Bromley Road vs Orpington Athletic
2 - 4
28 October 2018 · Metropolitan Sunday Football League<br>Division One
Away league match played on 28 October 2018.
Kicked off at 10:30 AM
2-4
vs Bromley Road
Away league match
Orpington produced a vastly improved performance from their last match and swept aside Bromley Road in clinical fashion this weekend. Tom Smart and Lee Cordner made a welcome and composed return to the centre of the park, whilst the front 4 of Ben Blyghton, Zubair Akhtar, Tom Braithwaite and Mike Adamou proved impossible to handle for Bromley's defence.
Orpington were set up in a much more organised way for this match and the central defensive pairing of Smart and Cordner provided the team with an air of control throughout the first half. Orpington held their own and set up opportunities of varying quality but were equally strong in defence when called upon. Goalkeeper, Matt Utton, showed much improved handling between the posts and Anthony Knott kept his opposing winger at bay with a fine display.
With the wind against them, Orpington looked to be taking the match into half time with a goalless score line, but after an excellent cross to the far post from Blyghton on the stroke of half time, Braithwaite expertly lobbed the ball over Bromley's 'keeper and Orpington ended the half in front.
Undoubtedly deflated by the goal, Bromley came out in the second half with a bit more purpose and tried to squeeze Orpington back into their own half. However, the intensity lasted for little more than 5 minutes, before it was Braithwaite returning the favour to Blyghton, who tucked in neatly from close range.
A further two goals were scored in almost identical fashion by Adamou who had produced a brilliant performance all game. With expertly placed through balls from Blyghton and Cordner respectively, Adamou took both chances one-on-one with the 'keeper and buried the ball into the back of the net each time.
With nothing to lose, Bromley pushed players forward and attempted to capitalise on some tiring legs in the back line. A fantastic goal line header from skipper, Rob Utton prevented a goal being clawed back initially, but a nervy last 10 minutes saw Bromley pull back 2 goals and halve the deficit. Orpington held firm and restricted the play in the final minutes, taking the ball to the corner and holding the Bromley defence off. At the full time whistle, Orpington came away worthy winners after a great team performance as well as some individual moments of magic.
Orpington will now break for 2 weeks, returning on Sunday 11th November against new-comers, Bayer Neverlusen. Follow on Twitter for more updates.