Man of the Match- Rob Purcell
Goal of the Match- Orpington’s first goal, so accurate from no where
Save of the Match- Crucial double save from Orpington keeper at a crucial time
Moment of the Match- James clearing the ball for a goal kick instead of scoring
Bexley Athletic succumbed to their first defeat of the season as they lost a 1-0 lead, slipping to fourth in Division 2 in the process. It was a tough pill to swallow; the home side led for most of the game but two veracious strikes allowed Orpington Park to snatch all three points. Bexley’s first real test of the season failed, but only just.
For the first time in the new Bexley Athletic history, captain Lee Baulsom would miss a competitive game. Adam Guildford would deputise at centre back with Steve “Obama” Bird taking the armband. Laurence would referee for the first half. Bexley took the lead early on. Adam punted a route one ball forward which evaded the defence. James Hall let the ball bounce over his shoulder and rifled the ball past the keeper on the half volley.
Orpington responded positively and pressed, their centre midfielder running the game. When they were in the final third, Rob was doing a particularly good job at diffusing the danger. James Brown also demonstrated effective defensive moments at right back. Bexley were not imposing themselves on this game, Calum, Matt, and Mark having precious through scraps to feed on. Calum would use this quiet time to re-soberise.
Set pieces were creating little for Bexley, but Adam narrowly missed a long range effort, and a second strike from Calum on the right was spilt by the keeper but Bexley had no one following up. Laurie also had an attempt narrowly over. Orpington had a golden opportunity to equalise just before half time. A ball was centred from the Bexley left into a crowed penalty area and a shot deflected off Rob fortunately close enough for Dan to palm away. A significant amount of injury time would be played due to Kev not taking his Man Pills in the morning.
Laurence would give up the whistle at half time for a centre forward spot, replacing Matt. Bexley would spend the second half largely in two minds, whether to go for a second goal or hold onto what they have. As the game progressed Orpington were looking more threatening. When Rob was left one vs one with the striker Dan was forced to block with Adam clearing up the rebound. Up the other end Mark cut inside and gave Orpington something to think about with a strong strike. Laurence then showed his skill on two occasions, setting up James twice. The second was particularly impressive; twisting the defender inside and outside, before taking another out the game with a perfectly timed pass to James who unfortunately missed when it looked easier to score.
Orpington continued to press. Despite their best efforts, Bexley’s midfield were not imposing themselves on the game as they had done in previous weeks. The back five were not the cohesive team of previous weeks, communication being the major problem. Having said this Bexley were not playing badly, and were coping with the periods of Orpington attacks. The passing short passing was working well in some areas but Bexley were giving the ball away too frequently around their own box. Josh was introduced mid way through the second half replacing Calum. The Orpington keeper made a terrific double save from Bexley’s attackers, this surely would have put the game to bed. It was going to take something special for Orpington, to which they duly delivered.
Bexley stood off an attacker on the edge of the box, but he still had plenty to do to rocket the ball into Dan’s bottom right corner. Bexley had that sinking feeling, and it wasn’t long before titanic hit the rocks. Kev misjudged a high ball in the wind, as the defence reset Orpington’s captain was given the space to shoot after an initial rebounded shot. The strike was spectacular, first time, top left beating the keeper all ends up. A suitable winner for any game as Bexley had no reply this time. Opportunity to bounce back next week away to Advent Royals, winless after two league games.
