Orpington Draw In Hard Fought Battle

Orpington picked up their first point of the season with a well battled 2-2 draw against Riefield Vipers. A goal in each half from Tom Braithwaite and Lee Cordner were enough to secure the tie against a young and energetic Vipers side.

Orpington started the game in good fashion and were instantly in the oppositions half, creating good opportunities. Whilst Vipers focused on their game plan of pumping balls over the top for their rapid striker to run on to, Orpington worked space on each side and were rewarded when Ben Blyghton produced a great technical run to the by-line, cut the ball back to the penalty spot and saw Braithwaite take a perfect first touch and finish explosively into the top of the net.

Orpington thought they were 2 goals up just after 20 minutes, when James Lefley used his pace to destroy the Vipers' back line and followed with an equally impressive shot into the net. Whilst the referee allowed the goal to stand, the following conversation with the opposition linesman convinced him to overturn his decision and award a free kick to Vipers.

Orpington continued to press, but eventually one of the long balls found its way into the path of the pacey striker who got in behind skipper, Rob Utton and lobbed 'keeper Matt Utton, who had come off his line to try and intercept.

Changes at half time saw stalwarts Harry Utton and Anthony Knott join the field and the second half continued in similar fashion. Orpington tried to get a foothold but were kept pushed back with the route one football adopted by Vipers. Another long pass was picked up and finished in almost identical fashion to their first goal and Vipers lead for the first time in the match.

Manager, Matt Utton continued to influence the game with additional changes and the pressure continued to build with Orpington continually threatening with set pieces. Harry Utton was phenomenal in the air and came close to heading in the equaliser on 3 separate occasions. With only five minutes remaining, Rob Utton was able to create an opportunity with a long throw, met with a flick by Laurence Downs to the back post which was headed into the net by Lee Cordner, making his return from injury.

At the final whistle, Vipers were clearly happy to see the relentless final onslaught cease and Orpington would have felt with another 5 minutes on the clock they would have found the winner. In a game of multiple missed opportunities, Orpington will need to ensure that they put games to bed a lot sooner in the future and continue to pick up points.

Next Sunday sees Orpington start their cup campaign against Haywards, where they will hope that they can replicate the result they achieved in pre-season.