ORPINGTON GIFT A DRAW

Orpington failed to get their season off to a winning start against the newly formed Rose & Crown FC. A host of missed opportunities coupled with 2 costly goalkeeping errors meant the points were shared in this opening fixture for both teams.

A solid first half defensive display kept Orpington's goal unscathed and Tejiri Kode, picking up from where he left off in pre-season, ensured Orpington took a well deserved lead. However, Orpington would be left to rue opportunities which should have seen them further in front at the break.

Rose & Crown equalised early in the second half and were in front on the hour mark when Matt Utton let the ball slip through his hands to gift the opposition the lead. Orpington's resident free-kick specialist, Harry Utton, expertly converted his set piece to draw the team level again, with Oral Graham tapping in from close range as the match drew to conclusion.

However, the lead was undone again, this time Utton knocking the ball straight into the path of the unmarked attacker for a tap in.

The draw was a deflating result, however will serve as a lesson in game management and the cost of not killing the game off at multiple stages. Orpington now take a week's break before resuming league duties on 6th October.