Whitstable started the game two points adrift of the visitors, but were given an early boost when it became clear that Folkestone did not bring a full quota of players, and would be playing two players short.
With a numerical advantage, Whitstable started strongly, as Max nearly got through the opposition defence, and shortly after, Alfie had a shot on target saved by the Folkestone goalkeeper. However, it wasn't long until Whitstable did break through. Seb played a good ball through to Max, but his shot was saved. The rebound fell to Alfie whose immediate shot was also well saved by the goalkeeper. However, it was third time lucky, as the ball broke back to Max, who finished well past defenders on the goal line. 4 mins 1-0.
A minute later, Alfie had another shot at goal, which went just wide, but on eight minutes, Whitstable doubled their lead. Alfie played provider, feeding the ball through a static defence, and Max running through on goal, finished well past the goalkeeper. 8 mins 2-0.
Almost straight from the kick-off, Whitstable extended their lead, and Max completed his hat-trick. Again Max found himself bearing down on goal, and this time produced a beautiful chip over the onrushing goalkeeper, and into the net. 9 mins 3-0.
It was one way traffic, and Seb was unlucky to see his shot rebound back off the post, and Zac had another shot wide, as Whitstable showed complete dominance. And with less than a quarter of the game gone, Whitstable and Max scored a fourth, as the ball fell kindly to him in the box, and he produced a thumping finish into the roof of the net. 14 mins 4-0.
The rest of the half continued to see chances created by Whitstable, although they were unable to add to their advantage. Alex saw a shot go just wide, and he then produced a fine through ball to Liam B, who ran through towards goal, but saw his shot well saved by the goalkeeper. Another chance arose from a corner, which resulted in a clearance off the Folkestone goal line. Folkestone continued to battle though, and did create a couple of half chances, but their shots were not on target, and when they did force a corner, it was well punched clear by Nathan in the Whitstable goal.
Just before half time, Kieran found Freddie on the left hand side with a good ball out from defence. A neat one-two with Alfie, saw the ball back at the feet of Freddie on the corner of the box, but his shot sailed just wide.
Half time: Whitstable U12's A 4 Folkestone Invicta Youth 0
The second half started bizarrely, as Folkestone produced a goal within thirty seconds of the kick-off. The Folkestone forward found himself bearing down on goal, and although his shot was well saved by Nathan, the rebound came off a Whitstable defender, and into an unguarded net. 31 mins 4-1.
But Whitstable responded well, and regained their four goal advantage within a minute. Kieran fed Jack in the middle of the park, who then passed forwards to Alex midway in the Folkestone half. He ran forward and produced a fine finish into the corner of the net, from just outside the box. 32 mins 5-1.
Folkestone were more in the game in the second half, and Nathan had to be on his toes as he produced a good save a couple of minutes later. However, Whitstable continued to create chances, as Jack saw a left foot shot sail into the arms of the Folkestone goalkeeper, and Alfie had a couple of shots just off target. But nice play between Liam B and Alex after forty minutes, saw the latter produce another good finish to extend Whitstable's lead. 40 mins 6-1.
A couple of minutes later, the same two players were involved, but this time it was Liam B who had the shot, but the Folkestone goalkeeper saved well. This was shortly followed by Seb getting through on goal on the left hand side of the box, but his attempt was blocked.
Folkestone continued to battle hard however, and midway through the half, they produced a fine goal to reduce the arrears. A good cross from the left was well headed into the net by the Folkestone forward from ten yards out. 46 mins 6-2.
Whitstable again responded well, with good play by Max on the right wing, providing a chance for Seb in the box, but his shot went wide. But soon after, Seb provided an assist, as his cross from the left found Liam P on the right hand side of the box, and he produced some good control, and a fine finish into the bottom corner of the net. 50 mins 7-2.
The last ten minutes ended up with chances being created at either end. Nathan again had to be alert to make a couple of good saves, but at the other end, Seb appeared to be brought down in the penalty box, but the referee decided otherwise, and waved play on. And a minute from time, Folkestone showed commendable spirit to produce the final goal of the game, with a fine shot from just inside the box giving Nathan no chance. 59 mins 7-3.
There was still a last chance for Whitstable, but Alfie's free kick from twenty five yards was well pushed over the bar by the Folkestone goalkeeper.
Full time: Whitstable U12's A 7 Folkestone Invicta Youth 3.

Many thanks to Sarah Partridge for running the line this week.