East Thurrock United 1, Folkestone Invicta 3

ROCKS hosted second in the table Folkestone, but this much anticipated clash was spoiled by the weather as a near gale force wind swirled around the Grayers Graphics Stadium.

Neither side could truly master the conditions, the Rocks had the wind at their backs in the first half, but failed to take advantage. They dominated possession but failed to make the most of half a dozen decent chances, snatching at the ball when a cooler head might have brought reward. Part of the problem was the inability to hold up the ball - though the wetaher no doubt made that difficult.

What efforts were on target were foiled by keeper Tim Roberts who was in decent nick. Their best efforts were a powerful header from the impressive Danny Cossington which was deflected over, then the Invicta defence worked overtime to block efforts from Frankie Merrifield and Mitchell Gilbey.

With half time fast approaching the visitors took the lead. Ira Jackson cashed in on an slip by Rocks skipper Ryan Scott, running on to tuck the ball in off Jack Giddens' far post.

Invicta's second, four minutes into the second half also had a slice of good fortune about it, as lively midfielder, and one time Rocks loanee Scott Heard's effort from the edge of the box took a huge deflection off a defender and looped over Giddens into the net.

If there were elements of good luck about the first two goals, there was nothing fortunate about the third on 71 minutes when Jerson Dos Santos fired a screamer past Giddens.

Rocks gained a consolation with eight minutes left on the clock when leading marksman Merrifield headed past Tim Roberts from close range, but Invicta held on and stay hot on the heels of leaders Worthing.

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A disappointing afternoon for the Rocks, but with other results going in their favour they remain just three points off the play-offs with games in hand on those above them.