ORPINGTON PRODUCE QUALITY ONLY TO BE DENIED

Orpington Athletic were denied a well deserved victory, with a penalty awarded to and converted by Reifield Vipers, deep into injury time. Goals from Karl Turner and Harry Utton, either side of a rare taken opportunity by Reifield should have been enough to cement a vital 3 points, however referee Ken Baillie pointed to the spot in the 5th minute of injury time to break Orpington’s hearts and steal away the win.

Orpington set up to stifle the opposition from the start, with Harry Utton, standing in as skipper, deployed in a central defensive role. Finding immediate comfort in the position, Utton was able to win almost every central aerial challenge and provided great cover for the new look back four of Duggan, Martin, Facer and Knott.

Orpington controlled the majority of the first half and despite there being few chances, the first goal was a well taken attempt by Turner, turning in a pass from Facer with a neat half volley. Orpington saw the half out in disciplined style and went into the break leading.

The second half started with a similar flow, Haden and Adamou controlling the midfield with some tireless running from the former. However, against the run of play, Reifield were able to claw a goal back and bring the scores level. The goal may have been enough to spur on the team that has only lost once this season, but a required period of some great defending, blocking and clearing ensured that Orpington again shut the door.

Breaking out from the back, Orpington stormed forward with Haden once again leading the charge and having got to the by-line was taken down with a disgracefully late challenge from the Reifield defender, which in turn only heralded a yellow card. However, the resultant free kick was enough to restore Orpington’s lead, with a ball in from Turner, neatly passed by Adamou into the path of Harry Utton who found the bottom corner of the net, well out of the reach of the ‘keeper.

Reifield pressed harder again, but Orpington absorbed everything that was thrown at them. A few hard tackles were punished, but everything was dealt with effectively and efficiently. However, the deserved ending was not to be had as the referee penalised Akhtar for a supposed handball in the area and the spot kick was converted, sending Matt Utton the wrong way. Post the spot kick, Facer was booked for remonstrating.

Orpington needed to produce a performance befitting of their quality and were able to do that in fine style. With 3 games remaining, the important task now will be to finish strongly and take what they have learned into next season, where a push for a top half finish should be a priority.