The history of Invicta dates back to the Roman times, translated from Latin it was used as propaganda to improve the morale within a falling empire "Unconquered Rome".

Fast forward to 1066 and the Normans decided to have a go at Britain. To be fair they won and William and his pals made their way up through Kent and Sussex to London. They didn't have it their own way though. East Kent sent them packing and the Invicta motto has been retained by Kentish Men and Men of Kent ever since.....

.....it is a symbol worn proudly by Ashfordians at The Fortress. Unconquered we want to be, and unconquered we will be if we continue the good form on show so far this season, it doesn't matter how Optimistic your visitors may be.

Today, Folkestone arrived with good numbers and some skilled players. At times in the opening phases, the Ashford coaches watched on bemoaning weak passes and too often trying to play through the opposition up the middle, but it didn't last too long and once we decided to put confidence into transfers, switch play quickly, attempt and trust in ability, we saw some great stuff....Ruby with several aerials from defence into attack, Aoife with some 3D magic to break up the line, quick breaks, slick passing and the goals began to come.

Emily....BANG!
Connie....BOOM!
Frazzle....SMASH!
Izzy....KERBOOSH!

So back to Invicta. Ashford were unconquered, and though Folkestone have attempted to emulate with their chalk horse on the hill....it is not a symbol of Invicta, stitched to the heart of all Ashford players. They go home with a slightly more pessimistic view on the season ahead, as it is Ashford's girls who march onto the next round.

Thanks as ever to the umpires. Pete Boyd and Hailey Smith.