Player-of-the-match Joe Nicholson scored an extra-time winner for Folkestone Invicta following a pulsating final which went one and then the other at Holm Park on Sunday.

It means Invicta remain on course for a possible treble this season, with a League Cup final at Ramsgate to follow next weekend while they also have plenty of games in hand to improve their standing in the East Kent Youth League.

“It was an amazing game, a great game of football from start to finish,” said Folkestone manager David Adams.

“I’m so proud of the boys. It was end to end and I don’t think you could ask for a better game of football from players of that age

“The reaction from the boys after going back to 3-3 at the end of 70 minutes was unreal.”

Orpington keeper Harry Loom was booked as early as the ninth minute after he came rushing out of his goal to thwart Jack Wilcox’s progress. Wilcox sent the resulting free-kick straight at Loom.

Ellis Long, Kyle Collins and Luke Rafferty all made telling interceptions or challenges for Orpington as the opening half-hour provided plenty of chances but no goals until three arrived in a five-minute spell.

Orpington went ahead when the impressive Richard Ojo set up Max Walters, who produced a clinical right-foot finish.

Folkestone’s response came within 60 seconds, Beau Morgan’s crisp left-foot drive from the edge of the area levelling the scores.

Then Wilcox did brilliantly down the left to create himself space to cross and his inch-perfect delivery left Morgan with a tap-in from six yards to put Folkestone ahead on 34 minutes.

It was 2-2 early in the second half when Joe Soole sent Walters clean through and he took his time before producing another accomplished finish.

The game swung back in Folkestone’s favour on 58 minutes when Theo Tester was played in behind the full-back and his dangerous cross-shot was turned into his own net by an Orpington defender.

Morgan and Wilcox combined to set up Tester again but his shot was cleared off the line as Folkestone looked to double their lead.

Orpington tried to respond and Invicta keeper Adam Waddell produced a fine one-handed stop to deny Ojo.

Folkestone were reduced to 10 players in the second minute of stoppages when Charlie Ansley was sin-binned for dissent after conceding a free-kick.

It proved a telling blow as Orpington produced a stunning equaliser in the fifth minute of time added on with virtually the last kick of normal time, Walters chesting down for Ojo to find the top corner with an unstoppable first-time finish.

That meant 10 minutes of extra-time were needed, with the winner coming after less than two of them. Nicholson beat the last defender before delivering a telling right-foot shot to win the tie for Invicta.

Folkestone: Adam Waddell, Theo Coombs, Charlie Ansley, Ollie Malone, Beaumont Morgan, Toby Adams, Jack Wilcox, Theo Tester, Michael Nilson-Diaz, Joe Nicholson, Alfie Kelly, Dylan Newsome, Harrison Inett, Cameron White, Ernie Ostle, Finn Noakes.

Orpington: Harry Loom, Adam Jackson, Kyle Collins, Ellis Ling, Calum Smith, Archie Norris, Luke Rafferty, Joe Soole, Phoenix Casselton, Richard Ojo, Noe Rodrigues, Amari Elliot, Max Walters, Glon Sylay.

Referee: Connor Wood.