Folkestone Invicta remain 13 points clear at the top of the table, with two first-half goals proving decisive against play-off contenders Brentwood Town.
Much of the pre-match focus centred on Invicta’s potent forward line, but it was centre-backs Sam German and Kevin Lokko who made the difference on the scoresheet in Essex.
The visitors made a blistering start, taking the lead inside the opening minute. A deflection off the Brentwood backline diverted Donell Thomas’ shot behind for a corner. From the resulting set-piece, Thomas delivered into the area where an unmarked German was on hand to tap home.
That early goal set the tone for the opening stages. Thomas, heavily involved throughout, soon picked out Jake Hutchinson in the box, whose flicked effort was deflected narrowly wide by Blues captain Matt Cripps.
Brentwood attempted to respond but struggled to create clear-cut opportunities, and on 14 minutes Folkestone doubled their advantage. Another dangerous corner was only partially cleared, allowing Invicta to sustain the pressure. The ball eventually fell to Hutchinson, whose deflected pass looped invitingly for skipper Lokko to volley superbly into the top corner from the edge of the area – his third goal of the season.
From there, Folkestone shifted into game-management mode, content to concede possession and invite Brentwood forward.
That approach allowed the hosts a couple of half-chances before the break. Dangerous deliveries from Andy Freeman and Max Hudson flashed across the face of goal, but on both occasions the ball evaded everyone in a crowded Folkestone penalty area.
There was also a moment of controversy before half-time. Brentwood felt Nathan Paul-Lavaly was fortunate to avoid a second yellow card for a challenge on Danny Ogunleye, but referee Nathan Oakes opted against further punishment. Aware of the risk, Invicta manager Jay Saunders quickly substituted the on-loan wing-back to avoid being reduced to ten men.
Brentwood continued to apply pressure without reward, while Folkestone remained a threat on the counter-attack, with Hutchinson and substitute Josh Strouts both going close.
The visitors began the second half on the front foot once again. A quick counter from a Brentwood throw-in saw the ball fall to Joe Pigott, who fired over on the turn.
The Blues then enjoyed a strong spell, creating a flurry of chances. Ogunleye drove forward down the right and found Thomas, who broke beyond the defence but dragged his effort wide of the far post. Long-range strikes from Alejandro Machado and Louie Johnson followed, but neither troubled goalkeeper Ted Collins.
With 20 minutes remaining, Brentwood manager Keith Rowland turned to his bench. Scott Kashket, making his first appearance since mid-February, nearly made an instant impact, his curling effort striking the crossbar within seconds of coming on.
Folkestone responded immediately, with Pigott again involved as he dragged a shot just wide – another reminder of the visitors’ threat on the break.
Substitute Benas Vaivada also looked lively. His long-range effort was comfortably saved by Collins, before a clever backheel set up Hudson, whose shot was well stopped by the Invicta goalkeeper.
Brentwood continued to push for a way back into the game. With under ten minutes remaining, a short-corner routine between Hudson and Ade Cole allowed the latter to deliver a dangerous cross, which was met by fellow substitute Charlee Hughes, but his header drifted just over.
There was still time for one final opportunity. A deep cross from Johnson was kept alive by Kashket, who teed up Freeman inside the box, only for his effort to clear the bar – summing up a frustrating afternoon for the Blues.
After six minutes of added time, referee Oakes brought the match to a close. Folkestone remain 13 points clear at the summit, while Brentwood slip to fourth following Chatham Town’s win at Burgess Hill Town.
Despite the result, it was a performance of encouragement for Keith Rowland’s side. Attention now quickly turns to next Saturday, when the Blues host fellow play-off contenders Chatham Town at the Brentwood Centre Arena.
Tickets for the fixture are available in advance via Fanbase or at the turnstiles on the day.
BRENTWOOD TOWN: Prall (GK), Freeman, Cripps (C), Kaiser, Hudson, Edwards (Hughes 57′), Machado, Johnson (Cole 79′), Ogunleye, Thomas (Vaivada 70′), Sach (Kashket 70′)
Subs not used: Olukolu
FOLKESTONE INVICTA: Collins, Smith, Lokko (C), German, Mason, Lovatt, Woodyard (Dolan 76′), Paul-Lavaly (Strouts 29′), Thomas (Kingsford 69′), Pigott (Odeniran 88′), Hutchinson (Yussuf 80′)
Subs not used: N/A
Words by Michaela Georgopolous & Chris Berry
