Orpington Return To Four-M

Orpington Athletic came from a goal behind to produce a convincing display and win 4-1 against Haywards this weekend. Two goals in each half from Nick Adamou, Joe Haden, Mike Adamou and Harry Utton were the difference, as Orpington recorded their first league victory since December.

Orpington had a strong line up to choose from this Sunday, a stark comparison to last weekend, and kicked off the match. Early exchanges were good and, battling against strong winds, Orpington kept the ball on the deck and played some neat football. However, against the run of play, Orpington were undone when a back pass from skipper, Rob Utton was awkwardly dealt with by 'kepper, Matt Utton. The attempted clearance skewed up in the air and the on-rushing Haywards' attacker put enough pressure on to scramble the first goal home.

Fired up by the error, Orpington dug in and after a solid and committed challenge from the skipper sent the ball up field, Nick Adamou and Ben Blyghton fought to get the ball in the back of the net and draw the scores level. Adamou could have had a second minutes later, but saw his one-on-one attempt well saved by the Haywards 'keeper.

Soon after though, the energised Orpington were in front when Haden's long range cross-come-shot to the back post, sailed into the far top corner. Orpington could have added a third when Zubair Akhtar struck an incredible long shot which was an inch too high and cannoned off the crossbar.

With no changes in the second half, Orpington set up to kill the game off and soon after the restart, Orpington were awarded a penalty when Mike Adamou was pulled back in the area, advancing to goal. Adamou took the spot kick and dispatched it perfectly.

The game continued with Orpington on top for the majority of the game and the points were finally sealed with a brilliant free kick from Harry Utton, which beat a 5-man wall and a stranded 'keeper.

The game was seen out with a welcome cameo for the returning Tom Braithwaite and Orpington thoroughly deserved the 3 points. Orpington continue at home next week where they will face Interfecta for the first time this season.