PRE-SEASON BEGINS WITH LOSS

Orpington Athletic kicked off their pre-season campaign with a loss to League 1 side FC Souls. A moderately convincing display saw 3 goals conceded each side of half time with no reply from the boys in orange.

Orpington have been working hard in training and have recruited smartly, but were unable to get off to a winning start as their pre-season began rather flatly. Manager Matt Utton fielded a very recognisable team, with Lucas Kendrick, the new signing from Brazil, the only debutant up front. They came up against a team who won promotion from the Croydon Municipal League 2 last season and who have yet to record a loss in pre-season and, despite some good early spells in possession, Orpington shipped two goals in quick succession, shortly after 20 minutes.

FC Souls managed to control the game for large parts and fed their front man on multiple occasions who adeptly responded with continuous attempts towards goal. The familiar centre back pairing of Robert and Harry Utton had their work cut out and despite best efforts, were unable to stop the Souls striker registering a third before the break.

Utton brought on his only available two substitutions at half time in an attempt to freshen the game up and focus the team on winning the ball back early in the midfield. However, Souls continued their dominance and Orpington were pegged back with little reply. Souls scored three more times in the second half and Orpington were not able to test the opposing goalkeeper.

Despite the score-line, Orpington will not feel too aggrieved at having lost this match. Coming up against a much stronger opposition was going to be a tough challenge and with their forthcoming three friendlies against opposition from their own division, positivity should continue to grow.

Orpington’s next match is against Elmstead Strollers, away at Mottingham Playing Fields on Sunday 14th August.