Orpington produced a masterclass as they romped home to an 11-1 victory against South London Doves this weekend.
Following a disappointing defeat to the same opposition a week previous, Orpington had retribution in their sights and they handed Doves a lesson that will not be soon forgotten. With goals across the team, there was little in the way of resistance from the away team and topping the list with a fine display was winger Tom Butler, who secured four.
In the biting cold and weathered conditions, Orpington started strongly, finding plenty of space to pass the ball and move into promising positions. The rout began with Butler finding space on the edge of the box and fizzing his effort through the hand of the hapless ‘keeper. Shortly after, a good run from Haden saw him cut the ball back to Turner who finished from a similar position. Butler scored his second before the half hour mark and his third, the pick of the bunch was a neatly curled effort into the far corner. Orpington may have been further in front at half time, with Mogridge spurning a couple of chances and Rob Utton sending a header wide from the corner. Furthermore, the result could have been very different when Orpington were spared the loss of a player. Haden picked up a booking for obstructing the taking of a Dove’s free kick and then received a subsequent booking for descent. Fortunately, Orpington had been able to bring on Facer in Haden’s place prior to the dismissal and 11 players remained.
No changes were made at half time and with the second half only a few minutes old, Orpington were awarded a penalty for a shove in the box. Harry Utton duly stepped up and dispatched the team’s fifth goal. Adamou finished a fine effort from 30 yards, with the ‘keeper well out of position to take the tally to six and Orpington would have been disappointed when a rare Doves break brought a consolation goal after ‘keeper Matt Utton missed his clearance.
Fresh legs were brought on in the guise of Hart and Akhtar and their introduction produced further spoils. Hart crossed sublimely for Butler to head in his fourth and then produced a similarly good cross to find Rob Utton at the back post, unmarked, who made no mistake from 10 yards. Utton returned the favour and set up Hart by heading into his path from the corner, the winger tucking away the chance comfortably. The goals continued as Akhtar got on the score sheet for the third game in a row, finishing a well forged team move. The final goal will live long in the memory as ‘keeper Matt Utton found the back of the net direct from his goal kick.
On balance, Orpington were good value for the victory, however the capitulation of the away team in the second half almost certainly handed the victory and the goals to the men in red and black. Orpington will need to focus their attentions on their next game and remember that this will have [almost definitely] been a one-off, however the momentum should continue and confidence will be at an all-time high.
