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Match Report: Whitehawk 1-0 Folkestone Invicta

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Briggs’ Last-Minute Free Kick Secures Vital Victory

Whitehawk earned a crucial 1-0 victory against Folkestone Invicta at the Enclosed Ground on Saturday, thanks to a stunning 90th-minute free kick from Andrew Briggs. The win marked an inspiring start to Shaun Saunders and Adam Simpson’s return to the dugout.

First Half: A Tight Contest

The opening half saw both sides battling for control. Folkestone enjoyed early spells of possession but found it hard to break through Whitehawk’s resolute defense.

Whitehawk grew into the game and created their first real chance in the 24th minute when Charlie Walker’s shot was comfortably saved by Jonathan Henly in the Folkestone goal.

Set pieces proved to be Whitehawk’s most promising avenue. Oscar Borg’s pinpoint delivery in the 34th minute found Henry Hawkins, whose header forced a brilliant save from Henly. Shortly after, Callum Barlow connected with another free kick, but his header narrowly sailed over the crossbar.

Despite creating the better chances, the Hawks couldn’t find a breakthrough, and the teams went into halftime level at 0-0.

Second Half: Persistence Pays Off

Whitehawk emerged from the break with greater intent, pushing forward and pinning Folkestone back. The Din was in full voice, spurring the Hawks on as corner after corner put the visitors under intense pressure.

Substitute Andrew Briggs nearly made an instant impact in the 64th minute. His free kick found Barlow, who headed agonizingly wide as the Folkestone defense continued to hold firm.

Folkestone came close themselves, with Jasper Sheik making two outstanding saves in the 78th and 79th minutes, including a fingertip stop to push a goal-bound effort onto the post.

Briggs Steals the Show

As the game appeared to be heading for a stalemate, the decisive moment came in stoppage time. Whitehawk won a free kick 25 yards from goal, and Andrew Briggs stepped up to deliver a moment of magic. His curling strike flew into the top corner, sending the home fans into raptures and securing a hard-fought 1-0 victory.

Lineup

Starting XI: Jasper Sheik, Will Seager, Oscar Borg, Henry Hawkins, Wasiri Williams, Eugene Asike, Emmanuel Mensah, Kai Jennings, Callum Barlow, Charlie Walker (C), Moe Shubbar.
Substitutes: Andrew Briggs, Luke Robinson, Essa Janneh, Tyrese Sutherland, George Taggart.

Post-Match Reaction

Manager Shaun Saunders praised his team’s performance:
“It was a top shift from each and every one of them. The Din was rocking today, and to give the fans a last-minute winner was superb. There’s a lot of work to do, but this is a fantastic start.”

 

 

League Table Update

The win moves Whitehawk closer to climbing out of the relegation zone, giving the team much-needed momentum.

Full-Time: Whitehawk 1-0 Folkestone Invicta
Goal: Andrew Briggs (90’+4)
Attendance: 294

Looking Ahead

Next up for the Hawks is a crucial away fixture as the team looks to build on this vital win. The club thanks the fans for their unwavering support and encourages everyone to stay behind the team as they fight to climb the table.

#COYH 🦅

Henry Summers

Hawks

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