After an excellent opening home win against Dulwich Hamlet, we were narrowly defeated on by Carshalton Athletic on Monday night, despite a spirited comeback from the Blues. Looking ahead, we welcome Folkestone Invicta on Saturday, hoping that a return to the Maurice Rebak Stadium will see us return to winning ways!
Our Opponents
Folkestone Invicta finished last season in 16th position, comfortably ahead of the drop by 11 points, but 26 points off the playoff spots, in a season that will probably have been below Invicta's expectations, given that recent history suggests that they are a top half side, including qualifying for the playoffs themselves on a couple of occasions in the last decade or so at this level. Last summer, prior to the 2023/24 season, a consortium completed the takeover of the Kent-based side, with big plans to improve the club on and off the pitch.
There is plenty of room for optimism at Invicta and they have started this season well, with a 1-1 draw against our Monday night opponents Carshalton Athletic, followed by a 3-2 victory against local rivals Dover Athletic, in front of nearly 2,500 fans. This places them in 6th place after two matches so far.
Did you know?
Last month, the club announced that they will be introducing a 3G pitch to replace their grass pitch at the Alcaline Stadium next season.
Head To Head
Last season we kicked off our season with a 4-0 defeat at home to Invicta, which ended up being our largest defeat of the season, as Ibrahim Olutade ran riot with a hat-trick in 15 minutes either side of the half time break. On our travels to the Kent coast, we secured a 1-1 draw in January, thanks to a Rhamar Garrett-Douglas goal. In fact, we haven't seen victory over Folkestone in seven attempts in the league, last tasting victory with a 1-0 win in February 2020.
Last Time Out
At home on the opening day, Evans Kouassi equalised against Carshalton Athletic to ensure that the two sides shared the spoils. Meanwhile, on Tuesday night, Invicta had a long-awaited derby against relegated side, and local rivals, Dover Athletic. Invicta were quick out of the blocks, with Dan Smith, signed from Bognor Regis, netting after just 66 seconds. An own goal doubled the Invicta lead before Dover halved the deficit. Shortly before the hour mark, Dover were reduced to ten men, and Invicta capitalised by adding a third through Dan Smith again. Dover did net a second with five minutes to go, but Folkestone saw out the victory 3-2.
For the Blues, our two matches so far have been complete opposite affairs, starting with a 3-2 home win over Dulwich Hamlet, Hamlet drawing level after we took a 2-goal lead (thanks to an Ogo Obi brace), before Ryan Lowe scored a dramatic late winner. On Monday night, after a sluggish first half, where we were down by two at half time, we levelled the tie through Luke Deslandes and Ben Frempah, before Carshalton scored the winner and saw out the final half an hour to take the tie 3-2.
Players To Watch
Folkestone have plenty of firepower this season; Evans Kouassi had an injury-affected season at Canvey Island in 2023/24, but in 2022/23 and 2021/22 he scored a combined 55 goals for the Islanders. Meanwhile, those from the red side of North London will recognise defender Gavin Hoyte for Folkestone, who signed in the summer, and made a handful of competitive appearances for Arsenal as a youngster. Hoyte has played much of his career in the EFL and National League, as well as playing three times for Trinidad & Tobago. With further National League experience, Dean Rance will be patrolling the Invicta midfield, having played much of his career for Ebbsfleet and Dagenham & Redbridge.
For Wingate & Finchley, Ogo Obi made himself known to the Blues fans last weekend with a brace on debut, while Lonit Talla has looked a shrewd signing in midfield, breaking up play effectively and instrumental from set pieces.
Adult tickets can be purchased in advance here or on the gate on the day. Advance tickets give the option to purchase an advance pie and/or pint for just £4 each. Furthermore, we will be continuing our early bird deal, where fans buying a pint before 2.15pm can get any draught beer for £4.50. Cash and card is accepted throughout the Maurice Rebak Stadium.
Photos courtesy of Martin Addison.
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