League

Folkestone
Spectators: 6730 (Terracing: 5000, Seating: 1730, VIP seats: 0) Folkestone AFC's Jake Noble started the match with a crisp pass. The crowd had been anticipating this game for weeks and the excitement in the stadium was easily visible. After a defensive mix-up in Folkestone AFC's zone, Jez Higson stole the ball and had only the goalie to beat. Gerry West came out of the goal and Jez Higson tried to chip the ball over his head. To his dismay, the ball went over the crossbar and out of play. In the 10th minute, Folkestone AFC's Stewart Bowland dribbled the ball into the box and hit a shot with the outside of his foot, sending the keeper the wrong way. 1-0. The supporters of Downham Market United booed when Folkestone AFC was adjudged a doubtful freekick after 14 match minutes in a wonderful position. Stewart Bowland didn't get a good kick on the ball. Gerry West showed his good apprehension of the play when he made a fantastic save on a shot from Brad Bzeu, who was totally free with the ball in the 21st minute. In the 22nd minute, Downham Market United's goalie took a deep sigh of relief after Rodney Horsell fired away a hard shot that went just outside the left post. Jake Noble fired away a screaming shot towards the goal in the 29th minute, but the shot went just over the crossbar without Mark Theakston having to interfere. Jake Noble recieved an excellent pass in front of the goal in the 31st minute. Unfortunately, he received the ball on his off foot and could only manage a weak shot that went over the goal. 35 minutes into the match, Jez Higson notched a goal, 1-1, to the right of Folkestone AFC's Gerry West. Gerry West was clearly disgusted with the effort of the defense and let the defenders know about it. Jez Higson sent away a hard shot on goal in the 38th minute, but the ball went just over the crossbar and out. A very good chance. After 39 played minutes Folkestone AFC got a freekick which was hit by Stewart Bowland. After a defensive mix-up in Folkestone AFC's zone, Brian Hurst stole the ball and had only the goalie to beat. Gerry West came out of the goal and Brian Hurst tried to chip the ball over his head. To his dismay, the ball went over the crossbar and out of play. 43 minutes into the match, Downham Market United's Jez Higson sent off a blazing shot straight on target, a shot that Gerry West narrowly saved just below the crossbar. Jez Higson received a nice pass in the box and took a hard shot in the 44th minute. Gerry West tensed up and prepared to dive, but the shot went over the goal with him having to interfere. Jez Higson blasted a shot towards the goal in the 46th minute, but the shot hit the top of the crossbar and went out without Gerry West having to make a save. The fans had the chance to grab some refreshments as the whistle went for half-time. The score stood at 1-1 after a close first half.

The players of the away team seemed most concentrated when Jez Higson stepped up to make the kick off in the second half. Jez Higson struck a weak shot in the 51st minute. Gerry West didn't even have to move as the ball rolled over the line well wide of the goal. A wasted opportunity for Downham Market United. In the 55th minute Downham Market United were awarded a corner. Perry Walker went to the cornerflag to take it. Gerry West showed his good apprehension of the play when he made a fantastic save on a shot from Jez Higson, who was totally free with the ball in the 59th minute. Frank Jones fired away a screaming shot towards the goal in the 71st minute, but the shot went just over the crossbar without Mark Theakston having to interfere. Frank Jones kicked well hit freekick during the 75th minute of the match. 78 minutes into the game, Folkestone AFC's Frank Jones nearly tore a hole in the net with a booming shot. Mark Theakston made a valiant effort, but he could not reach the ball in time, 2-1. Rodney Horsell received a nice pass in the box and took a hard shot in the 82nd minute. Mark Theakston tensed up and prepared to dive, but the shot went over the goal with him having to interfere. Rodney Horsell sent away a hard shot on goal in the 85th minute, but the ball went just over the crossbar and out. A very good chance. After 86 played minutes Downham Market United got a freekick which was hit by Alf Birch. Mark Theakston took care of the ball after a well-directed shot from Jake Noble, even though the ball almost passed him on his left side. Gerry West made a wonderful reflex save on a shot from Jez Higson in the 91st minute of play. 92 minutes into the game, Frank Jones was given a yellow card after he appeared to trip an opposing player. Folkestone AFC's manager was livid on the sidelines, but the referee was unmoved and gave Downham Market United the free kick. A collision led to Folkestone AFC getting a freekick after 92 minutes play. Frank Jones hit a great ball. Mark Theakston showed brilliant goalkeeper skills when he caught the ball after a hard shot from Jake Noble in the 95th minute of the match. Downham Market United's players left the field with heads hung low after losing a match that had been finely balanced throughout.