Flanagan scoops four Folkestone awards

Folkestone Invicta scored four goals in the first half and put one more away in the second to make it five again against Wealdstone on Saturday afternoon at the Buzzlines Stadium in the Ryman Premier League, which was the last home game of the season for the Seasiders, writes Andy Bown & Tom Marchant - www.folkestoneinvicta.co.uk

Manager Neil Cugley made one change to the side that drew 1-1 against Margate on the Monday; Paul Lamb returned to the side at left wing back in place of Steve Norman.

Cugley explained: "Norms had an ankle injury which he picked up from the last game and he failed a fitness test and Shears was 50/50 and was just about fit enough to play and he really wanted to be involved".

After scoring four in the first half in a confident forty five minutes Folkestone lost a bit of concentration early in the second half which allowed Wealdstone to score two goals in the opening stages making it a more nervous affair for those watching on the terraces basked in the sunshine.

Cugley said: "They had nothing to lose second half and they really came at us. Kess let an easy goal in which to be honest by his standards he should’ve saved and so they had their tails up and got a second. So then you were wondering how the team were going to react and get another goal".

The Invicta boss added: "It was disappointing to let a lead slip like that but they threatened to score in the first half and it continued in the second half. I was really pleased with the first half display considering the pitch was really bobbly and there hasn’t been many times this season that we have attacked as consistently as that".

Youngster Rob Knott who again partnered Matt Carruthers in attack had a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon creating two goals in the first half for Carruthers and man of the match winner James Everitt, and also scored a brace himself in between.

The goals scored by Knott and Everitt were their first for the club at this level of football.

"There was a lot of good movement and good goals and I think Rob Knott was involved in all of them! It was quite a warm day today and if you look at the sides the younger lads did well so maybe they dealt with the conditions better. I thought Matty Carruthers was awesome today and he caused them a lot of problems. He and Knotty worked well so they’re a good foil for each other," praised the manager.

The Folkestone boss was very upbeat about the strike partner of Carruthers, commenting, "He has done really well in every game he’s played and I couldn’t have asked anymore from him today. The only way he’s going to remain in the team is if he scores goals and to put the kind of performance in that he gave today consistently. He’s a physically strong lad and has a good left foot. We need to work on his fitness in the summer but I’m really pleased with how he’s coming on".

Cugley also pointed out: "He’s done really well for the reserves this season and I watched him get a hat trick against Hythe reserves and I was very impressed. He seemed to have the desire to want to do well and so I gave him a chance – with Walid (Matata) being out he’s taken that chance and I hope he can continue it next season!"

It was another five goals for Folkestone against Wealdstone with the two sides having met back in November in the F.A Trophy when Invicta were victorious 5-3. Neil spoke about the opposition stating:, "Today was a typical Wealdstone team. They were very strong going forward and defensively weak but I suppose you could have said the same about us. It made for a thrilling game and was a good way to finish off the season.

"At half time I didn’t say too much, basically just to carry on as we had been playing and not to let them back in. Unfortunately however that’s exactly what we ended up doing".

The end of season player awards were held after the game and skipper Adam Flanagan received a total of four awards; Supporters Player of the Year, Players Player of the Year, Away Supporters Player of the Year and Folkestone Herald Player of the Year.

Goalkeeper Tony Kessell and centre back Steve Norman were second and third respectively in the Supporters Player of the Year.

James Everitt received the Derek Knight Young Player of the Year whilst creative midfielder Stuart Myall collected the Goal of the Season award for an exquisite, curling winner which he struck in a 1-0 victory for Folkestone at home to AFC Wimbledon in January at Cheriton Road.

The Invicta manager said: "Adam has been consistently good all season and he’s got himself a lot fitter over the past few seasons. He definitely deserved the awards he won and he’s had a brilliant season." He went on to state: "Him (Flannagan) and Guesty were excellent for us most of this season now Shears has come in which we’re well pleased with. I personally thought Adam was a better defender than Guesty and he’s been immense for us this season – but not very good today though! He’s going to be here next season for definite and he will be a vital player for us".

Cugley also expressed his thoughts on a couple of unsung heroes in the squad remarking: "I think Kev and Norms have been a step above this season and have just improved throughout. They’ve been consistent and because of it we have an excellent defensive record, which unfortunately has gone a bit bad in the last few games".

Shareholders and prospective shareholders are reminded that tonight is the Shareholder’s Meeting. The Meeting is to be held in Stripes Club, Cheriton Road, Folkestone for a prompt 19:30 start.

Anyone requiring information surrounding the Meeting or indeed becoming a Shareholder should contact company secretary Phil Orris via email on philiporris@hotmail.com  where he will be happy to assist.