Sat 22nd March: Premier Division
Hollands & Sports 1
Blackburn
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Orpington 5
G.Gorman (3)
D.Gorman
J.Hughes
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Orpington put out a confident display to record another convincing win for the second week running. Some of the worst weather of the season couldn't deter the O's from their aim of securing another three points to cement their hold on the runners-up slot.
From the start Orpington looked sharp - Adam Ellson dispossessed a defender before advancing into the penalty area and shooting just wide. Two minutes later and Gary Gorman's shot from just inside the penalty area forced a good save out of Lewis Flisher, in the Hollands goal.
After twenty minutes, the home side started to get into the game - a shot from twenty yards narrowly wide of the O's goal. Moments later and Lee Preston's header was just off-target.
Back at the other end, Billy Webb ran down the left and his cross to the near-post was met by Gary Gorman but his shot was turned away by Flisher.
With the game approaching half-time, Orpington struck twice. First, Jamie Hughes volleyed home from the edge of the Hollands' penalty area; then, Danny Gorman headed home a Billy Webb corner.
The visitors continued where they left off at the start of the second period. Danny Gorman's through ball was seized on by Jamie Hughes but his shot not only cleared Flisher but also the cross-bar. Then Adam Ellson's shot from fifteen yards again brought a good save out of Flisher.
But the Hollands keeper was unable to do anything about the third goal. Nicky Blue's long clearance up-field was collected by Gary Gorman who rounded Flisher and placed the ball into an open net. Before long, the O's striker had put himself on a hat-trick when he converted Jamie Hughes's low cross from the right.
Hollands looked dangerous on the counter attack but lacked the accuracy in passing to really threaten the O's defence. However, one such break-away did prove fruitful for the home side. A flowing move through the centre of the park resulted in Darren Blackburn beating Nicky Blue from inside the penalty area. Hollands almost pulled a second one back when Blackburn once again worked himself into a good position but Bluey made the save.
With ten minutes remaining, Gary Gorman restored Orpington's four goal lead and completed his hat-trick in the process by running onto a Dave Johnson ball over the defence and placing the ball wide of the advancing Flisher.
Chances seemed to come in abundance at both ends as the weather conditions deteriorated but none found the net.
The expected news that Norton Sports had clinched the title did not dampen the O's satisfaction with their performance nor with their achievements so far this season. But congratulations should be made to Norton for winning the title with such a convincing record, including notching up one hundred league goals.
Hollands & Blair: Lewis Flisher, Billy Johnson, Darren Blackburn, Andy Taylor, Craig Harvey, Mark Chapman, Ben Christy, Cliff Eldridge, Martin May, Joe Hopkins (Dan Poet, 63), Lee Preston; subs not used: Dave English, Ryan Plummer, Liam Tydeman, Steve Dampier.
Orpington: Nicky Blue, George Belchamber, Danny Gorman (Danny Taylor, 63), Byron Beard, Jamie Hughes (Dave Johnson, 70), Adam Ellson, Perry Belchamber, Rob Quick, Mark Lewis, Gary Gorman, Billy Webb.
Phil Alder - Orpington FC |
