Tue 6th April: Premier Division
Orpington 0
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Fleet Leisure 1
C.Brigden
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Orpington's unbeaten run of eighteen league games came to an end with the last game of the season against Fleet Leisure.
The O's never looked terribly convincing against their better prepared visitors. That said, neither side threatened the other's defence until, that was, the twentieth minute when a Fleet free-kick was turned in at the far-post by the unmarked Craig Brigden.
But Orpington missed a great opportunity to get back on level terms ten minutes later when Rob Quick was fouled just inside the Fleet penalty area as he jumped to head a ball. Anthony Weir blasted his spot kick goalwards. But although Gary Arterton, in the visitor's goal, started to go the wrong way the keeper stuck out his right foot to deflect the ball over the cross-bar.
The home side continued to apply pressure for the remainder of the half but failed to really trouble Arterton. The O's best effort was when Billy Webb and Dave Johnson helped set up Gary Gorman. The forward turned his marker and sped into the area but rifled his shot wide of the far-post.
As half-time approached, Fleet had three chances to extend their lead. First, Mark Handley had his header cleared off the line, following a long throw-in. Then, from the resultant corner, Handley again saw his goal-bound header deflected away from its target, this time by keeper, Nicky Blue. A further Fleet effort saw Sam Pittaway head into the side netting from Steve Ward's cross.
Fleet continued to press forward after the re-start. Steve Ward raced into the O's penalty area but saw his shot saved by Nicky Blue. But the second half saw both sides lose their enthusiasm for adventurous play. The only other convincing effort of the half was an Adam Ellson effort from the edge of the penalty area flash just wide of the Fleet goal.
The win for Fleet saw them claim third place, while Orpington finish six points behind league champions, Norton Sports, in the runners-up slot.
Orpington: Nicky Blue, George Belchamber, Danny Gorman, Byron Beard, Adam Ellson, Dave Johnson (Danny Taylor, 65), Rob Quick, Jamie Hughes, Billy Webb (Mark Lewis, 60), Gary Gorman, Anthony Weir.
Fleet Leisure: Gary Arterton, Dan Wells, Ricki Holmes, Mark Handley (John Armstrong, 60), Chris Cooke, Craig Brigden, Adam Elwood, Sam Pittaway (Jack Cantwell, 85), Alex McKay (Joe Boxall, 77), Steve Ward, Bob Eyres; subs not used: Dan Morrin, James Ruff.
Phil Alder - Orpington FC |
