FC Bellingham First XI vs Orpington Athletic
2 - 5
15 April 2018 · Metropolitan Sunday Football League<br>Division One
Away league match played on 15 April 2018.
Kicked off at 10:30 AM
2-5
vs FC Bellingham First XI
Away league match
Orpington extended their run to 3 consecutive wins with a dominant 5-2 victory against FC Bellingham this weekend. A goal in each half from the prolific Mike Adamou, accompanied by goals from Laurence Downs, Joe Haden and Austin Facer ensured a victory which in no way flattered Orpington.
Continuing to adopt the 4-2-3-1 formation, manager Matt Utton had a full squad to choose from and Orpington were into the game quickly. A long throw from the right hand side by Rob Utton was deftly flicked on by Downs to give an early lead after only a quarter of an hour.
Orpington conceded an equaliser shortly after, however a disagreement between the referee and the linesman did not result in the correct offside decision being given. Orpington fired themselves up and pressed Bellingham back inside their own half. Multiple free kicks and corners could have lead to further goals, however it was the in-form Adamou who found space inside the box and lifted his shot over the sprawling 'keeper. Orpington were unfortunate to lose both Dean De Cabral and Downs in the first half though fatigue and injury respectively but went into the half time break in front.
In the second half, Orpington could have lead within seconds of the restart had it not been for a fantastic stretching save from the Bellingham 'keeper. Orpington did increase the lead through Haden, who latched onto a poor pass across the box, drove forward and sold the 'keeper to finish neatly into the bottom far corner.
Orpington looked comfortable, however Bellingham responded with a wonder strike, which was simply unsaveable. However, moments later, Lee Cordner produced an incredible pass to find Adamou, who finished to add his second and Orpington's fourth.
Bellingham looked deflated an in amongst arguments between their players, Orpington continued to dominate the match. Haden made another great run down the right hand side, took the ball to the by-line and passed in to Facer who had pushed forward into the box. With a sublime first touch, Facer made no mistake and thundered the ball into the back of the net for his first ever Orpington goal. The celebrations were rapturous and the whole team rushed to congratulate the inaugural goal.
Orpington finished strongly and Adamou could have secured his hat trick when a wicked free kick cannoned off the bar, followed by a strike at the back post which was cleverly blocked.
Orpington thoroughly deserved the win and will be looking for a fourth victory when they face Duke of Clarence next Sunday, live on Sky Sports 9.