ORPINGTON SLAY Spartans

<p>Orpington Athletic swept aside their opposition, Fulham Spartans, in a match that they controlled from the outset. Despite conceding an unfortunate early goal, Orpington showed character and skill to limit their opponents and put three first half goals away against a the hapless Spartans 'keeper.<p>Orpington, on the back of some poor but somewhat unfortunate results, needed to secure victory and started the match in fine form. Controlled play and considered passing drove the team on and despite Spartans going close with one of the misses of the season and then a well taken lobbed goal, the red and black army were undeterred and quickly drew back level. Harry Utton's seventh of the season was a well taken free kick which the 'keeper did not manage to deal with and Orpington's tempo increased from there.<p>Matt Utton produced a world class save at full stretch to deny Spartans' only other real attempt on goal and it was Turner who shortly after found space out on the right flank and delivered a precise cross to Akhtar who made no mistake with a well taken left foot strike across the 'keeper and into the opposite corner of the net.<p>However, the moment of the match, and possibly the season so far, came when Harry Utton took a first time shot on the half volley, well within his own half, which sailed through the air, bounced in front of the ill positioned 'keeper and settled into the top corner of the net.<p>A well-deserved half time lead saw no changes at the break and Orpington were almost clocked a fourth with a speculative effort from Akhtar. Spartans offered little going forward and any threat made was immediately extinguished by the solid back four.<p>Haden and Downs joined the action in the last third of the match and were unlucky not to link up on two occasions. Hart saw his effort blocked at point blank range and Adamou saw an effort sail wide.<p>However, it was a case of a fantastic team performance and spirit that saw Orpington finish worthy winners and with top of the table Hayward's up next, this should fill the team with well earned confidence.