Adamou Hat Trick Grounds Ravens

Mike Adamou scored his first hat trick for Orpington Athletic and leapfrogged Harry Utton to become the club's all time leading goal scorer this weekend. A magnificent display from the number 10 and the entire team ensured that Orpington left with a well deserved 3 points.

Orpington came up against a Petts Wood Ravens team that were flying high at the top of the table, having won their last 6 league games in a row. Manager Matt Utton had spoken of 'experience over youth' in his pre-match conference and the team exemplified that from the start.

Orpington were quick to control the pace of the game and showed a committed, physical character that Ravens were clearly not expecting, nor handled very well. Winning the ball in key areas of the field, Orpington could have been 2 goals to the good within 15 minutes. Adamou broke the deadlock just before 20 minutes as a deflected corner fell kindly from the sky and his well timed volley found the back of the net.

Further chances continuously presented themselves and Orpington could have truly been out of sight had the finishing and decision making been better. Against the run of play, Ravens burst down the left flank and the resulting cross found the on-rushing attacker at the back post who buried the chance.

Ravens had their tails up and some fine saves from Utton in goal prevented the score line being turned on its head. At half time and with the scores level, Orpington may have been thinking the missed opportunities would come back to haunt them. At the start of the second half, it could have all changed had it not been for a world class reaction save at point blank range by Utton.

However, less than 10 minutes into the second half, attacking midfielder Alex Wright burst forward into the box and was scythed down from behind and the referee awarded the spot kick. Adamou stepped up and competently struck his second away.

With Ravens stretched and looking for any opportunity to get forward, Orpington were afforded more time and space and were able to produce some wonderful football. Adamou capped off his morning's work when a cross field pass from Ben Blyghton was completely misjudged by the covering Ravens defender. Adamou ran onto the ball and finished expertly into the bottom corner, completing his hat trick.

Ravens went full throttle with 10 minutes remaining and forced their entire team forward. The pressure told as a corner resulted in a headed goal, which should have been dealt with better by the Orpington defence.

Despite the final onslaught, Orpington held firm and came away deserving winners. Attentions will now turn to next Sunday's match against Lions United and with a similar performance to today, they will fancy their chances of securing another 3 points.