Bly Spartans 1 v 0 Orpington

British Energy Kent County League, Division 1 West

Report by Phil Alder

A VISIT to what I regard as one the most promising grounds in our division Bly's ground has everything most other clubs at our level can only dream about - a sizeable amount of space, a generously sized floodlit training ground, a decent clubhouse and a good playing surface.

There was a feeling of deja vu for both sides on the day of the big kick-off as this was the same fixture on the opening day last year.

Then Orpington had been disappointed with their performance following a 1-1 draw but they were to come away even more disappointed this time round.

The usual list of injured and unavailable players had grown longer as the start of the season approached.

However, Orpington had kept together almost the entire squad from last season plus four new signings.

The Os therefore put out a strong side but the fact remains they dislike the start of the season.

True, the almost obligatory strong wind did not make life easy for either side but it did not excuse the misplaced passes and the lack of understanding between the players.

Bly on the other hand were stringing together moves which at least threatened to lead to a goal even if the final ball, more often than not, went astray.

Not surprisingly, the best effort in the first half fell to the home-side.

After 10 minutes Nicky Blue's mis-kicked clearance was returned from 30 yards but fortunately for the Os keeper the shot came back off the bar.

Orpington responded with a George Belchamber free-kick which needed to be carefully headed wide of the far-post for a corner.

But it was Bly who enjoyed the better efforts as the lively Matt McHugh was narrowly wide on two occasions from around the 25-yard mark.

In between these efforts Gene Clout - the Bly player coach - found his way into the referee's notebook for a challenge on Gary Gorman.

Orpington managed a decent move when Belchamber's deep cross picked out an unmarked Rob Quick.

He did well to chest the ball down but his shot from the edge of the area was too high.

Any Orpington promising move seemed to be immediately followed by an even more dangerous Bly move.

Ten minutes before half-time Glenn Barlow was through on the Os goal but he lost control when it mattered and Blue was able to clear.

Bly nearly took the lead after the re-start but the header from the corner was cleared by Billy Webb on the far-post.

Two minutes later and Os defender Danny Taylor was booked for trying to remove an opponent's shirt, then followed Orpington's best chance.

Bill Scamp played a measured ball through for Jamie Hughes to strike an inviting low cross into the penalty area.

Strike partner Gorman did well to get ahead of two defenders to stab a shot inches wide of the far-post.

Orpington were experiencing their best spell of the game and Bill Scamp was in the action again when his header from a corner was just over and Belchamber's shot was wide following a flowing move.

So having put together some promising moves it was perhaps rather galling to go behind.

The Os lost possession on the half-way line and from then on were playing catch-up as Bly moved down the left wing and crossed the ball into the penalty area.

The ball finally fell to Barlow who made space for himself to hit a sweet left-foot shot into the top left-hand corner of the net.

Three quick substitutions, which included the introduction of the lively Jon Ashby making his debut, failed to muster an equaliser.

Orpington will need to raise their game and show a bit more desire if they are going to put in a challenge for top spot this season.

MATCH FACTS: ORPINGTON: Blue, Wigzell, D Gorman, Edwards (Sandford, 80), Taylor (Ashby, 80), Webb, Scamp (Johnson, 75), Quick, Belchamber, Hughes, G Gorman.