Molesey 0-1 Folkestone Invicta

as Ian Draycott’s goal just before half-time condemned them to their fifth defeat in six games.

It was harsh on the Moles, who more than matched their visitors throughout and would have been good value for a point in a hard fought and entertaining game.

The Moles started the brighter and James McShane missed the top corner from the edge of the box by a matter of inches having taken on three defenders, whilst Staforde Palmer missed from a similar position.

Draycott and then Ronnie Dolan came even closer in quick succession, whilst Allen clawed away Scott Heard’s hooked effort.

The hosts were left frustrated by a succession of apparent fouls on the edge of the Folkestone box that the ref waved away.

The visitors were similarly frustrated when two softer looking fouls were given in similar territory, but the Moles were unable to capitalise on either occasion.

Tim Roberts held a McShane drive, and then spilled another effort from the same player, but made amends to smother Ross Chalke’s follow up.

The only goal was classic route one. Roberts’ huge kick was misjudged by the otherwise excellent Dre Grobler, playing out of position at centre half, and Harry Smith set up Draycott to fire past Allen.

Despite Roberts’ claim that the visitors deserved their lead, there was virtually nothing to choose between the sides at the interval.

Molesey started the second half sluggishly, allowing Folkestone to slowly smother the game and wind down the clock.

However, the Moles missed a glorious chance to level the scores as Joe Pratley-Jones sprung the offside trap and pulled the ball back for Reis Stanislaus, alone at the far post.

Just as it looked like the net was about to bulge, Stanislaus did the unthinkable, and not only missed the target, but also played the ball back into the grateful arms of the stranded Roberts three yards from goal.

As the Moles pushed forward they left gaps at the back, and despite Folkestone finding themselves in some promising positions, Allen was rarely tested again.

Substitute James Cottee fired wastefully over in the closing stages with teammates well placed, and it was easy to see why Folkestone’s well marshalled defence had conceded so few goals this season, with the Moles limited to half chances in the closing stages.

Folkestone’s time wasting tactics were rewarded with the ref only opting to play three minutes’ stoppage time, despite both sides making two substitutions and the Folkestone physio being on twice for prolonged periods.

It was another step towards promotion back to the Ryman Premier League for the visitors, whilst the Moles are still well within touching distance of the top five, and will hope to make up ground when visiting Whyteleafe on Saturday.