FOLKESTONE INVICTA 1 BOGNOR REGIS TOWN 0

I’VE been inexorably drawn to a trip to Folkestone Invicta ever since I was thwarted by a 20-mile lorry stack on the M20 a month ago.

Before the journey, I look up the meaning of the word ‘Invicta’. It is Latin for ‘undefeated’ or unconquered’ and because it ends in ‘a’ it is used to indicate feminine objects. It is also the motto of Kent. So that’s interesting.

I pick up The Fox early for a leisurely drive down to allow for any hold ups on the M25. Everything is clear so a stroll along the sunny prom is in order.

With the long journey exercised from my legs, I pull into the car park at The BuildKent Stadium just as the away coach arrives. Today’s fixture is in the Isthmian Premier Division against Bognor Regis Town.

The Fox bags the programmes (£1.50 each) and we sit reading them in the car. A scan through the League table reveals I’ve only four grounds left to do in this division.

I pay £11 at the gate (£8 concessions) and wander into the ground. To my left is a wide picnic area with the refreshments hatch at the rear. Food includes the usual burgers and hotdogs (a bit pricey) but there are vegan and gluten free options and also TexMex, Nachos, Chili Beef Fries and so on: something for everyone. There is also the

Invicta Bar for those fancying a drink. To my right is a seated stand and a covered area for wheelchair users.

Behind the goal to my right is a wide, uncovered terrace paved in gold and black tarmac – the colours of the home side. The goal to my left is a completely covered terrace. The opposite touchline houses the large changing block, complete with small electronic scoreboard, an open terrace straddling the halfway line and a club shop. Some lovely chalk hills in the background top off what is a charming venue.

I make for the club shop. The large hut is filled with boxes of old programmes from around the country, club memorabilia, football books and even some old CDs for sale. It’s a bygone age and tradition that is almost extinct now. Imagine collecting online programmes?!

The game is played in a deathly hush. There is a weird lack of atmosphere. Maybe it’s the warm sun causing the malaise; or the threat of World War III breaking out bringing in a sense of unease; whatever it is the noise in the stadium during the contest wouldn’t wake a sleeping toddler.

The match is decided by a 10th-minute penalty thwacked in by Invicta’s Alfie Paxman. The rest is completely forgettable. Just a small matter of the 200-mile drive home now...

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