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Folkestone Invicta joint-head coach Micheal Everitt reacts to 2-1 Isthmian Premier win over Haringey Borough

05:00, 22 January 2023

updated: 22:45, 23 January 2023

Micheal Everitt was thrilled to see one of Folkestone’s pre-match plans pay dividends on Saturday in their home win over Haringey.

Centre-back Ian Gayle got Invicta level, soon after Borough had drawn first blood through striker Tage Kennedy at Cheriton Road before Ian Draycott’s 150th goal for the club after the restart earned the Kent outfit a 2-1 success.

Ira Jackson drives forward in Folkestone's 2-1 win over Haringey. Picture: Randolph File
Ira Jackson drives forward in Folkestone's 2-1 win over Haringey. Picture: Randolph File

Gayle headed home from close range for his fifth goal of the season after Matt Newman connected with a corner by midfielder Ronnie Dolan.

Joint-head coaches Everitt and Roland Edge had spoken to Gayle's team-mate Ibrahim Olutade about putting pressure on keeper Luke Mewitt - having felt not enough pressure was put on Billericay goalkeeper Harry Seaden last weekend in a 1-1 draw - and it was a plan which worked a treat.

“You’d take any goal from anyone,” said Everitt. “But it was nice that Gayley got that.

“It was something that, actually, I talked about with Ibzs before the game. We said last week that we felt the goalkeeper came for too much so make sure that he [the Haringey keeper] doesn’t.

"If he wasn't there, I don't think Gayley gets that header.

“He [Olutade] has done his job that’s been detailed to him and we got the goal, which is great.”

The result extended ninth-placed Folkestone’s unbeaten league run to six matches but the visitors did come close to an equaliser in the latter stages.

Everitt admitted: “It’s another of those games where, if we take our chances, those 15 minutes at the end don’t happen.

“We’ve been guilty of missing chances all season.

“We played against a dangerous side today. Individually, they have got some good players that travel with the ball really well.

“They definitely caused us a few problems but we were outstanding last week. I said we’d play worse and win - and that’s what we’ve done!

Ade Yusuff on the ball. Picture: Randolph File
Ade Yusuff on the ball. Picture: Randolph File

“The lads put a great shift in and getting the three points is the most important thing.”

With James Rogers suspended and fellow midfielder Scott Heard still sidelined through injury, Dolan stepped up, having recently made his 300th club appearance, and he was involved in both of their goals.

Everitt said: “Ronnie’s deliveries off set-pieces are good.

“If you look at the goals we’ve scored [over the course of the season], a lot have come from set-pieces. They’re a big part of our game and Ronnie has got great delivery.

“Ronnie’s a great player.”

Folkestone joint-head coach Micheal Everitt and defender Callum Davies confer after the match. Picture: Randolph File
Folkestone joint-head coach Micheal Everitt and defender Callum Davies confer after the match. Picture: Randolph File

Invicta, who were considering arranging a friendly on Tuesday, are due to visit basement boys Brightlingsea next weekend.

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