Folkestone Optimists came out on top in a thrilling contest against Gore Court, claiming a hard-fought 5–4 victory after a match that swung back and forth right until the final minutes.

The Optimists started brightly, with the midfield of Ball, Coombs, Cheap and Bristow created lots of chances for the optimists and kept the pressure on early. Their work allowed the attackers to get into dangerous areas, and the forward line of Llewellyn, Rowe, G-Kanny put constant pressure on the Gore court back line.

The first breakthrough soon arrived. The first goal came from a rebounded short corner attempt that was lifted into the net, giving Folkestone the early advantage. Confidence quickly grew, and the Optimists doubled their lead not long after. The second goal came from a shot across the keeper and into the far corner, finishing a well-worked attacking move.

Folkestone continued to press and were rewarded again. Then shortly after, the third came from a strike from Ball which was deflected on the back post by Rowe, stretching the lead further and putting Gore Court under real pressure.

Although Gore Court managed to pull one back, the Optimists responded before the break. Shortly before half-time, Llewellyn and Bristow found themselves with a 2v1 against the goalkeeper, which was calmly buried by Bristow, sending Folkestone into half-time with a strong 4–1 lead.

The second half, however, proved much tougher. Gore Court came out determined and slowly worked their way back into the game. Despite the Optimists’ best efforts, the visitors found their rhythm and eventually fought back to level the score at 4–4, setting up a tense finish.

Then with time running out, Llewellyn slipped Rowe through against the keeper and it rolled over the line to give the optimists the lead once again with just five minutes left to play.

The closing moments were nervy as Gore Court pushed hard for another equaliser. The defensive line of Stone, Bono, Wishart and Crookstone withstood many waves of gore court attacks, staying composed under heavy pressure. Even with three short corners in the dying moments, the Optimists stood firm to see out a dramatic and memorable 5–4 win.