Bexley travelled to Flamingo Park today to play Orpington Park. A few weeks ago, Bexley beat Orpington 5-2 in a very convincing performance. Conditions today were very different. It was hot, dry on arguably the worst pitch all season. Having made his debut last week, Kenan again started in attack with Dan House making his debut in midfield.
Bexley got the game underway in 18°C of heat, fashioning some early chances, winning corners. Matt struck over the bar twice in the early stages. Bexley tried hard to play the ball on the floor, which had overall bought them success all season but the dry pitch seemed to be favouring the long ball approach. A tight first half bought few real chances, Bexley coming closest with Kev mistakenly hitting the bar from an attempted long pass.
Adam joined Steve in defence this week alongside Lee with Kev moving to right back and patrolled the back four well restricting Orpington to no shots on target. Lee was forced to spring into goal saving action clearing the ball away from the danger area when Dan dropped the ball from the corner.
Half time score line of 0-0. Bexley felt they possibly shaded an even first half. Pete wanted more short passing, using the width and bringing Mark and Elgin into the game more. The second half bought more tight action in the midfield with both teams largely cancelling each other out. Orpington did get the ball into a dangerous area at times but with no end product, only forcing Dan into one save straight at him. They also came close from a free kick just outside the box after Dan took the ball out of the area when kicking.
Bexley, should have scored in the second half. Some good work in the midfield area from Dan and James resulted in a ball whipped in for substitute Laurence a few yards who was stretching and could only skim the post. Matt had another attempt saved by the goalkeeper. The woodwork denied Bexley for a third time when Aaron battled well to chip the goalkeeper and hit the bar.
Orpington got the winner ten minutes from time. Adam had pushed forward to try to get Bexley a goal and an understandable bit of fatigue got to Bexley when an Orpington player ran through the middle of the midfield and defence unmarked and was dutifully played in one vs one to slot into the corner. Bexley pushed on with efforts from but couldn’t find an equaliser.
An annoyingly frustrating defeat gives Bexley’s promotion chances a blow and will leave us sitting around fifth with many games in hand on those above us. Bromley Sporting are the opponents next week who we beat 2-1 in a close game where they got a man sent off.
