Sat 25th Aug: Premier Division
Norton Sports 1
R.Welling |
Orpington 1
G.Gorman
|
Orpington made the long journey into Kent to play Norton Sports (somewhere between Sittingbourne and Faversham). Another picturesque part of the Garden of England and another hot day - yes hot, just like at Bearsted two weeks' ago. A football pitch shared with a cricket square and temporary huts for a clubhouse surrounded by peaceful countryside, was the setting.
With both sides having a 100% record in their opening two games, something had to give. And it was Norton who were the first to settle into their stride. After five minutes, Norton's Tony Clark tested Nicky Blue in the O's goal from 18 yards and Bluey made the save.
Minutes later, and a deep cross into the O's penalty area was headed down again by the lively Clark to Darren Slatter whose shot was deflected for a corner.
Barely a minute later and Norton were again aiming their sights on the visitor's goal - this time Clark pushed the ball ahead and sprinted into the Orpington penalty area and was adjudged to have been brought down by a combination of defenders. The referee wasted no time in awarding a penalty. Rob Welling tucked away the spot kick to give Norton an early lead.
Orpington looked a little jaded and their lack of confidence wasn't helped when Perry Belchamber was forced to leave the field due to a recurring ankle injury (for the second week running, or limping).
Norton continued to look the more likely to score and might have done better when Darren Slatter's low cross was placed wide of Orpington's left post by Rob Welling.
A Clark free-kick produced a solid save by Nick Blue and when Clark received Jack Goodger's pass inside the penalty area, Byron Beard's intervention was timely.
Norton were probably pleased with their half-time lead but Orpington knew they had to "up their game" if they were to get anything out of this encounter.
Sure enough, Orpington hauled themselves back into the game but found the opposition difficult to break down. The visitors were increasing their percentage of possession but found their avenue to goal blocked. But Anthony Weir was put through by Gary Gorman only to place his shot wide of the goal. Jamie Hughes had a shot from a tight angle well saved by Chris Smith.
Just as it seemed Norton would maintain their 100 per cent record, so Anthony Weir hoisted a high cross to the far-post for Gary Gorman to bring the ball down step inside a defender and hit a shot into the goal (via a defender on the line) for a late equaliser.
So Orpington can feel pleased that they managed to grab a point from a game they only half competed in.
Next up, another difficult trip this time into south London to meet Lewisham Borough.
Norton Sports: Chris Smith, Lewis Rivett, Nathan Stevens, Ben Taylor (c), John Emmerson, Tony Clark, Kerry Glover (Harry Goodger, 75), Jack Goodger, Scott Appleton (Darrel Hogben, 60), Darren Slatter, Rob Welling (Tommy Price, 60); subs not used: Michael Holden, Paul West.
Orpington: Nick Blue, Danny Gorman (c Jack Lynch, 82), Gary Wigzell (Danny Sandford, 73), Byron Beard, Jamie Hughes, Rob Quick, George Belchamber, Perry Belchamber (Danny Taylor, 15), Billy Webb, Gary Gorman, Anthony Weir.
Phil Alder - Orpington FC |
