Sat 11th Aug: Premier Division
Bearsted 2
R.Wheeler
G.Venamore
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Orpington 3
A.Weir (2)
D.Gorman
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Orpington knew they would be given a stern test of their Premier Division credentials when the opening day's fixtures paired them with Bearsted.
Honey Lane was the venue for this mid-summer day's encounter. The ground, set in the picturesque village of Otham, had an almost continental feel with the sun blazing down on the tree lined entrance and a corn field to one side. The shaded car-park was welcome relief from the mid-day heat. A neighbouring ground was staging a cricket match whilst immediately behind one goal, horses were grazing in a field. I'm always unsure about how dangerous horses can be but the sign "Enter at your own risk" suggests they can be more than a little pesky. Needless to say when the ball ended up in the aforementioned field, there were no takers to retrieve it.
Orpington began confidently and Gary Gorman was unlucky to see his shot pass wide of the left post after just three minutes. Two minutes later, and an Orpington move down the right culminated in Anthony Weir heading over. Even central defender Danny Gorman registered a shot from a half-clearance which Dave Richardson, in the Bears' goal, was equal to. Orpington continued to put pressure on the home side's goal - a Perry Belchamber free-kick was deflected up into the air allowing Anthony Weir to get underneath and head towards goal, but Richardson once again made the save.
Bearsted began to put together some threatening moves - Seb Brimsted combined well Kevin Swaisland in the O's penalty area, resulting in the latter's shot being saved low down by Nicky Blue (possibly the best chance thus far). Back at the other end George Belchamber's thirty yard effort was pushed round the left post by Richardson. Perry Belchamber climbed well to head over Dave Johnson's resulting corner.
The deadlock was finally broken on eighteen minutes when Gary Gorman released Anthony Weir who powered his right foot shot beyond Richardson's outstretched arm and inside the far post. Bearsted immediately set about looking for an equaliser - Lee Radford brought down Seb Brimsted's cross but his shot was gratefully received by Nicky Blue in the O's goal. A minute later and Robbie Wheeler headed over a cross from a free-kick. And Danny Gorman did well to cut out another dangerous Bearsted cross. Back at the other end, Gary Gorman was unlucky to see his shot flash wide of the Bearsted goal, following Byron Beard's quickly taken free-kick.
A 1-0 lead at half-time for the O's persuaded Bearsted to make their substitution - Gavin Vennamore on for Gary Hemens. Few opportunities in the opening exchanges in the second period, but on the hour mark Bearsted's Kevin Swaisland forced his way into the O's penalty area and was brought down by Nicky Blue. Robbie Wheeler made no mistake from the penalty spot, 1-1. The Bears sensed they could step up a gear from this and seven minutes later might have taken the lead but Simon Broadway could only turn Seb Brimsted's corner onto the bar from close range. A possible turning point indeed, as Orpington scored two goals in nine minutes. Firstly, Gary Gorman headed home Anthony Weir's cross from the right and then Billy Webb's low cross from the left was converted by Weir. At 3-1 the game seemed over but Gavin Vennamore stooped low at the far-post to pull one back for the Bears to set up a frantic last few minutes. However, despite Bearsted pressing hard for an equaliser, the O's held on to record their first opening day win for four seasons.
Bearsted: Dave Richardson, Alan Budden (Steve Benton, 81), Alex Collins, Simon Broadway, Gary Hemens (Gavin Vennamore, 46), Graham Andrews (c), Seb Brimsted, Danny Chaney (Russell McLeish, 67), Robbie Wheeler, Kevin Swaisland, Lee Radford; subs not used: Neil Ward, Dalbir Dayal.
Orpington: Nicky Blue; Danny Gorman (c), Gary Wigzell, Byron Beard; Dave Johnson, Rob Quick, George Belchamber, Perry Belchamber, Adam Noad (Billy Webb, 72); Gary Gorman (Jack Lynch, 82), Anthony Weir; sub not used: Peter Callaghan.
Phil Alder - Orpington FC |
