 - Dr Martens Eastern
Erith & Belvedere v Ashford Town

Dr Martens Cup Fourth Round: Tuesday 20 January 2004
Cambridge City v Nuneaton Borough
Crawley Town v Welling United or Eastbourne Borough
Dorchester Town v Eastleigh
Dover Athletic v Folkestone Invicta
Hinckley United v Hednesford Town
Tiverton Town v Newport County or Chippenham Town
Weymouth v Bath City


Wednesday, January 14, 2004

In Conversation with Neil Cugley ...
27 year old Peter Overton, recently of Bromley and Tonbridge Angels should be appearing in Invicta colours on Saturday when we travel up to Norfolk to play one of the top Eastern division sides King's Lynn.

"We've been a bit surprised this year by just how many good sides there are in the Dr Martens Eastern, we continue to aim for a top seven finish and we've had to strengthen the squad as players become available to us. I'm pleased that we've been able to add some top quality players. Peter is a midfielder by trade but is something of a utility player, so who knows where he might pop-up.

Allan Tait's hamstring problem should only keep him out of the frontline for another couple of weeks at most, I'm anxious to get him back but not before he's fit enough.

As I said before the strength of the league has surprised us a little and we are very fortunate to have a nucleus of local young players at the centre of the squad. Jim Dryden is the role model the other youngsters should emulate, he's a couple of years older than Chands,Everitt and Ayling and when they can work and train as hard as Jim they too will be regular starters. They will all be needed at some point, we've only played 20 league games, 22 to go and everything to play for.

Midweek games every week from here on until we catch up (currently 3 games behind the rest of the leading pack and needing maximum points from those, many of whom we have to play once or twice still. Now we have a run of 4 away games before we are at home again, its a shame we're away in the cups (DM Cup and Kent Senior Cup) but hopefully we'll see a few friendly faces at Dover and Ashford."

next fixtures
Jan 17 DM King's Lynn v Invicta 3pm
Jan 20 DMC R4 Dover Athletic v Invicta 7.45pm
Jan 24 DM Stamford v Invicta 3pm
Jan 27 KSC 2R Ashford Town v Invicta 7.45pm
Jan 31 DM Invicta v Banbury Utd 3pm


Saturday, January 10, 2004

FINAL SCORE
FIXTURES
FA Trophy Third Round Results: Saturday 10 January 2004
Folkestone Invicta (0) 1-3 (1) Stevenage Borough
Allan Tait failed to recover from the hamstring injury that has prevented him from playing in recent weeks and was unable to play any part in this game. Invicta probably accorded Borough too much respect but the Conference side took the lead thru Brady 1 minute from half time. HT 0-1

On the hour Dino Maamria increased the lead but Invicta were gaining confidence and pressurising Boro. Chandlers cross was headed in by Munday in the 75th minute but two minutes later Boro thru Justin Richards had restored the two goal advantage. FT 1-3.

INVICTA: Kessell, Watkins (Chandler), Lamb, Flanagan, Guest, Lindsey (Blackman), Hambley, Munday, Dryden, Ayling, Millar (Hogg). SNU: Everitt, Egan.
BORO: Perez, Wormull, Brady, Blattersby, Cook, Gould, Holloway, Smith, Maamcia, Warner, Watson. SUBS: Westhead, Richards,St Ledger, Flack, Scott.

Att: 912


Richard Murrill's FULL match report

Barnet 3-2 DOVER ATHLETIC
Dagenham & Redbridge 0-0 CRAWLEY TOWN
DORCHESTER TOWN 2-2 Margate
Gravesend & Northfleet 2-2 WESTON-SUPER-MARE
HEDNESFORD TOWN 2-0 GRESLEY ROVERS
HISTON 1-3 Maidenhead United
KING'S LYNN 3-1 Basingstoke Town
Lewes 5-8 WEYMOUTH
Scarborough 1-2 STAFFORD RANGERS
Staines Town 1-0 BATH CITY
Worthing 3-0 TAUNTON TOWN

DME Results Saturday 10 January 2004
Banbury United 1-3 Tonbridge Angels
Burnham 2-0 Rothwell Town
Chatham Town 3-2 Erith & Belvedere
Corby Town 1-0 Eastleigh
Fisher Athletic 1-2 Ashford Town
Fleet Town 0-4 Stamford
Newport IOW 1-1 Burgess Hill Town
Salisbury City 3-0 Sittingbourne


Friday, January 09, 2004

Here follows samples of some of the recent messages left on the forum relating to Saturdays FA Trophy fixture against Stevenage Boro, unofficial song sheet included.

fifc forum

Burgess Hill supporter Good luck from all at BHTFC tommorow against Stevenage Borough.

Clive I take it all back some of you Hillians are friendly

Preview of Saturday's game now on www.stevenageborofc.com

Dave H All the best to Invicta for the Stevenage game, from the youngsters at Saturday Morning Football Fun.

Anonymous more songs for Saturday
some more song ideas. let's raise the roof with something other than 'come on folkestone' for once!

(To the tune of Robin Hood / Ryan Giggs)

John Ayling, John Ayling,
Running down the wing
John Ayling, John Ayling,
Running down the wing
Beats one and two,
Beats three and four,
Then he scores
Then he scores
Then he scores

(to the tune of sweet chariot)

Swing low, sweet Allan Tait
Coming for to score us a goal
Swing low, sweet Allan Tait
Coming for to score us a goal

ENJOY THE GAME EVERYBODY


Wednesday, January 07, 2004

FINAL SCORE
Burgess Hill Town (2) 2-2 (0) Folkestone Invicta
Attendance: 222
By half-time Burgess Hill had cruised to a 2-0 lead courtesy of Sullivans 26th minute header and Geards 40th minute free kick deflected by the wall. HT 2-0

Neil Cugley made two changes at the start of the 2nd half, Tait and Millar for Chandler and Hogg. After Dryden had been brought down in the box Millar stepped up and scored from the penalty spot (72nd minute). A minute later Everitt replaced Munday and in the 87th minute Lambs shot from outside the area ensured that the points were shared. Final score 2-2 on a night which Invicta would have prefferred to have been planning the downfall of Stevenage Boro, Saturdays visitors in the FA Trophy, rather than fulfilling a rearranged league fixture in Sussex.

INVICTA: Kessell, Watkins, Lamb, Flanagan, Guest, Hogg (Millar), Chandler (Tait), Munday (Everitt), Dryden, Ayling, Lindsey. SNU Dyson, Egan.

Richard Murrill's FULL match report

NEXT FIXTURES

Saturday 10 January 2004
FAT Folkestone Invicta v Stevenage Borough 3pm


Tuesday, January 06, 2004

NEWS FROM THE DUGOUT
All-Action loan star Tim Hambley is unfortunately unavailable for Wednesdays Dr Martens Eastern league game at Burgess Hill Town. He sustained an ankle injury in Saturdays 2-2 draw with Salisbury City but manager Neil Cugley is fairly confident that Tim will be fit enough to start Saturdays FA Trophy tie against Stevenage Borough.

Allan Tait (hamstring) will have a fitness test tomorrow night but is considered a doubtful starter. The in-form Martin Chandler is back in contention for one of the midfield slots after serving a two match suspension. The rest of the squad should be available for selection for what is likely to be a difficult game at seventh place Burgess Hill.


Monday, January 05, 2004

FIXTURES

FA Trophy Third Round: Saturday 10 January 2004
Barnet v DOVER ATHLETIC
Dagenham & Redbridge v CRAWLEY TOWN
DORCHESTER TOWN v Margate
FOLKESTONE INVICTA v Stevenage Borough
Gravesend & Northfleet v WESTON-SUPER-MARE
HEDNESFORD TOWN v GRESLEY ROVERS
HISTON v Maidenhead United
KING'S LYNN v Basingstoke Town
Lewes v WEYMOUTH
Scarborough v STAFFORD RANGERS
Staines Town v BATH CITY
Worthing v TAUNTON TOWN

DME Saturday 10 January 2004
Banbury United v Tonbridge Angels
Burnham v Rothwell Town
Chatham Town v Erith & Belvedere
Corby Town v Eastleigh
Fisher Athletic v Ashford Town
Fleet Town v Stamford
Newport IOW v Burgess Hill Town
Salisbury City v Sittingbourne

DME Tuesday 13 January 2004
Stamford v Erith & Belvedere

AMENDED FIXTURE DATES
Because of the new league rule that rearranged games have to be played within 7 weeks of the original fixture our home match against Tonbridge has been brought forward to Tuesday February 17th and our away game against Dartford has ben rescheduled to Tuesday Februrary 24th Feb. Further postponments resulting from continued success in the FA Trophy will no doubt lead to further rescheduling of fixtures. Keep an eye on the website and the local press for further changes.


Saturday, January 03, 2004

FINAL SCORE
Folkestone Invicta (0) 2-2 (0) Salisbury City
Tait failed a late fitness test so John Ayling had a rare 90 minutes of football and proved to be a thorn in the Salisbury defences side all afternoon. Ayling scoring in the 53rd and 86th minutes, the second being a rare headed goal. Matt Tubbs was given the freedom of the Folkestone defence too many times and equalised both the goals in the 70th and 90th minutes. Tony Kessell had another brilliant game between the Folkestone goal posts and kept Invicta in the game at times. Neither team will have been entirely happy with the draw but I expect both are relieved they didn't lose. Invicta have a busy couple of months ahead of them with two games every week as they try to clear up the backlog of games and hopfully get continued success in 3 cup competitions.

INVICTA: Kessell, Watkins (Everitt), Lamb (Millar), Flanagan, Guest, Hogg, Hambley, Munday, Dryden, Ayling, Lindsey,. SNU: Winfield, Dyson, Holdway.
Att: 401


Richard Murrill's FULL match report

OTHER DME Results
Banbury United 1-2 Eastleigh
Bashley 1-0 Ashford Town
Burgess Hill Town 0-1 Histon
Burnham 2-2 Erith & Belvedere
Corby Town 2-2 Fleet Town
Dartford 3-0 Hastings United
King's Lynn 6-0 Chatham
Newport IOW 2-2 Fisher Athletic
Sittingbourne 0-3 Rothwell Town

NEXT FIXTURES
Wednesday 07 January 2004
DM Burgess Hill Town v Folkestone Invicta 7.30

Saturday 10 January 2004
FAT Folkestone Invicta v Stevenage Borough 3pm


Thursday, January 01, 2004

FINAL SCORE
Erith & Belvedere (0) 0-4 (2) Folkestone Invicta
Invicta start 2004 with FOUR goals. Two 1st half goals from Taity, 8min Vintage Tait, low shot from Drew Watkins pass 15 min Tait low diving header 47 min Anthony Hogg shot directly in front of goal 86 min Millar swept the ball in from wide, when Invicta down to 10 men, Guest was injured and 3 subs had already been used. Main concern is that Tait went off with reoccurrance of hamstring injury after 68 mins.

INVICTA: Kessell, Watkins (Everitt 65), Lamb, Flanagan, Guest, Hogg, Hambley, Munday, Dryden, Tait (Millar 68), Lindsey (Winfield 78). SNU: Dysan, Egan.


Richard Murrill's FULL match report

OTHER DME RESULTS
Thursday 01 January 2004
Ashford Town 2-2 Burgess Hill Town
Chatham Town 1-1 Sittingbourne
Eastleigh 3-0 Burnham
Fisher Athletic 2-1 Dartford
Fleet Town 1-5 Bashley
Hastings United 1-5 Tonbridge Angels
Histon 1-4 King's Lynn
Rothwell Town 0-1 Corby Town 2.00
Salisbury City 2-0 Newport IOW
Stamford 3-3 Banbury United

INVICTAs NEXT FIXTURES
Jan 03
DM Invicta v Salisbury City 3pm
Jan 07
DM Burgess Hill Town v Invicta 7.30pm
Jan 10
FAT 3R Invicta v Stevenage Borough 3pm


Thursday, January 01, 2004

A View from the terraces - Stumpys mid-season review

After the horrors endured last season, season 2003/4 couldn't help but be better. Excellent pre-season performances including wins against Margate and Dover and a golden twenty minutes where we ran Gillingham's first team defence ragged, culminating in a superb goal from Taity, suggested that we might be in for a bit of a treat this season and so far, with the odd hiccup, that is what we have had.

Invicta managed to retain most of the squad which, while perhaps too inexperienced for the rigours of the DM premier last season, had nonetheless shown huge potential, especially going forward, and great spirit, never getting disheartened despite some pretty severe hammerings. Invicta began the season with three new signings, Adam Flanagan and Nick Hegley (both from Hastings) and Drew Watkins from Cray. These were soon joined by keeper Tony Kessel (ex Hastings and Dartford). Although Heggers failed to establish himself as a first team regular and has since gone off around the world, Flanners and Drew have both become fixtures in the side and what can we say about Kess? Some people already rate him the best keeper we have had and, given the keepers we have had in the past, that is saying a lot. All I'll say is that I cannot remember him making a significant mistake all season and some saves, like his stop from Azza in the Boxing Day derby, have been out of this world.

Defensively we are infinitely better than we have been for three years or so; Guesty and Flanners are as dominant a pair of central defenders, in the air and on the ground, as we have had for a long time and with skipper Scott Lindsey sweeping up behind them, there is almost no way through the centre of our defence. With the recent acquisition of Paul Lamb we at last have a proper left-back - the only uncertainty seems to be at right-back where Neil has to choose between the attacking instincts of Drew or the more solid defensive qualities of Mev. In recent games Drew seems to have got the nod, but his current eye injury should see Mev starting regularly. Flanners and Guesty's aerial prowess has also made us a real threat from corners and free kicks.

The midfield is functioning superbly as a unit, with Mark Munday, after a sluggish start, becoming a real leader and chipping in many useful goals. Martin Chandler, when not suspended, is playing better than ever and I'm sure we're all glad to see Hoggy back, making the goal-threat from midfield even greater. With Taity's recent absence through injury, the goals from midfield have been vital and you can't help thinking that, when we have everyone fit and available, some teams are going to come away from the Westbourne with a terrible hiding; one or two already have! Perhaps the only disappointment in midfield has been that Jamie Millar hasn't reached the high standards he established last season - but this appears to be confidence more than anything, nothing that a twenty-five yard goal from a corner won't put right.

Up front, the stats speak for themselves; there isn't a better strike duo in this league than Taity and Jim, with Taity heading the divisions scorers with 19 goals already in competitive games and Jim right up there with 13. Despite only five starts this season, John Ayling has still netted eight times and, if I have one wish for the future, it's that Neil would show more faith in John because, whereas he might not be the hardest worker on the pitch, there is no doubting his talent and effectiveness. Mustn't forget Lee Blackman too, who has always done all that could be asked of him when he has come on.

So there you go, pretty damn good so far and with Invicta still in three cups and riding a long unbeaten record in the league it could get even better.

Low points of the season so far - the points we have dropped in the league against teams we really should be beating and, I suppose, going out of the cup to Welling, although the team's and the fans' performance on the night remain a great memory. High points - there are lots, but I think they have to be the cup game at Welling (apart from the result) and the win at Tonbridge with the stand rocking and the players joining in the "Jingle-bells" celebrations at the end.

Finally, for anyone who thinks that I'm looking at it all through rose-coloured glasses, the stats don't lie. Here are the figures so far (league and cups combined):

P - 31 W - 20 D - 8 L - 3 F - 76 A - 32

'nuff said.

Happy New Year.

Yours, Stumpy

December 2003 News click here