ORPINGTON LOSE OPENER

Orpington lost for only the second time in the last ten matches this weekend, as Inter Cross secured all three points. Orpington were the better side in the first half, but missed opportunities, questionable refereeing decisions and the absence of expected players made the task all that more difficult in the torrential wind and rain.

Orpington have shown true quality so far this season and this opening fixture was certainly one they would have expected to win. However, a last-minute change to venue due to flood risks at the home ground meant that the team had to readjust to the pitch at Mottingham Playing Fields. The first half was full of promise, with some good movement on and off the ball, even if they were forced to sit deep and defend in numbers at times.

With the first half almost over, it looked likely the teams would go in scoreless at half time, however Inter Cross converted directly from a corner. A whipped delivery caught the wind and sailed into the net, despite the best efforts of ‘keeper, Matt Utton.

Ben Blyghton came on at halftime for the hard-working Dean De Cabral and immediately made an impact on the match. Blyghton moved the ball well out on the left-hand side and troubled the Inter Cross defence on multiple occasions. However, it appeared that Inter were on the receiving end of some fortuitous decisions from the referee, most notably when skipper, Rob Utton was penalised for a supposed handball inside the box. The resultant penalty was skied over the bar and Orpington tried to force the momentum.

Inter doubled the lead after nearly an hour after a well worked pass and move resulted in a well taken finish into the bottom corner. Blyghton single-handedly reduced the deficit back down to 1 after a twisting run into the box to finish neatly in the far corner.

Orpington had further chances to draw level but just could not find the final edge and, without the addition of the expected substitutes, there was little that could be changed to enhance the opportunities.

Inter sealed the game in the last minutes when Austin Facer was penalised for a heavy challenge in the box. This time, Inter made no mistake from the spot and the game was won.

Orpington were despondent at the end of the match and aggrieved at the way the game was lost. However, this will be a stark wake-up call and will undoubtedly fire the team up to improve when they take on Reifield Vipers on Sunday 30th September.