Orpington Weather Storm After Thunderbolt Strike

Orpington Athletic came from behind to win 2-1 against AFC Coney Hall this weekend. Goals from Rob Utton and Laurence Downs in the closing minutes of the first half, were enough to turn the tide and Orpington managed the second half well for a hard fought victory.

Matt Utton made one alteration to his side that comfortably dispatched South London Doves the weekend before, with Dean De Cabral coming in at CDM and Harry Utton dropping into centre back alongside brother, Rob. Orpington started at a slower tempo than expected and struggled initially to impose control on the game. However, De Cabral fulfilled his duties well and was able to consistently disrupt and break up Coney Hall’s play.

Coney Hall took the lead after 20 minutes from a free kick that was uncharacteristically spilled by Utton in goal and bundled in by the onrushing attackers. Orpington regrouped and were able to begin to get more possession of the ball as well as carve out some opportunities. Joe Haden and Mike Adamou in midfield started to control the middle of the park, despite the former being on the end of multiple rash challenges.

Orpington levelled the scores a few minutes from half time when Harry Utton laid his free kick off to Rob Utton who sent a thunderbolt of a shot into the top corner of Coney Hall’s goal. The goal appeared to galvanise the team and Orpington were completely in the ascendancy. With only a minute to go before the half time whistle blew, Orpington turned the game on its head, with Tom Braithwaite flicking the ball across goal from a corner, for Downs to turn the ball in over the ‘keeper’s head.

With no changes at half time, Orpington kicked off the second half and looked to protect their lead. Coney Hall tried their hardest to get back into the game with varying attempts, however Utton’s handling in goal was exceptional for the entirety of the second half, the full backs, Connell and Knott, were commanding in their defensive duties and the whole team functioned as a well drilled unit. Orpington created a few half chances, but it was testament to Orpington’s solidity and work ethic that they maintained their lead throughout the second 45 minutes and ran out winners at the final whistle.

Orpington had won their previous match comfortably and this one was certainly more of a test, but the performance and result proved to the manager and the travelling fans that the team are capable of adapting to their opposition and grinding out a result when necessary. Orpington welcome FC Bellingham to St Mary Cray Recreation Ground in 6 days time and will know that another tough test lies ahead, but with 9 points from a possible 12 on the board already, spirits will be high and the performance will surely transpire.