Tuesday, August 31, 2004

FIXTURES (31 Aug to 8 Sep)

Tue 31 Aug 2004 Premier Division
Northwood - - - Chelmsford City.

Sat 4 Dec 2004 Premier Division
Billericay Town - - - Folkestone Invicta , Dover Athletic - - - Northwood , Hampton & Richmond - - - Staines Town , Harrow Borough - - - Chelmsford City , Hendon - - - Eastleigh , Heybridge Swifts - - - Windsor & Eton , Salisbury City - - - Leyton , Slough Town - - - Braintree Town , Tonbridge Angels - - - Kingstonian , Worthing - - - Cheshunt.

Mon 06 Sep 2004 Premier Division
Chelmsford City - - - Hendon , Kingstonian - - - Dover Athletic.

Tues 7 Sep 2004 Premier Division
Braintree Town - - - Wealdstone , Cheshunt - - - Hampton & Richmond , Folkestone Invicta - - - Tonbridge Angels , Leyton - - - Heybridge Swifts , Northwood - - - Billericay Town , Staines Town - - - Slough Town , Windsor & Eton - - - Salisbury City , Yeading - - - Harrow Borough.

Wed 08 Sep 2004 Premier Division
Eastleigh - - - Worthing.

Monday, August 30, 2004

FINAL SCORE
Folkestone Invicta (1) 2-2 (1) Windsor & Eton
Scorers: Dryden 25, Guest 90 : Cook 18, Halsgrove 52
INVICTA: Kessell, Watkins, Lamb, Flanagan, Guest, Everitt, Chandler, Munday, Dryden, Ayling (Pulman), Glover (Coleman): SNU:Rook, Morrin, Walker.
WINDSOR: Martini, Tilbury, Parsons, Skinner, Paul Holsgrove, Gomis, Kersey, Cook, Peter Holsgrove (SO), Reid (Walsh), Adams (Walsh). SNU: Townley, Oatley, Greene.

Ryman (Isthmian) Premier 30/08/04
Billericay 0 Leyton 3, Braintree 0 Tonbridge 0, Cheshunt 2 Heybridge 1, Eastleigh 1 Wealdstone 2, Folkestone 2 Windsor 2, Hendon 1 Dover 0, Kingstonian 0 Yeading 1, Slough 1 Salisbury 0, Staines 2 Harrow Boro 0, Worthing 0 Hampton 1.

Saturday, August 28, 2004

FINAL SCORE
Harrow Borough 1-0 Folkestone Invicta
Scorer: Brian Haule Attendance: 130
INVICTA: Danny Skinner, Micheal Everitt, Paul Lamb, Adam Flanagan, John Guest, Scott Lindsey (John Walker 19 mins, Mark Rook 85 mins), Martin Chandler, Mark Munday, James Dryden, Ian Pulman, Simon Glover (John Ayling 67 mins). Unused subs: Lee Dyson, Dan Morrin.

Ryman League Premier Division Saturday 28th August 2004

Chelmsford City 2-2 Eastleigh
Dover Athletic 1-3 Braintree Town
Hampton & Richmond Borough 2-2 Slough Town
Harrow Borough 1-0 Folkestone Invicta
Heybridge Swifts 0-0 Worthing
Leyton 1-3 Staines Town
Salisbury City 1-0 Cheshunt
Tonbridge Angels 4-1 Hendon
Wealdstone 1-2 Northwood
Windsor & Eton 1-0 Kingstonian
Yeading 3-1 Billericay Town

Friday, August 27, 2004

STRIKER PULLMAN SIGNS

IAN PULMAN (Striker): Joined the club at the end of August from Margate. Ian started his career as a YTS at Chelsea before joining Margate in April 2003. He scored in the Conference last season against Stevenage Borough and gained experience with a three-month loan spell at Eastbourne Borough in the Dr Martens League Premier Division. Looks to have a very promising future. Date of birth: September 24, 1984.

RM's pen picture notes

Thursday, August 26, 2004

TEAM TALK
Neil Cugley was full of praise for his teams performance on Tuesday night against a highly rated Leyton side. The Isthmian Premier is a good league so we will face some very good sides this year, sides that will not have the budget restraints that Invicta have to cope with.

After four games played no team has maximum points but we have narrowly lost against two of the top 5 (Salisbury & Yeading) and over the next 9 days we face 2 more of the leading pack (Windsor/Eton & Billericay).

John Ayling is still with us for the weekend and the club is really grateful to John for helping out so close to his departure to the USA . He had to come off 50 minutes into the Leyton game with an anlkle injury but Neil will hope to use him during this Bank Holiday weekend.

Goalkeeper Tony Kessels faces a one match ban for his sending off on the first day of the season, and our good friends at Welling have come to the rescue again with the one match loan of keeper Danny Skinner for Saturdays trip to Harrow Borough.

Nineteen year old Ian Pullman of Margate is training with us and hopefully will sign for us tonight, he is a striker who comes highly recommended by brothers Paul and Mark Munday.

Meanwhile Neil is still looking to sign another player or two to strengthen the midfield and to take on some of the responsability for scoring goals (Jim Dryden can't be expected to score all of them!).

BH WEEKEND FIXTURES
Sat Aug 28 RP Harrow Borough v Invicta 3pm
Mon Aug 30 RP Invicta v Windsor & Eton 3pm

PS We should learn who our FA Cup opponents on Saturday Sep 4th, listen out for the winners of Frimley Green v Raynes Park Vale.

Saturday, August 14, 2004

FINAL SCORES

Sat 14 Aug 2004 Ryman Premier Division
Chelmsford City 1-2 Staines Town, Dover Athletic 3-1 Slough Town, Hampton & Richmond 0-0 Braintree Town, Harrow Borough 0-3 Cheshunt, Heybridge Swifts 0-1 Billericay Town, Leyton 3-1 Kingstonian, Salisbury City (0) 1-0 (0) Folkestone Invicta, Tonbridge Angels 0-3 Eastleigh, Wealdstone 1-0 Worthing, Windsor & Eton 1-0 Northwood, Yeading 3-2 Hendon.

SALISBURY (0) 1-0 (0) INVICTA - Att: 530
Wallace (pen) 84 - Kessels (Red card)

Invicta had a good first half, Jim Dryden fired over. 2nd half gave away our usual penalty. RM's match report should be available Sunday pm.
INVICTA: Kessells, Watkins, Lamb, Flanagan, Guest, Everitt, Chandler (Ayling 84), Munday, Dryden, Walker (GK Morrin 82), Glover (Wood 84) - SNU: Rook, Dyson.

Wednesday, August 11, 2004

AYLING TO MAKE TWO APPEARANCES BEFORE FLYING TO USA
John Ayling has continued to train with the squad while waiting for his ticket/scholarship to come through and the good news is that he will be on the bench for the next two games, he is not match fit but we all know that given twenty minutes he can turn a game.

As indicated earlier this week Lee Blackman is signing for Ashford Town. Jamie Wood has now signed for Invicta but a groin strain will prevent him from playing this weekend. Drew Watkins (knee injury) was unable to train Tuesday but is expected to train on Thursday. Jim Dryden also missed Tuesday night training, he was unwell but is expected to be fit for the weekend.

Monday, August 09, 2004

NEWS FROM THE DUGOUT
Lee Blackman is now on non-contract terms with Invicta and is currently training with Ashford with a view to a move.

John Wallis of the Gills u19's, who played in the last two friendlies at the Westbourne, is no longer being pursued by Neil Cugley. He has discovered that John has already signed non-contract terms for Hastings.

Jaimie Wood, prolific scorer with Cray Wanderers last season, will be training with us again on Tuesday but has not signed with us yet.

Scott Lindsey has a one match suspension hanging over him from last season so misses the Salisbury game but will be fighting fit for the first home game of the Ryman season on Tuesday Aug 17 against Chelmsford City.

Goalkeeper Tony Kessells resumes his position between the posts after last Saturdays engagement at a wedding.

There is only one injury to report, Drew Watkins suffered a re-occurrence of his knee injury on Saturday and if he is unable to make the trip to Salisbury then his place will be taken by young John Walker.

NEXT FIXTURES
Aug 14 RP Salisbury City v INVICTA 3pm
Aug 17 RP INVICTA v Chelmsford City 7.45pm
Aug 21 RP INVICTA v Yeading 3pm
Aug 24 RP Leyton v INVICTA 7.45pm

Monday, August 09, 2004

FORTHCOMING RYMAN PREMIER FIXTURES

Sat 14 Aug 2004 Premier Division
Chelmsford City v Staines Town, Dover Athletic v Slough Town, Hampton & Richmond v Braintree Town, Harrow Borough v Cheshunt, Heybridge Swifts v Billericay Town, Leyton v Kingstonian, Salisbury City v Folkestone Invicta, Tonbridge Angels v Eastleigh, Wealdstone v Worthing, Windsor & Eton v Northwood, Yeading v Hendon.

Mon 16 Aug 2004 Premier Division
Kingstonian v Wealdstone.

Tue 17 Aug 2004 Premier Division
Billericay Town v Dover Athletic, Braintree Town v Leyton, Cheshunt v Yeading, Folkestone Invicta v Chelmsford City, Hendon v Heybridge Swifts, Northwood v Tonbridge Angels, Slough Town v Harrow Borough, Staines Town v Salisbury City, Worthing v Windsor & Eton.

Wed 18 Aug 2004 Premier Division
Eastleigh v Hampton & Richmond.

Sat 21 Aug 2004 Premier Division
Billericay Town v Tonbridge Angels, Braintree Town v Salisbury City, Cheshunt v Dover Athletic, Eastleigh v Harrow Borough, Folkestone Invicta v Yeading, Hendon v Hampton & Richmond, Kingstonian v Heybridge Swifts, Northwood v Leyton, Slough Town v Wealdstone, Staines Town v Windsor & Eton, Worthing v Chelmsford City.

Mon 23 Aug 2004 Premier Division
Chelmsford City v Cheshunt.

Tue 24 Aug 2004 Premier Division
Dover Athletic v Worthing, Hampton & Richmond v Northwood, Harrow Borough v Hendon, Heybridge Swifts v Staines Town, Leyton v Folkestone Invicta, Salisbury City v Kingstonian, Tonbridge Angels v Slough Town, Wealdstone v Billericay Town, Windsor & Eton v Eastleigh, Yeading v Braintree Town.

Saturday, August 07, 2004

AN OPEN LETTER FROM JOHN HARRISON

FOLKESTONE INVICTA FOOTBALL CLUB

Dear Supporter,

BUY SHARES IN THE CLUB

Folkestone Invicta is a family club with a very close working relationship between the fans and the Board of Directors.

At the start of another season the Football Club has recovered from the relegation suffered in 2003 and is now about to start its first season in the Ryman Premier Division.

Finances are always very tight at this level and if we are to maintain the current team we will require additional finances. The financial situation at the club is a lot stronger than many of our local rivals but to keep the club moving forward we do need additional investment.

To enable you to buy shares in a way that it makes it easy on your own finances you can now pay as little as just �5 a month and after ten months you will own one share in the club. If we can get 100 people to sign up to this scheme will raise �6000 a year.

If you wish to join the scheme please complete the SO Mandate with your bank details and return the completed form to John Harrison c/o Folkestone Invicta Football Club.

Should you require more details please feel free to talk to me or Clive Arnold in the club shop.


Yours faithfully


John Harrison

Friday, August 06, 2004

FOLKESTONE INVICTA GOLF DAY 2004
sponsored by the Dover & Folkestone CSSC

An important note for your organisers/diaries/calendars sports fans is the Folkestone Invicta Golf Day arranged for Thursday 21st October 2004 at the Sene Valley Golf Club which is a snip at �30 for the day. Included is Bacon Roll & Coffee, Three Course Meal and 18 holes of Golf. I am sure you don't need reminding of the dress code at Sene Valley GC.

Book now to avoid disappointment. BOOKING FORM

Clive Arnold

Thursday, August 05, 2004

Neil Shuffles the Pack
Following Monday nights Shareholders meeting and the clear message that we must live within our means, Neil Cugley has taken decisive action to reduce the wages bill by releasing Dean Standen, a pre-season signing, and Anthony Hogg a good clubman in his second spell at Invicta. Neil is understandably upset at having to lose Hoggy's services and like many of us at the Westbourne wishes him well with his next club.

There may have to be a third player released before we start the Isthmian Premier season on August 14. If Neil is to bring in additional players they will have to come in with a wages sponsor.

Neil is to look at a couple of trialists again on Saturday, John Wallis on scholarship with Gills who would be able to play FOC. and Jamie Wood another Gills youngster who played for Cray Wanderers last season. John looked quite useful in Invicta's line up against Maidstone and Jamie appeared for Gravesend & Northfleet at the Westbourne in July.

Tony Kessells will not be available for Saturdays friendly owing to a previous engagement (a wedding), Keiran Mann and Dan Morrin will get a half each between the sticks. Martin Chandler has recovered from a minor injury and should play against Welling in the final pre-season friendly.

The build-up to the season has not been ideal but Neil feels that we were unfortunate with some of the goals against (all of those penalties) and that we were worth more than the results suggest.

NEXT FIXTURE
Sat Aug 7 - PSF - Invicta v Welling Utd 3pm (Malcolm Welch Memorial Shield)

Wednesday, August 04, 2004

If you�re a football fan then make sure you get yourself down to the Metropole Galleries on the Leas on Friday 3rd September for a day of fan-tastic free events.

Fans of Invicta have been busy designing baseball caps supporting their club, which the Metropole Galleries have printed and included in their current exhibition, �Dyed in the Wool�.

Celebrate the project with Folkestone Invicta player Martin Chandler, who will be modelling some of the designs for the press.

Enter our �Keepy-uppies� competition and test your skills to win an Invicta football scarf, presented by Clive Arnold.

Enjoy a beer/soft drink while looking at �Dyed in the Wool� by Julie Henry. The exhibition includes 18 football cardigans designed by fans of some of the leading Premiership clubs and photographs of them modelling their finished cardies.

The �Dyed in the Wool� exhibition looks at what it is to be a football fan, by asking fans themselves what they think. Julie Henry worked with the fans of 18 different clubs (ranging from Arsenal to Wolves) to come up with a design for a club cardigan. This idea goes back to the 1970s, before replica team shirts were available, and the best way to support your team was to get your gran to knit a jumper in the club colours. The fans� designs have been knitted by the W.I., and are on display along with comments from the designers.

The Metropole Galleries, The Leas, Folkestone CT20 2LS

Friday 3rd September at 4pm. Event is FREE.

See Clive in the shop and collect your entry forms for the cap/badge design competition.

Tuesday, July 27, 2004

INVICTA YOUTH
Latest News from Paul Everitt of the FIFC Youth Section.

On Thursday 29th July the Under 18s / Reserves are playing host to Gillingham Under 19's who completed a very successful 2003/4 season.

The friendly is a fund raising event for the self funding Youth Section the price of admission is 5 per adult and 3 for children and OAPs.

The youth section run teams ranging from U8s Reserves: representing Folkestone Invicta in the Kent Youth League, South East Kent Youth League, Go Travel League

Kick Off 7.45pm @ The Westbourne Stadium

YOUR SUPPORT WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED

Wednesday, July 21, 2004

An Interview with Sanjay

I have just completed the third of my celebrity interviews with an Invicta Fan. This time it is Shop Manager / Painter / Supporters Club Vice Chair Clive Arnold

I caught up with Clive over a tin of paint in the changing rooms.

Favourite other team: Tottenham Hotspur

First Folkestone game: An evening game in 1964 I can remember standing on the open terrace. First Invicta game an FA Cup tie when we lost after being 2:0. Returned to Cheriton Road fulltime for the return to the Southern League.

Best ever game: Folkestone Invicta win v Hayes in the FA Trophy they were a strong Conference side and Lawrence�s header was out of this world. The Kent Senior Cup tie at Dover with two for Dent & Dryden was a close second.

Worst game: Welling when we lost 5-1 with Reading the prize! I left before the end and had to listen to Phil Jordan on the way home.

Favourite Player: Now Jimmy Dryden for the effort. In the past Nicky Dent for the class. Folkestone Town must be Frank Ovard should have made it!.

About you

Age: 49 just!

Job: Chartered Surveyor with The Valuation Office

Food: Italian!

Drink: Diet coke

Hobby: Folkestone Invicta

Music: All types but Classic Rock is the one for me Uriah Heep nut! See them at the Leas Cliff Hall 2 November 2004!

What about your own football career? Career is a strange word Sanjay. Played local Sunday Footy for Abbey who became Melchester Rovers joined Vic Stars and finished with Stragram.

Ricky Villa? I was called Ricky when Melchester played in an Argentina type kit designed by me! I also had a beard for that season!

Pen Picture for a Grove Grovellars Game explains? Who told you that it was written that John Aspiall had given permission for me to play! In my defence I had a few bookings but not a red card! A quote from Mick Read after I insisted that I played the ball was that would the first time in this game!

What about the dancing? Who told you that! I am better than that lot on Celebrity Come dancing! I�ll show you my medals.

Holidays? I took anInvicta flag to St Lucia . All this work on the ground makes a holiday hard these days!.

Hopes for the future: Folkestone at home in the First round proper after beating Welling in the 4th Qual!


Many thanks Clive have a good summer.
Sanjay.

IMPORTANT MEETINGS

Thursday July 22 - Supporters Club AGM - Stripes 7.30pm

Monday Aug 02 - Shareholders Meeting - Stripes 7.30pm

Wednesday, July 14, 2004

RYMAN FIXTURES - at last!

Finally got the Ryman fixtures this morning, for the full list of fixtures so far (PSF, Ryman Premier, FAC, FAT) click here.

Those of immediate interest are the opening Ryman league away fixture on Aug 14 when we travel to our old Dr Martens adversary Salisbury City, followed by a Tuesday night home league game with Chelmsford City (Aug 17) usually an attractive fixture. Tuesday Sep 7 sees one of our biggest home 'local derbys' Tonbridge Angels. Boxing Day Monday (Dec 27) sees Dover at the Westbourne with the follow-up at Easter when we travel over the hill to Crabble. Lots of interesting games in between of course, these are just my first observations. I can't wait for the season to get started. If like me you need to get your Season Ticket ordered click here for the form.

Gravesend & Northfleet are our PSF opponents on Saturday July 17, ko 3pm, come along and look over our exciting young squad.

Saturday, July 10, 2004

SUMMER CLEAN-UP - Update from Clive
Work at the ground has progressed well over the past week .

Dressing rooms now complete and looking good . I have received thanks from the players.

Stairs to the WA Suite now re carpeted thanks to Marc for the work and Lodge Green for the carpet.

Toilets now complete inside. The outside gents repainted.

Big clean up went well.

Turnstiles in use for the first time block work completed . Roof to start next saturday. Donations of paint received. Cans rolling in! All is looking good
Clive 10-Jul-04

NEXT FIXTURES
Jul 13 - PSF Invicta v Margate 7.45pm
Jul 17 - PSF Invicta v Gravesend 3pm

Hope to see a few more familiar faces at the Westbourne Stadium before the season starts. The playing surface is very good thanks to the efforts of the new groundsman Jim Byrne ... well done Jim.

The latest date that we have for the Ryman League fixtures is the 14th July.

Friday, July 02, 2004

Isthmian: the plot th(s)ickens

Reported by Tony Kempster of Tony's Football Site

The fiasco of the Isthmian League's administration goes on.

It now comes to light that the AGM was invalid as it was inquorate.

Their company rules (articles) state that 60% of the Full Members (Premier and Div One teams) must be present. Since there were 72 Full Members (last season's clubs) entitled to vote at the AGM, 44 were required to be present at the meeting to form a quorum. Only 33 were there. As a result the business transacted at the meeting was invalid and, in the eyes of the law, the meeting is treated as never having taken place. The lack of quorum was due to the statement by the Alliance that clubs which were leaving their league as a consequence of the restructuring did not need to attend the AGMs of such leagues. As the Isthmian League lost over 40 clubs as a result of the restructuring, attendance at its AGM was more profoundly affected than attendance at the AGM of other leagues. The significant shortfall in numbers was not expected and did not become apparent until the registers were checked on the day after the meeting.

The league must now have a valid AGM before the start of the season which will be on 26th July at the Gatwick Hilton. This will be in two parts - the 1st part for old clubs and the 2nd part for new clubs who don't officially become members until the old clubs vote them in.

Friday, July 02, 2004

TRAINING BEGINS - INVICTA AWAY IN BOTH FA COMPETITIONS
The new campaign (2004/5) has begun at the Westbourne with training already under way. Manager Neil Cugley is pleased with his two new signings Simon Glover and Dean Standen.

One piece of the j�gsaw that is not going to plan is that striker Steve Lawrence sees a specialist for advice on a long standing injury that is preventing him from training.

Ryman league fixtures should be available by the end of next week, but to be going on with here are the first FA Cup and Trophy fixtures for Invicta, unfortunately both are away. To get the full list of the draws so far goto www.thefa.com

FA Cup First Round Qualifyig - Sat 18th Sept 2004
Frimley Green or Raynes Park Vale v Folkestone Invicta

FA Trophy First Roud - Sat 6h Nov 2004
Cray Wanderers or Aveley v Folkestone Invicta

NEXT FIXTURE
Jul 07 PSF Invicta v Gillingham (1st team) ko 7.45pm

Wednesday, June 30, 2004

CLIVES SUMMER UPDATE - WEEK ENDING 27 JUNE 2004
We are to have a large skip delivered for the weekend of 3 July for the big tidy up. Can you help us fill it?

The aim is to clear all the rubbish that collected over the last two seasons. From old chairs to tins of paint! The trees are to be pruned and the weeds cut back. Bring your gloves and plenty of energy. We will also tidy up the dugouts. All helpers will be found a job.

Phil Orris is on course with the new turnstiles and will have two complete for the Gillingham game. Tarmac will be completed this week.

Dressing rooms work is now complete. See photos on the web site.

This week following the donation of a sink, I am on the look out for a white board for the dressing rooms.

Many thanks for all your help. If you want to offer your help weekdays mail me on [email protected] contact me on 257266 / 852903.

CLIVE

Tuesday, June 22, 2004

SUMMER UPDATE WEEK ENDING 20 JUNE 2004
Building work has started on the entrance, slight delay, as the sand and cement were late. Work will continue on Saturday 26th June. Phil Orris is expecting to have two complete for the Gillingham game.

Dressing rooms work is progressing well with the away and medical room complete. Home almost completed it is hoped to complete Sunday.

We have had three new members to the team who have been working during the week. The men�s toilets are looking good. Painting of the crash barriers has started.

We are to have a large skip delivered for the weekend of 3 July for the big tidy up. Three students have offered their help can you?

Do you have an old wash hand basin in the garage? We are looking for one.

Many thanks for all your help.
If you want to offer your help weekdays mail me on [email protected] contact me on 257266 / 852903.

PS Donations of paint always welcome.

LATEST NEWS
We now have an additional friendly away to Herne Bay on Saturday July 10th.
The Ashford game on July 24th will be the Sid Burvill Cup.

Tuesday, June 15, 2004

CLIVES SUMMER UPDATE w/e Jun 13, 2004

Turnstiles now in place building work to start on Saturday 19th June

Dressing rooms - work has started with the away and medical room and is almost complete . Work will continue Sunday 20th.

We have had three new members to the team. Work will be going on during the week with the toilets being the starting point.

If you want to offer your help weekdays mail contact me on 257266.

Donations of paint always welcome.

NEW FUND RAISER

Aluminium Cans
It has been decided to use the club shop as the collection pint for all your drinks cans. Wash out and crush and leave at the shop all money raised will go to the pitch fund.

Copper Coins
We are to have a bucket in the shop for all those 1p and 2 p coins save them and dump at each game.

A separate note will be kept for each .

Clive

Tuesday, June 01, 2004

SUMMER UPDATE
Just a quick update from the Sup Club.

[1] Work has satrted on the new entrance adj Stripes. Old gates demolished !

[2] Pitch is looking good with a lot of work being undertaken .

[3] Painting will start soon!
Jobs
a] Dressing rooms
b] Treatment room

[4] Tidy up of ground will be done early July

If you can help on any of the jobs email me.
clive

Friday, May 28, 2004

DIARY DATES

Rounds of FA Cup & Trophy for 2004/5

FA Cup
Aug 28 Extra Preliminary
Sep 04 Preliminary
Sep 18 1st Qualifying
Oct 02 2nd "
Oct 16 3rd "
Oct 30 4th "
Nov 13 1st Proper
Dec 04 2nd "
Jan 08 3rd "
Jan 29 4th "
Feb 19 5th "
Mar 12 6th "
Apr 16 Semi Final
May 21 Final

FA Trophy
Oct 09 Preliminary
Nov 06 1st Proper
Nov 27 2nd "
Jan 15 3rd "
Feb 05 4th "
Feb 26 5th "
Mar 12 6th "
Apr 2/9 Semi Final
May 22 Final

Thursday, May 27, 2004

LIONS CLUB NATIONAL U16 FINAL - May 30
Tottington High School (Bury) v Folkestone Invicta U16's
Venue: FA Training ground, Lilleshall Hall, Newport, Shropshire.

Grateful thanks to David Bailey (a parent of Sundays U16's opposition) for providing a little information abour the team we face in the Lions Club National Final.

The team, I incorrectly described as "Bolton U16's", are actually Tottington High School from a village on the outskirts of Bury. Their progress to the final has been remarkable considering that they only normally play together 5 or 6 times a year

Like most school teams they have no financial backing, a relatively ancient kit ( although a new one is rumoured for the final) and they don't even have a playable home pitch.

For many of the boys involved in Sundays final this game is likely to be the pinnacle achievement of their footballing careers so make sure you enjoy the day. May the best team win

Sunday, May 16, 2004

Part two...the race for honours......

2nd Part of Robin Peels Dr Martens Eastern 2003/4 Season Review. visit Robins group (yahoo group nonleague_anorak)

In the end Sittingbourne were not too far away from a play off place, the Brickies ending up just five points adrift of eighth placed Banbury. Very much a season of two halves for the Brickies who won just one from their first nine league matches but ended their league campaign as one of the form sides in the division, winning six of their last seven matches.

Ashford had a storming start to their league season, remaining unbeaten in their first nine matches but things tailed off on the field with just one match then being won from their next ten!! In the end mid table for the Nuts and Bolts with Joby Thoroughgood leading the way in the scoring stakes with 15 league goals.

In the end Chatham ended up a good way clear of the relegation zone but it was very much a struggle for the Chats early on. Just a single league game was won from their first 14 matches played with first home league point of the season not being achieved until they shared four goals with visiting Stamford in mid October. A change in management then led to a spell of much improved form with just two league defeats from their next 13 league matches seeing them rise up the table. Three wins and a draw from their last four matches saw the Chats end up 18 points clear of next to bottom Erith & Belvedere.

As always, the race to avoid the drop was in its own way equally as interesting as the race for honours. Fleet ended up bottom of the Eastern Division, winning just five out of their 42 league matches and ending the season on a run of just two wins from their last 28 league matches. Defensively, Fleet conceded 114 league goals, a total exceeded only by St Leonards who let in 116 goals from the same number of matches in finishing bottom the previous season.

Fleet ended up nine points adrift of next to bottom Erith & Belvedere, who had a decent run late on following a late season change in playing personnel. Considering their lowly league finish, the Deres striker Akpo Sodje had a fine season, finding the net on no fewer than 19 occasions, leaving him joint sixth placed leading scorer in the Eastern Division.

Rothwell ended the season in third from bottom spot, seven points ahead of Erith & Belvedere. The Bones were goal shy all season with just 30 league goals being scored in 42 matches with Jon Mitchell scoring exactly a third of that total. A very definite improvement in the second half of the season saw the Bones to safety, just five defeats from their last 17 matches being a far cry from the first half of the season which saw just three matches won. A curious season for Rothwell whose 23 blank afternoons in front of goal was by some way the worst in the division but whose total of 14 clean sheets was one of the best in the division!!

For a little while it appeared as if Newport IW would be dragged into the relegation dogfight, however, late season wins against Tonbridge and Stamford helped the Islanders to a fourth from bottom finish. After a decent start the club went into administration, leading to a sequence, which saw the club win just one of 19 league matches at one point.

Hastings were another to flirt with the relegation zone during the season. The club were in trouble two thirds of the way through the season, just five league wins being recorded. However, Hastings were another to show much improved form late on with the club comfortably avoiding any relegation problems at the end. Carl Rook's 16 league goals, scored in good time late on in the season were to be very important in their improved fortunes.

Of the other teams in the division, Fisher Athletic ended the season a match for anyone in the division, having picked up some players from leaders Tonbridge in the Spring whilst Corby Town recovered from a poor start which saw the Steelmen lose five out of their first six league matches, As with their county neighbours Rothwell, Corby were shy on the goal front season, averaging a fraction over a goal a game throughout the season with Michael Sneddon leading the way with nine goals.

Both Dartford and Burnham both flirted with the drop zone at times during the season. Burnham had a decent start before dropping down the table. Result of the season for Burnham was undoubtedly a 2- 1 win at the Walks, eventual champions Kings Lynn suffering a rare home defeat.

Dartford also had their ups and downs with a sequence of six successive league defeats at one point not helping the Darts cause at all.

Thursday, May 13, 2004

Part one...the race for honours......

Part of Robin Peels Dr Martens Eastern 2003/4 Season Review. visit Robins group (yahoo group nonleague_anorak)

Kings Lynn finally emerged as the champions of the Dr Martens League Eastern Division after an exciting three way battle for the title. The Linnets recorded their first league championship for 50 years and with just three league defeats in their last 25 matches, few could argue with their success. Crowds at the Walks were impressive to put it mildly with four matches drawing a crowd of 1000+ with the Easter Bank Holiday Monday home match with Histon drawing a seasons best crowd of 1,617. On the scoring front David Staff led the way with David Staff leading the way with 19 league goals, one ahead of Carl Holmes.

For the first few weeks of the season though, it appeared as if there would be only one winner as Tonbridge Angels made a flying start to their Eastern Division campaign. The Angels recorded 16 wins and a draw from their first 17 league matches. However, their form after that never really lived up to that early promise and home form was to prove costly in the end with home form being disappointing, with six of their eight league defeats coming at home. A change of manager and playing staff proved to be very important as well with Brendon Cass ending the season as the Angels leading scorer with 17 goals.

The third of the triumvirate chasing league honours were Histon. Steve Fallon's men enjoyed a long unbeaten start to the season, remaining unbeaten in their first 18 league matches, with 13 wins and five draws coming in that time. Sadly for the Stutes a poorish spell late on in the season, in which they won just two matches in eight, proved to be very important with a Bank Holiday defeat at Kings Lynn proving vital. Histon ended the season as leading scorers in the division with 96 goals, this being the highest total in all three division of the Dr Martens League with the prolific Neil Kennedy ending the season as leading scorer with 21 league goals. The Stutes also enjoyed success in the FA Cup with the side finally exiting the competition at the hands of Woking in the First Round Proper.

Eastern Division newcomers Eastleigh enjoyed a highly successful first season at the higher level, overcoming a three point deduction by the league to eventually finish fourth. A poor spell in the Spring which saw just two points taken from a possible 15 proved important in the end with regards their championship hopes but they achieved automatic promotion with ease, with leading scorer Paul Sales ending the season with 27 league goals, four ahead of Burgess Hill's Nick Sullivan in the race for the Eastern Divisions Golden Boot!

Both Folkestone and Salisbury both enjoyed successful seasons with both securing an automatic promotion spot. After an indifferent start which saw the Whites win just two out of their first seven matches, Salisbury enjoyed a long unbeaten run, 16 matches unbeaten lifting them up the table. As with Histon, Salisbury also enjoyed FA Cup success, the club making the trip to Sheffield Wednesday in the First Round Proper. A late season dip in form saw Salisbury collect just four draws from their last six matches, by which time their place in the top seven was virtually ensured.

Folkestone had a nightmare season 2002/03, finishing 12 points adrift at the bottom of the Premier Division. A much better season this time for the Invicta faithful with the club still having an outside chance of the league title before a late season slump saw Folkestone go eight matches without a win at one point late on. Jim Dryden led the way on the scoring front with 19 league goals for the club.

There was much excitement late on as the battle for the seventh and final automatic promotion spot went down to the wire. On the final Saturday of the season Stamford and Banbury both had a chance of claiming the final promotion spot, Stamford's final afternoon win at home to Burgess Hill proving enough to promote them to the Premier Division for the following season.

The Daniels were amongst the early season favourites after finishing the previous season in an impressive third spot. However, they rather limped over the finishing line in seventh after suffering a late season dip in away league form which saw just three goals scored in the Daniels last eight away league matches.

Banbury's final day defeat away at next to bottom Erith & Belvedere meant that the Puritans finished in eighth spot. However, they made it through the eighth place play off match on the May Bank Holiday Monday at home to Sutton Coldfield, two goals in the final two minutes of extra time proving enough to win 2-1, Banbury booking their place in the Premier Division as a result.

Both Burgess Hill and Banbury had more than a say in the race for promotion. Burgess Hill, as with their fellow newcomers Eastleigh, had a fine first season at the higher level. The Hillians still had an outside hope of a play off spot up until a defeat at Stamford on the final day of the season. A ninth spot finish in the end with twin strikeforce Nick Sullivan and Steve Harper scoring no fewer than 43 league goals between them, the former ending the season as second highest scorer in the division with 23 goals.

Bashley were another to have hopes of a promotion spot until late on in the season. As it was, a run of four defeats to end the season left the Bash in 11th spot come the end of the season.

Wednesday, May 12, 2004

SIGNINGS
Manager Neil Cugley confirned today that although he is looking to strengthen the squad in certain departments the only new signings so far for next season are Dean Standen and Simon Glover. The 2003/4 1st team squad and coaching staff had all been resigned before the end of the season.

Suggestions that we have signed Matt Carruthers are unfortunately not true. As much as we would like to sign proven players of the quality of Carruthers we have a wage structure at Invicta with a ceiling below the usual demands of established high quality players.

INJURIES
Micheal Everitt has a foot in plaster, following the "friendly" against Ashford. His foot is still very swollen so the hospital can't tell if it's broken but he is seeing a consultant on Thursday. More information as it becomes available. Our good wishes go to Micheal and we all wish him a speedy recovery.

Monday, May 10, 2004

NEW SIGNINGS
Manager Neil Cugley has confirmed that he has made two new signings in the past couple of days.

Simon Glover (21) has been signed from Dover. Simon was previously with Welling as an 18 year old so has some experience of the Doc Marten Premier division. He has good skills and is very quick.

Dean Standen (21) has signed from Welling. As an 18 year old he was sold on from Welling to Luton for �25K. but failed to make the grade. He is a midfield ball player, and a good passer of the ball. Neil feels that both lads can fit well into the setup at the Westbourne Stadium (Cheriton Road) and looks forward to working with them when pre-season training begins at the end of June.

Other good news on the signing front is that John Walker has signed a contract for two years, he looks an exciting prospect.

RESTRUCTURING OF NON-LEAGUE
Neil is delighted with the league setup for next season and looks forward to seeing a lot more Invicta fans at our away fixtures, now that travelling times should have reduced. Neil also expects to be playing on some better surfaces in the Isthmian league which can only be beneficial to our lads.

HOME PLAYING SURFACE
We now have a volunteer groundsman and preparation work starts tomorrow with the delivery of some much needed topsoil. On the subject of volunteers, if you feel able to spare some time to help out around the club you will be welcomed with open arms, but if you can't spare the time how about salving your conscience by making a small regular donation to the clubs running costs! All the club contacts, phone numbers and email addresses can be found just a click away from the Front Page (home page).

Sunday, May 09, 2004

RESTRUCTURING STEP THREE
Following the meeting today Tony Kempster is reporting the probable divisions for steps 1, 2, 3 and 4.

At Step 3, the decision has been taken to split the southern part of the country South East/The Rest. Basingstoke Town will be replaced by Hendon.

Northern Premier
Ashton United, Bamber Bridge, Bishop Auckland, Blyth Spartans, Bridlington Town, Burscough, Farsley Celtic, Frickley Athletic, Gateshead, Guiseley, Hyde United, Leek Town, Lincoln United, Marine, Matlock Town, Prescot Cables, Radcliffe Borough, Spennymoor United, Wakefield & Emley, Whitby Town, Witton Albion, Workington.

Southern Premier
Aylesbury United, Banbury United, Bath City, Bedford Town, Chesham United, Chippenham Town, Cirencester Town, Dunstable Town, Gloucester City, Grantham Town, Halesowen Town, Hednesford Town, Hemel Hempstead, Histon, Hitchin Town, King's Lynn, Merthyr Tydfil, Rugby United, Solihull Borough, Stamford, Team Bath, Tiverton Town.

Isthmian Premier
Billericay Town, Braintree Town, Chelmsford City, Cheshunt, Dover Athletic, Eastleigh, Folkestone Invicta, Hampton & Richmond, Harrow Borough, Hendon, Heybridge Swifts, Kingstonian, Leyton, Northwood, Salisbury City, Slough Town, Staines Town, Tonbridge Angels, Wealdstone, Windsor & Eton, Worthing, Yeading.

Tony's Football Site for full details of all Restructuring.

Thursday, May 06, 2004

PLAYOFFS - Rymans Finals - all change
My thanks to Dave of Salisbury City for compiling the following information.

Seems the Ryman Play off finals have now changed. - Kingstonian are actually playing St Albans, and Bedford playing Lewes, even though Lewes' website still has them playing Kingstonian - think the Ryman League are making it up as they go along! To complicate matters further, Kingstonian's ground is unavailable as AFC Wimbledon are at home and have priority, so the game will be played at Harrow Borough.

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Rearrange the following into a well known phrase or saying:- brewery, pi**up, organise, Rymans.
This doesn't auger well for the future!
Ed

Thursday, May 06, 2004

PLAYOFFS - Non-League Restructuring
My thanks to Dave of Salisbury City for compiling the following report.

Results from last night's Ryman League play offs -

Basingstoke 1 Lewes 4
Bedford 3 Hitchin 1
Heybridge Swifts 3 St Albans 4
Harrow Borough 0 Kingstonian 0 (Kingstonian won on penalties)

So, Basingstoke, Hitchin, Heybridge and Harrow will all be playing Ryman (or Dr Martens) Premier Division football next season.

Saturday's play off finals will be -
Kingstonian v Lewes and Bedford v St Albans

2 winners into Conference South, 2 losers to Ryman/Dr Martens Premier.

Ed. We will all find out our fate for 2004/5 after the meeting on Sunday 9th May.

Tuesday, May 04, 2004

INVICTA YOUTH NEWS - Fixtures
info provided by PE

Invicta u18's round of the season with a home tie against Ashford at home this Wednesday 5th May with a 7.45pm Kick Off at The Westbourne Stadium.

The U18`s final is being held at the Longmead Stadium (Tonbridge Angels) 13th May with an 7.45pm Kick Off.

Catch up on all the latest match reports.

Monday, May 03, 2004

PLAYOFF NEWS My thanks to Dave of Salisbury City for compiling the following report.

Results in the Dr Martens League play off's for places in Conference 2 today were -

King's Lynn 0 Redditch United 1, Bath City 2 Dorchester Town 4 , Tiverton Town 1 Chelmsford City 0

King's Lynn, Bath and Chelmsford will all play at Step 3 next season in one of the Premier Divisions.

Saturday 8th May will see the following play off 'finals' -

Merthyr Tydfil v Redditch United
Tiverton Town v Dorchester Town (at Exeter City FC)

Winners play in Conference 2. Losers in Step 3 Premier Divisions.
The result of the play off between the 8th placed Eastern & Western sides was Banbury United 2 Sutton Coldfield Town 1

Banbury play Premier Division football next season.

In the Ryman League play off's the result of the match between the 1st Division champions was Yeading 0 Lewes 1. Yeading will play Premier Division football next season, Lewes enter the play off semi finals to be played on Thursday -

Basingstoke Town v Lewes
Bedford Town v Hitchin Town
Heybridge Swifts v St Albans City
Harrow Borough v Kingstonian

The finals between the winners of match 1 & 4, and 2 & 3 will take place on Saturday. The two winners will play in Conference 2 next season, the various losers play Premier Division football next season.

This evening sees a play off between Dulwich Hamlet (7th in Division One South) and Wealdstone (7th in Division One North) for a Premier Divison place.

In the Unibond League Play Off Final, Bradford Park Avenue beat Burscough 2-0. Bradford PA will play in Conference North next season, Burscough in Unibond Premier.

Monday, May 03, 2004

End of Season Awards

Supporters' Player of the Year: James Dryden
2nd Tony Kessell 3rd Micheal Everitt

Players' Player of the Year: Adam Flanagan

Manager's Player of the Year: Micheal Everitt

Folkestone Herald Player of the Year: James Dryden

F. J. Fullick & Co Player of the month for April: Micheal Everitt

Away Supporters' Player of the Year: Tony Kessell

Supporter of the Year: Derek Miller

Clubman of the year: Richard Murrill.

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

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April 2004 News click here