Orpington Athletic vs Orpington Eagles Reserves
4 - 0
12 August 2018 · Metropolitan Sunday Football League<br>Division One
Home friendly match played on 12 August 2018.
Kicked off at 10:30 AM
4-0
vs Orpington Eagles Reserves
Home friendly match
Orpington Athletic began their preparations for the 2018/19 season with a comfortable victory against local rivals Orpington Eagles Reserves. Goals from James Lefley and Joseph Haden either side of a brace from debutant Ben Blyghton were enough to see off Eagles with little reply.
Athletic's recruitment at the end of last season and in the early part of June have seen them strengthen in multiple areas and manager, Matt Utton, handed a first start to Blyghton from the outset. Alex Wright and Lee Cordner also started their first pre-season having joined towards the end of the last campaign.
Setting up in their now familiar 4-2-3-1 formation, Athletic looked composed and controlled the early exchanges. Looking to exploit the lack of ability in the air of the Eagles' back line, it was a long ball from captain, Rob Utton, that found the speedy Lefley, who drove at goal and finished neatly into the far corner.
Cordner, starting in one of the two deep lying CDM roles enjoyed some great early possession and his pinpoint pass found Blyghton who made no mistake with his first effort on goal. Blyghton soon followed up after another pass from Cordner and with some tidy footwork, made his way around two players to slot home in the near corner.
Utton made two changes after a straightforward half seeing last season's top scorer, Mike Adamou, replaced by Laurence Downs and Tom Smart coming on for Alex Wright, pushing Haden into a more advanced role.
Athletic continued to dominate the majority of the possession, however were given more of test with some quicker play on the left following Eagles' introduction of their young winger. Austin Facer, partnering Rob Utton at centre back, produced some typically robust challenges to thwart any opportunity for the strikers to get forward.
Rounding off the scoring, the more advanced Haden proved too strong for the Eagles' 'keeper and muscled his way into a position to finish precisely on the half volley.
Athletic could have probably gone on to record further opportunities, however following an altercation with the referee, Orpington Eagles' captain chose to march his players from the field and the game ended on 76 minutes. Despite the early end to the match, Athletic came away with a fantastic result and a multitude of positives. Whilst the season will undoubtedly produce much tougher challenges, Athletic will certainly sense a title charge could most definitely be in the offing.
Athletic's next match will be away to Green Street Green on Sunday 26th August at Norman Park. Tickets on general sale.