Folkestone Invicta were unable to avenge their FA Trophy defeat in November whilst their five game winning streak ended as they lost 3-1 at league leaders Burgess Hill Town.

Invicta went into the game eight games unbeaten whilst their hosts had won their last ten games in a row.

As you may expect, a game involving two form sides at the right end of the league table understandably took time to get going as both sides played out a chess-like opening.

Burgess Hill, The Hillians, drew the first shot of the game as Rob O’Toole’s effort just left of the centre of goal on the edge of the box was well saved low to his left by Invicta’s ‘keeper Tim Roberts – In quick succession the visitors had a good chance of their own as a corner taken short to Matt Newman was met by Richard Atkins’ head but home ‘keeper Josh James was equal to it, saving well.

Invicta’s Ronnie Dolan and Ian Draycott then linked up well playing a one-two – Dolan running in on goal was however unselfish when well placed crossing the ball square but the home defence stood firm and cleared the danger.

The Hillians took the lead with their next foray into Folkestone territory when a defensive lapse let in Darren Budd on the right side of the penalty area whose low cross found O’Toole in front of goal – His first time effort squirming under Roberts to put the hosts in front.

The goal shook Folkestone who were fortunate not to go two-down as a poorly defended long throw into the Invicta area fell to O’Toole on the left corner of the box – O’Toole was unlucky to see his shot come off Roberts’ right hand post and away to safety – The keeper was unmoved.

Just before the half hour the hosts did extend their lead as Pat Harding ran through on goal –  Showing composure, Harding took his time before shooting underneath advancing ‘keeper Roberts.

Soon after, the hosts fell a man behind – From something looking rather innocuous, the referee and lineman on the dug-out touchline held a lengthy discussion – The referee showing home captain Budd a straight red card, presumably for something said to the officials.

Despite going a man down, The Hillians continued to dominate proceedings and scored a third five minutes before the break – A free kick on the left by Callum Saunders was collected by Joe Keehan whose shot was deflected wide for a corner – From the resulting set-piece Keehan headed the ball down to Sam Fisk whose snap-shot at goal went in off Roberts’ left hand post.

Needing to come out in the second half with purpose, Invicta brought on Flavius Fedor – Fedor certainly made a difference and early in the half his shot from range went just wide of James’ left hand post and came close when in front of goal but somewhat scuffed his shot straight at the home ‘keeper.

Fedor was soon involved once again as he found space on the left corner of the penalty box but his rasping drive went just over and wide of the angle of post and crossbar.

As the second period wore on, Folkestone saw much more of the ball – The hosts looked to contain and consolidate their lead whilst being down to ten men but the visitors struggled to breakdown their opponents’ rearguard – The Hillians were satisfied to counter-attack when opportunities presented themselves and the game began to peter out.

Folkestone found some impetus towards the end of the game as with only a few minutes remaining began to heap pressure on their hosts – Atkins found Jordan Wright and, in on goal, forced ‘keeper James into a fine low save.

Invicta’s late rally rewarded them with a consolation shortly after when captain Frankie Chappell bundled in the ball from close range but, despite a determined effort to get more from the game, it came as too little too late as Burgess Hill hung on to take the three points.

Folkestone remain in third place, four points behind Kent rival Faversham Town and a point ahead of Merstham – with all the team around them having played the same number of games – Whilst league leaders and tonight’s victors Burgess Hill Town are three points clear and with three games in hand on the chasing pack and still without a league defeat this season

Burgess Hill Town: James, Watts, Fisk, Budd ©, Pearson, Miles, Pearse, Keehan (Martin, 81), P. Harding, Saunders (L. Harding, 68), O’Toole (Perry, 86)

Sub not used: Slaughter, Pointing

Sent off: Budd (32)

Goals: O’Toole (21), P. Harding (28), Fisk (40)

Folkestone Invicta: Roberts, Vincent, Blanks, Wraight (Fedor HT), Chappell ©, Newman, Wright, Pilbeam, Draycott, Atkins, Dolan

Subs not used: Palmer, Edge, Everitt, Fender

Goals: Chappell (88)

Att: 353