Orpington Secure Pre Season Victory

Orpington Athletic returned to winning ways in a pre season friendly against league rivals, FC Bellingham. A brace from Tom Braithwaite, either side of goals from James Lefley and captain, Rob Utton, were enough to secure a well deserved 4-2 victory at Norman Park.

Orpington were left licking their wounds at the close of the previous weekend’s friendly, however they returned this weekend with an almost full complement of players and were able to revert to their tried and tested 4-1-4-1 formation. The match began with Orpington very much in control and early pressure resulted in chances that could have seen them romp into an early lead. However, after a few spurned opportunities, Mike Adamou delivered an expertly placed cross into the box for the ever reliable Braithwaite to head home. By rights the ‘keeper should have made a much better effort, but Orpington were good value for the lead.

Against the run of play however, Bellingham were able to pull back an equaliser but this was soon cancelled out close to half time as Tom Smart’s corner was met perfectly by the head of skipper, Rob Utton who guided the ball into the net to take Orpington into the break in the lead at 2-1.

The skipper (and stand in manager in the absence of Matt Utton) made changes across the field at half time, but the intensity and drive rarely let up from the men in red and black. However, chances went begging again and again and Orpington will need to ensure that the types of opportunities they were creating are more clinically converted in the coming weeks. Bellingham, in a rare spell of consistent possession, managed to cause chaos in the defensive area on the hour mark and levelled the score, 2-2.

Orpington continued to press, utilising the width of their wingers on multiple occasions. Lefley in particular was electric and was able to beat his defensive cover in almost every instance. The pressure mounted and with space ahead of him, Rob Utton charged forward and played in Lefley who restored the lead with a well deserved goal. With only five minutes remaining, it was Harry Utton, reinstated in his aptly suited CDM role who played a fantastic, long through pass to Braithwaite who was able to convert at the near post with relative ease.

With the job complete and only seconds remaining on the clock, Orpington saw the match out with ease and will have been buoyed by the solid performance and victory. At the end of the match, stand in ‘keeper Dave Hart commented, “We could have been 4 or 5 up in the first 20 minutes, but at least we’ve come away with the victory today which we’re pleased with.” Hart’s words, echoed by many in the team, will need to serve as a reminder that Orpington will not be able to afford to many missed opportunities once the season begins in September, but for now, the return to a winning score line will be enough to encourage the team.