AFC Sudbury recovered from a goal down to secure a vital three points in their fight to retain their Ryman Premier Division status, defeating visiting Folkestone Invicta 3-1.

East Anglian Daily Times: Sam Bantick on the ball for AFC SudburySam Bantick on the ball for AFC Sudbury (Image: Archant)

After suffering three straight away defeats, and a host of injuries, it was never going to be easy for the home side, however a dominant second-half performance saw them deserve the victory.

AFC, who remain just two points clear of the Ryman Premier relegation zone, gave a home debut to former Lowestoft Town man Joe Marsden, on-loan from Leiston, and he joined recent signings Tevan Allen and Kieran Monlouis in a new-look side.

It was Monlouis who had the first chance of the game when Danny Crow sent him clear, only for visiting keeper Tim Roberts to block at point-blank range.

Folkestone then began to look dangerous with Ian Draycott and Sam Hasler both going close to scoring.

East Anglian Daily Times: James Baker on the ball for the hosts.James Baker on the ball for the hosts. (Image: Archant)

Sudbury went up the other end and when Monlouis was brought down, Marsden curled the resultant free kick against the post.

However, it was the Kent side that took the lead on 25 minutes, when a fine move, involving Joe Taylor and Draycott, ended with Hasler firing home from eight yards.

The returning goalkeeper, Marcus Garnham then made a fine double save from Taylor and Jordan Wright to prevent Folkestone doubling their advantage and Sudbury equalised shortly before the break as Crow tapped home after Roberts fumbled James Baker’s header into his path.

The home side came out of the blocks quickly in the second half and Baker wriggled his way through, only for Liam Friend to clear his effort off the line.

The hosts took the lead on the hour when experienced frontman Crow, was again in the right place at the right time to net after defender Ryan Henshaw headed Sam Bantick’s corner against the underside of the bar.

Sudbury soon made it three when Bantick picked himself up after being pushed over in the box by Sam Beale to convert the resultant spot kick.

Jamie Godbold’s side will now look to build on this confidence boosting performance as they face a league trip to play-off chasing Wingate & Finchley, tomorrow evening.