Folkestone Invicta 1 Chelmsford City 1 match report: Joe Pigott’s penalty cancels out strike from Leo Sery as unbeaten National League South start continues for Jay Saunders’ men

Joe Pigott’s penalty maintained an unbeaten National League South start for Folkestone as they pegged back Chelmsford on Saturday.

The Essex club went ahead in first-half injury time through striker Leo Sery but, early in the second period, 32-year-old forward Pigott converted from the spot as it ended 1-1 at Cheriton Road.

It continued Invicta’s bright start to life at Step 2, which has seen them earn five points from three matches.

Inside 30 seconds, Clarets defender Harry Barbrook flashed a left-wing delivery across goal before Sery glanced midfielder Jack Bridge’s cross just wide of goalkeeper Ted Collins’ right-hand post.

But Folkestone should have broken the deadlock when the recalled Alejandro Machado cut out a bad pass by keeper Alfie Marriott. The Spaniard played in forward Donell Thomas, whose curling shot crashed against Marriott’s left-hand post.

The 18th minute brought opportunities at either end as Aaron Cosgrave tested Marriott while Sery blasted over from around 20 yards out for Mark Cooper’s men.

Midway through the first period, Chelmsford were thwarted by excellent defending by Ben Mason. Collins got his fingertips to Denzelle Olopade's effort and, although there appeared a visiting player waiting to tap home, he was beaten to the ball by the hosts' wing-back.

Folkestone forward Pigott then failed to hit the target from a Thomas free-kick with 35 minutes played. Five minutes later, Marriott was equal to the latter’s deflected strike.

As Jay Saunders’ side finished the half strongly, Machado's left-footed drive flew inches wide of Marriott's left-hand post.

But the Clarets drew first blood in first-half injury time when Sery got a faint touch to Ricky Holmes’ delivery ahead of an on-rushing Collins to