Folkestone Invicta win dramatic penalty shootout to secure Ryman league Division 1 South play-off win over Leatherhead
Published: 14:16, 28 April 2010
Updated: 14:16, 28 April 2010
by Alex Hoad
Folkestone Invicta produced a stunning comeback against Leatherhead on Tuesday night to secure a place in the Ryman League Division 1 South play-off final.
Invicta rallied from 2-0 down at half-time to draw their play-off semi-final against the Tanners and after a goalless extra-time period Neil Cugley's side produced a dramatic 5-3 penalty shoot-out victory.
Leatherhead defender Chris Boulter scored twice in the first 32 minutes to put the Tanners in the driving seat.
However Folkestone were irresistible after the break and Darren Smith burst through to lash a shot beyond keeper Colin Harris on 57 minutes and Frankie Chappell then dinked a shot over Harris and into the net on 69 minutes to send the game into extra-time.
Smith, Liam Friend, Jimmy Dryden and Brendon Cass expertly converted their spot-kicks and James Everitt scored the winning penalty after Jack Delo had flung himself to his left to save Jon Coke’s penalty.
Cugley (pictured) said: "I was delighted as they outplayed us. But they are a good side – the only side I really didn’t want to play – and they were even better than I thought."
Folkestone will host Godalming - who overcame Worthing 2-1 after extra-time in the other semi-final - at the Buzzlines Stadium on Saturday.
Can Folkestone go all the way? Have your say below.
Read more
Ashford SportMore by this author
KentOnline reporter