Orpington Get By With A Little Help From Defence

Orpington Athletic produced a lethargic display in this weekend's match against South London Doves, and managed to scrape through victorious thanks to a fortuitous goal from Laurence Downs in the first half.

Orpington were looking to bounce back from what has been an inconsistent showing of late, but were unable to produce any decent football in a first half that was littered with errors, a lack of composure and in general, a lack of enthusiasm.

Stray passes, awkward challenges and failing to be first to the ball, were all hallmarks of as poor a performance as Orpington have produced this season. However, a bit of luck fell the team's way and a long throw from skipper, Rob Utton, into the box, caused a melee which lead to Downs turning the ball over the line and taking a knock to the head in the process.

The half continued in the same fashion and Orpington's attack could not find a foothold in the game. Had it not been for Doves' inability to create a chance themselves, the half could have ended very differently.

The second half showed signs of improvement, but there was very much a sense of going through the motions and just getting the result over the line. Doves pushed harder in the second half and Orpington's defence worked tirelessly to prevent a breach of their goal.

With a first clean sheet of the season, Orpington concluded the match as winners and there will be hope that the performance was just a one off. Orpington go into the international break with a chance to recover and shake off any niggling injuries, before resuming league duty on 31st March, away to Haywards.