Folkestone Invicta: 0

Angels: 0

AFTER a dismal start to the season, with three successive defeats, Angels finally got their first point of the campaign with a hard -fought goalless draw, at Folkestone Invicta, on Monday.

It could have been a win, but Frannie Collin spurned the opportunity from the penalty spot in the 72nd minute, while Invicta's Paul Jones put in an early contender for miss of the season late in the game, so a point was probably a fair result.

While it may have not have been the most eye-catching of performances, at least the players looked liked they were trying, in stark contrast to the feeble display against Harrow.

"The plusses were that we kept a clean sheet and we have our first point, but I am disappointed we didn't come away with the three points," Warrilow said.

"I had to freshen it up after the Harrow game, so I made some changes. It was good to have Kinchy back in the team, which was a massive plus. Frannie is gutted about his penalty miss, I was sure he was going to score it, because he feels he has cost us two points.

"We got in some good areas, but our weight and choice of pass let us down. I thought the referee didn't give us anything, it was the same against Harrow. Jake Beecroft's shot, so I am told by people near the goal, was in - it wasn't going to be our day."

Warrilow gave Peter Hawkins and Kirk Watts a rest, they were on the bench, and handed right-back Danny Walder and Scott Kinch their first starts of the season. Sherwin Stanley came in for the suspended Jay May in attack.

How Angels have missed Kinch, who is one of the league's finest holding midfielders, and he showed why with a combative performance.

Stanley, who had an encouraging game, looked to have the beating of Liam Friend and Frankie Chappell with his pace, and it was a shame that Angels didn't explore that avenue more.

He managed to race onto Lee Browning's through-ball in the early exchanges, but couldn't get enough power on his shot.

The closest Angels came to scoring in the opening half was in the 15th minute, when Browning's cross to the back post was fired towards goal by Jake Beecroft. However, Invicta goalkeeper Jack Delo scrambled the effort away - although there were strong appeals that the ball had crossed the line.

Folkestone offered little threat, although they had periods of pressure, but this was more down to Angels's own doing. They kept giving away needless fouls in dangerous positions outside their area.

Liam Dickson headed over from a corner and Liam Harwood had to clear off the line, following a free-kick into the Angels box.

There was a real cut-and-thrust feel to the second half, as both teams went in search of goals and it made for an entertaining 45 minutes.

Jacob Mingle did well to get free down the left, but then picked the wrong option.

Stanley had pulled into space inside the area, with Delo able to block the attempted shot.

Moments later, a long ball caught out Sonny Miles and this mistake let in Paul Jones. With time to put the kettle on, Jones ambled towards Worgan's goal and then produced an awful finish to send the ball into orbit.

Folkestone were nearly punished for their woeful finishing when Collin was hauled down by Chappell inside the area, with 18 minutes to play. However, Delo saved Collin's initial effort and then smothered the follow-up, much to the former Dover striker's dismay.

There were two late chances for each team. Jones did manage to hit the target late on, but Worgan saved well with his legs and Stanley fired an angled drive wide of the far post.

That was the end of the action for the afternoon and both teams had to settle for a share of the spoils.

Visit www.thisiskent.co.uk for updates from Saturday's match against Horsham and Tuesday's clash with Carshalton.