STEVENS SECURES DESERVED POINT

<p class="MsoNormal">Orpington Athletic came from behind to secure a vital point in their late season scramble up the Division 5 table. A first goal of the season for January signing Ricky Stevens was enough to finish a tough contest level at 1-1.

<p class="MsoNormal">Orpington have lost only once in 2016 and the team look a rejuvenated and confident outfit. Orpington&rsquo;s opponents, Inter Cross, have struggled for form this season and this first meeting between the two sides was a test of both team&rsquo;s tenacity and determination.

<p class="MsoNormal">Perhaps unsurprisingly, as is often the Orpington way, the game started slowly for them, as Inter Cross battled to win the early balls and forced their opponents back. Orpington were fortunate that their steadfast back four were once again in fine form and any major threat to goal was thwarted, with &lsquo;keeper Matt Utton mopping up anything that made its way through. In a half of very few chances for either side, both teams went into half time level, with the score line goalless.

<p class="MsoNormal">Orpington were forced into a half time substitution, with Matt Duggan coming off for Dave Hart after aggravating an ankle injury picked up a few weeks ago. Hart shifted out to the right side of the 3 man midfield, whist Jamieson deputised at left back. Both teams again seemed evenly matched and tempers flared as they tried to get the better of one another. Inter Cross made the break through though when, seconds after a double substitution by Orpington, they found space in the centre of the field and a 30 yard effort was carried by the wind, out of the reach of Utton in goal.

<p class="MsoNormal">Inter Cross were presumptuously arrogant after the opening goal and were overly confident in finding another. However, Orpington battled hard and pushed on for the equaliser which came in spectacular fashion. Substitute Stevens received a fine ball from Turner and saw his shot rebound high in the air. He tracked the ball perfectly and acrobatically uted an overhead kick that evaded the &lsquo;keeper&rsquo;s grasp and cannoned in off the far upright. Caught unaware, Inter Cross were now nervous and Orpington sought to punish.

<p class="MsoNormal">Further attacks followed and Stevens nearly found the winner. Captain, Rob Utton laid off a well weighted ball which Stevens hit first time. A beautiful curling effort which beat the keeper, hit the same upright as his previous goal, but this time rebounded out and back into play. Orpington finished the stronger side and it was clear they were somewhat disappointed that they didn&rsquo;t steal all 3 points at the end in what was their last appearance at home this season. The teams meet again in 2 weeks&rsquo; time and it is sure to be a fiery and hard fought contest.

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<p class="MsoNormal">Orpington&rsquo;s next match is away to Haywards on Sunday 6th March, kick off 10:30.