Sat 5th Jan: Inter Regional Challenge Cup
Orpington 3
G.Gorman (2)
J.Hughes
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Crockenhill 0
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In their first home game for six weeks, and after eventually finding the ground, Orpington eased their way through to the quarter-finals of the Inter-Regional Cup with a comfortable three-nil win over local rivals, Crockenhill.
It was even first twenty minutes, during which Crockenhill showed why they had improved over the last few games putting together a number good moves and marshalling the O's forwards to good effect.
Bu the O's eventually began to take control and broke the deadlock after half-an-hour when Gary Gorman tapped home from close range following good work on the right by Jamie Hughes.
A reversal of roles nearly resulted in a second shortly afterwards, but Jamie Hughes's shot was just wide. Instead, the original arrangement of Hughes-Gorman worked better. It was this combination that increased the O's lead just before the interval when Hughesy beat two defenders to set up GG with another close range effort to add to his impressive total.
Orpington continued to dominate and to create chances in the second period, with Jamie Hughes at the centre of most of them. The introduction of Anthony Weir only added to the visitors woes, causing the defenders to back peddle and scramble away goal-bound efforts. Jamie Hughes was unlucky to see his header strike the underside of the Crocks' cross bar.
However, Crockenhill showed a steely determination to stay in the game and now and again pushed deep into the O's half to test the home side's defence. Their best effort was when John Backett crossed for Jamie Knox to head against the post.
Orpington had to wait until the eighty-fifth minute to wrap up the game - Byron Beard's run down the left resulting in an inch perfect cross for Jamie Hughes to head home for a much deserved goal. Orpington will meat Hollands & Blair in the quarter-finals.
This Saturday, Orpington entertain Holmesdale in the 4th round of the Kent Intermediate Shield, kick-off 1:30pm.
Orpington: Nick Blue, Danny Gorman, Danny Sandford (Anthony Weir, 60), Byron Beard, Adam Ellson, Perry Belchamber (Dave Johnson, 75), George Belchamber, Jamie Hughes, Rob Quick, Billy Webb, Gary Gorman; sub not used: Danny Taylor
Crockenhill: Ray Marshall, James Marrs, John Backett, Ben Ryan, Chris Hackett, David Eckersall, Dan Godward, Tony Powell (Jamie Knox, 46 - Rowan Ross, 80), Matt Godward, Ryan Hackett (John Martin, 74), Ricky Ellson; subs not used: Alex Hill, Mike Filkins.
Phil Alder - Orpington FC |
