Gallant Performance Ends In Draw

Orpington were desperately unlucky not to walk away with maximum points this weekend, as a last minute header from A.F.C Coney Hall levelled the score and shared the points.

Orpington, on the back of a fantastic performance in their previous match, started this match in good form. Debutant, Charley King, started in the middle of the park, linking up well with Mike Adamou as the two central midfielders attempted to dictate the play. A.F.C Coney Hall also began fluidly but were often forced into long balls to release their rapid forward, who was comfortably dealt with by Austin Facer and Rob Utton at the back.

On the half hour mark, it was Orpington who seized the initiative and after a long throw into the box from Rob Utton, the panicked clearance fell to the feet of the new man, King, who expertly picked out the corner of the goal from 25 yards. A fantastic introduction to the Orpington fans who will be excited to see what else the young midfielder can bring to the team.

Orpington were light on the bench and were forced into multiple changes throughout the first half, with the worst of the injuries coming to left back, Matt Duggan, who twisted his knee awkwardly and will likely miss the remainder of the season. However, Orpington were able to reshuffle and hand an earlier than expected debut to Tom Braithwaite, returning after leaving the club 2 years ago.

Orpington held their own until half time and returned to the field for the second half with a plan to shut their opposition and with some solid defending and countless interceptions, they were able to limit almost everything Coney had to offer. Knott, suffering a groin injury, was forced to sit up top as a lone striker, with the remaining players fulfilling their defensive responsibilities well.

Orpington should have doubled, and even trebled their lead as two shots in short succession were spurned by Akhtar, firstly hitting over the bar inside the box and secondly shooting wide after some excellent wing play from King.

With 5 minutes remaining, Coney pushed hard for the equaliser and were left reeling after a superb goal line clearance by Facer, followed by a world class, one-on-one save from Matt Utton. However, Orpington simply did not have enough gas in the tank to see them over the line and with almost the last kick of the game, Coney managed a final cross that found the attacker’s head in the box, the resultant header creeping into the bottom corner just centimetres away from Utton’s fingertips.

At the final whistle, Orpington will have felt aggrieved at another last minute goal stealing away 2 points, but all the signs indicate that the team are capable of putting a serious challenge in front of any forthcoming opposition.

Orpington’s next match will be at home against Bromley Road on Sunday 23rd April.