Invicta Overcome Play Off Chasers - Folkestone Invicta vs. Crawley Down Gatwick

Cheriton Road in the winter sun.

A change of plans meant that I was able to attend a game this weekend and yet again I made my way to the Kent coast. My destination was Cheriton Road for the Ryman Division One South match between Folkestone Invicta and Crawley Down Gatwick. As with the Whitstable game a couple of weeks ago, this was the first time I'd seen either side play. Folkestone were sitting in mid table while Crawley Down were just inside the play offs. The reverse fixture at The Haven Sportsfield ended in a thrilling 4-3 victory for Crawley Down.

Kick off at Cheriton Road

The way in which in the game started, it looked like a repeat of that score could occur. Folkestone take the lead inside five minutes. The forward loses his marker in midfield with a clever turn and goes on to put his side one up. Crawley Down equalise almost immediately when the ball is slotted home from close after a header hits the post as the Folkestone players appeal in vein for offside. Both sides soon have further chances, Folkestone come close with an effort from outside the box while Crawley Down waste a chance from close range. Folkestone almost gift the visitors a goal when they give the ball away cheaply but the effort goes just wide. Folkestone retake the lead just before half time when the ball is played across the six yard box and the ball is placed in to the net. 

Crawley Down on the attack in the first half

Crawley Down have the first chance of the half when the forward is played clean through but he fails to fully control the ball and the chances goes. Folkestone then have a great chance to extend their lead but the forward some how misses from close range. Folkstone then have a strong shout for a penalty but the referee is not convinced. Crawley Down have a great chance to equalise but the ball is put well over the bar following a good passing move. As the game becomes more open in the closing stages, the Crawley Down keeper makes a great save when the Folkestone player is put through. There are no further big chances and Folkestone claim their third win the past four matches.

Coverded standing down one side of the pitch

Cheriton Road is half way in between Folkestone West and Central stations. Fast trains depart from St Pancras once every hour and the journey takes around fifty minutes. The slower train from Charing Cross takes about an hour and a half. In between the sea front and Folkestone Central station is The Chambers which doesn't look much from street level but has a great selection of ales and beers. Opposite the station itself is The Park Inn Hotel which is handy if you have a bit of a wait for your train. The club house (not the directors lounge where I somehow ended up first) is quite large but was strangely colder than it was outside! Worth checking out none the less though. 

The Invicta Matchday Magazine is another great programme from the Ryman South which even included a quiz which was quite challenging. The notes on the Crawley Down players (which I presume came from them) were pretty amusing. The impression I get from the programme is that the fans are really involved with the club. The cover is also a great unique design. Another great programme for the collection.

Folkestone on the attack in the first half