Folkestone Ops 2s, proudly sponsored by the Broker Investment Group, triumphed 5-3 in an exhilarating match against Canterbury Pilgrims at the Three Hills Sports Park.

The game began with Canterbury making a strong impression, dominating possession early on and breaking the deadlock with a well-taken deflection in the 7th minute to go 1-0 up. Folkestone, typically strong starters, regrouped quickly. Just five minutes later, they found their equalizer as Hemphrey and Doyle combined expertly to set up Hopkin, who volleyed the ball into the net at the back post. 1-1.

With the momentum swinging in their favor, Folkestone took control, particularly in defense, where Fry and Boniface stood firm. Cheap, returning from injury, marshaled the central midfield with authority, allowing the team to settle and build from the back. The breakthrough came in the 20th minute after a brilliant individual run from Fry. The defender intercepted a Canterbury pass on the edge of Folkestone’s D and, with a burst of pace, carried the ball 50 meters upfield, leaving the Pilgrims in his wake. He then fed the ball to Hopkin on the left wing, whose precise pass set up a simple tap-in at the back post to make it 2-1.

Canterbury, however, were dangerous on the flanks, and despite a solid defensive effort from Stone, Ball, and Crookstone, they managed to catch Folkestone off guard. A mis-hit cross from the Canterbury winger ricocheted off the back line and spun back into play. The umpire failed to notice the ball had re-entered the pitch from behind the goal, and Canterbury capitalized, sweeping the ball into the net to make it 2-2, much to Folkestone's frustration. The first half ended all square, with the umpire's decision the only contentious issue.

After the break, Folkestone emerged with renewed focus and intensity. Midfielders Furneaux, Hemphrey, Kyle G, and Cheap dominated proceedings, forcing Canterbury to tire as the game wore on. However, a contentious decision from the umpire saw Canterbury awarded a penalty stroke following a tackle from Fry, which many felt had been clean. Canterbury converted to take a 3-2 lead.

Undeterred, Folkestone responded immediately. Five minutes after the restart, they earned a short corner. Cheap stepped up and, with precision, fired home a drag flick to level the score at 3-3. Buoyed by the equalizer and their superior fitness, Folkestone quickly seized control of the match. Triffit’s brilliant dribbling and determination saw him take the ball into the Canterbury D, where his initial shot was saved. However, he reacted swiftly, pouncing on the rebound to fire home and give Folkestone the lead at 4-3.

With Canterbury visibly tiring, Folkestone continued to dominate. Their fluid passing and attacking play left the Pilgrims chasing shadows. Hemphrey played a superb pass to Stone, who cleverly pulled the ball back for Furneaux to finish neatly into the far corner, sealing the victory at 5-3.

The final stages of the match were comfortable for Folkestone, who saw out the remaining minutes with confidence to secure a vital 3 points.

It was a thrilling game that showcased Folkestone's resilience, energy, and teamwork, qualities that are rapidly becoming the hallmark of this exciting young side.

**Man of the Match**: Fry, who stood head and shoulders above the rest with an outstanding all-round performance, was instrumental in both defense and attack, driving his team forward when needed most.