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Folkestone Invicta and Chatham Town earn Isthmian Premier wins; Ramsgate, Cray Valley, Sittingbourne and Herne Bay are victorious in Isthmian South East

22:00, 13 January 2024

updated: 23:20, 13 January 2024

Two first-half goals guided improving Folkestone to an impressive Isthmian Premier victory at play-off occupants Enfield on Saturday.

Striker Tom Derry broke the deadlock in the 13th minute and midfielder Scott Heard doubled Invicta’s lead midway through the first half with his first goal of the season in their 2-0 triumph. Recently-signed defender Jason Fregene also made his first club start at the Queen Elizabeth Stadium.

Midfielder Scott Heard – struck in Folkestone’s 2-0 Isthmian Premier victory at Enfield on Saturday. Picture: Randolph File
Midfielder Scott Heard – struck in Folkestone’s 2-0 Isthmian Premier victory at Enfield on Saturday. Picture: Randolph File

It means 16th-placed Folkestone remain unbeaten in 2024 with seven points from three league fixtures.

Second-placed Chatham edged a five-goal game at home to struggling Cheshunt in front of a crowd of 1,247.

After a goalless first period at the Bauvill Stadium, forward Kareem Isiaka struck twice. The visitors got one back but a third goal from defender Reece Butler was enough for Chats despite substitute Antonis Vasiliou, once of Margate, getting a second for Cheshunt late on.

They are now five points behind frontrunners Hornchurch but have played two league fixtures more than them this term.

Margate’s search for a first win under manager Mark Stimson goes on after they were held to a 1-1 draw at home to basement boys Concord.

Chatham defender Reece Butler scored in their 3-2 home win against Cheshunt. Picture: Max English @max_ePhotos
Chatham defender Reece Butler scored in their 3-2 home win against Cheshunt. Picture: Max English @max_ePhotos

Home striker Steve Cawley equalised just before the half-hour mark with his fifth goal in five games.

Midfielder Montrell Deslandes, formerly of Margate, as well as Whitstable, netted in the fifth minute at Hartsdown Park but was sent off for a second bookable offence late on.

Gate started new additions Colchester loanee Ryan Lowe and winger Francis Mampolo while another recent signing on dual registration from Tonbridge, striker Obed Yeboah, came off the bench.

They are three points behind Cray Wanderers, beaten 6-0 at Billericay - despite the hosts having a home player sent off in the latter stages.

Isthmian South East leaders Ramsgate won 4-2 at home to Burgess Hill.

Trailing 2-0 at Southwood in front of a 1,034-strong crowd, two goals in six minutes from defender Craig Stone and midfielder Medy Elito ensured it was 2-2 at half-time.

Two more Rams midfielders, Bode Anidugbe and TJ Jadama, also found the net after the restart to complete their comeback.

Ben Smith’s side are 11 points ahead of second-placed Cray Valley, who have three games in hand, after they beat Sheppey 3-1 at home.

Winger Danny Leonard put the Ites ahead but Matthew Vigor equalised before the break and two goals in three second-half minutes from Danny Waldren and Denzel Gayle completed the turnaround.

Third-placed Sittingbourne earned a 2-0 away success against Broadbridge Heath.

Ayman El-Mogharbel and forward Mitchell May - fresh from a hat-trick last weekend - did the damage in seven first-half minutes.

Herne Bay moved to within three points of the play-offs with a 2-0 home win over Merstham.

Midfielder Danny Walder gave them a 16th-minute advantage and winger Theo Osinfolarin added a second with a penalty after the interval with defender Frankie Smith fouled.

A serious injury to Sevenoaks striker Rowan Liburd overshadowed their comeback in a 2-2 draw at basement boys Beckenham.

He took a high foot to the face, which saw forward Steven Townsend sent off, before late goals from defender Jahmal Howlett-Mundle and debutant Josh Ajayi helped them come from 2-0 down after 85 minutes.

A late goal consigned Ashford to a 1-0 loss at Littlehampton.

Both sides struck late as Phoenix Sports drew 1-1 at East Grinstead.

Midfielder Ayman El-Mogharbel got Phoenix’s goal.

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