Os up to second

British Energy Kent County League, Division 1 (West)

AN EARLY start and a journey through south London traffic did not deter the Os from their task of gaining three points and moving to second in the league, writes Phil Alder.

The Belvedere Sports Club with its imposing slope looked as if it was capable of claiming another victim and a deceptively cold afternoon was only on occasion brought to life by the events on the pitch.

Both sides toyed with each other during the opening exchanges with neither goalkeeper looking too troubled.

But it was the visitors who opened their account on 15 minutes when Jamie Hughes got behind the defence on the right.

His low cross found Byron Beard straying deep into the opponent's penalty area and although his first attempt was parried by Neil Murray in the Dere's goal, the winger made no mistake with his follow-up.

The goal seemed to fire up Belvedere and Nicky Blue in the Os goal had to be at his best to push round an effort from the left flank.

Orpington then picked up a booking when substitute Tony Hoadley was cautioned for dissent.

Belvedere meanwhile kept up the pressure and a free-kick produced a fierce shot which was just over the cross-bar.

It was closely followed by a potential turning point in the game - a will it won't it moment.

The Belvedere forwards had seized on a mistake in the Os defence which resulted in a shot across goal.

The ball seemed to take an inordinate amount of time to reach its destination and it was touch and go as to whether it would pass inside or outside the far post.

Fortunately for Orpington it passed harmlessly wide.

The home side were probably a little annoyed to be trailing at half-time but they would have to play up hill in the second-half.

However, the Deres began in earnest with another opportunity to equalise but Blue was on hand to keep out a fierce drive.

Orpington started to create a few of their own chances and Adam Noad fed Gary Gorman whose low shot was well saved by Murray.

A minute later the Os doubled their lead. Gary Gorman did well to hold off two defenders before slipping the ball to strike partner Jamie Hughes.

Hughes's first touch enabled him to steady himself and shoot past the outstretched hand of Murray and in-off the far-post.

The home side new they needed a quick goal to get back in the match and a promising attack seemed to give them hope but Gary Wigzell in the visitors defence did well to block a goal-bound effort.

Orpington started to take control and looked the more likely to score again.

Their midfield of Noad, Belchamber, Quick, Burgin and Beard were always keeping Belvedere occupied.

The defence of Wigzell, Taylor and Danny Gorman were cutting out any promising passes and up front, Hughes and Gary Gorman were enjoying running at the defence.

A few decent efforts by the O's went begging: Gorman ran through the middle but saw his shot pass just wide of the left-hand post; a Hughes effort was well tipped over by Murray and the keeper did well to keep out Bill Scamp's effort in the dying minutes.

Next week Orpington entertain Bromleians Sports in the semi-final of the West Kent Challenge Shield.

The following Tuesday (March 22) Orpington play top-of-the-table Holmesdale in a real six-pointer.

The match is being played at Corinthian Sports Club, Fawkham, kick-off 7.30pm.

Orpington: Blue; Taylor, D Gorman, Wigzell; Belchamber, Quick, Noad (Johnson, 75), Burgin (Scamp, 72), Beard; G Gorman (Hoadley, 75), Hughes.