Interfecta FC First vs Orpington Athletic
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12 January 2020 · Metropolitan Sunday Football League<br>Division One
Away league match played on 12 January 2020.
Kicked off at 10:30 AM
1-3
vs Interfecta FC First
Away league match
Orpington Athletic honoured the memory of Anthony Knott this weekend with a well fought victory against Interfecta FC. Remembering their player and friend, following the devastating news of his death, both sets of players observed a 2 minutes silence with Orpington laying tributes in the centre circle.
Orpington started strongly and pushed Interfecta back into their own half in the early exchanges and were unlucky not to be at least 2 goals up within 20 minutes. Emotions were clearly heightened as Mike Adamou saw his penalty sail over the bar. Against the run of play, Interfecta forced 'keeper, Matt Utton, into a phenomenal save, only to score on the rebound and take the lead.
Orpington regained their composure and Laurence Downs, a force in midfield, set up Ben Blyghton to thunder home from outside the box. Minutes later, Adamou made up for his penalty miss with a composed finish into the bottom corner, giving Orpington the lead.
At half time, changes were made and Orpington dug in for a battle in the second half. Despite being rarely tested, Orpington struggled to find a rhythm and although shots were taken, the ball wouldn't find the back of the net.
However, determination and desire prevailed and with minutes remaining, Tejiri Kode finally put the game beyond doubt. Downs sent the imperious striker through on goal and his pace was too much for the covering defender, slotting home to guarantee Orpington the victory.
At the final whistle, the players exchanged respects and Orpington would have been proud of the hard working and battling performance which epitomised their late defender.
Orpington will hold another memorial when they return home on 26th January, with Anthony's friends and family in attendance.