A sense of anticipation was in the air - although very few knew why.  A larger than usual attendance for a reserves fixture was giving rise to the feel that something was up.  A programme had been printed but not yet distributed for fear of giving the game away. 

Carol Sargent, wife of O’s manager John, was at the match - very unusual.  Then League President, Cyril Windiate, arrived in the clubhouse.  Some amateur photographer was also seen lurking about making a nuisance of himself.  Five minutes before kick-off, all was revealed - John Sargent had been awarded the League’s Western Section Manager-of-the Month award for October.

The Reserves results have certainly impressed this season but so too has their disciplinary record which also helped John Sargent to pick up his much deserved award.  So congratulations to him and the team.

Of course the presentation of such an award prior to a match is almost a guarantee kiss of death.  However, the O’s held off the curse to record their seventh win of the season and maintain their 7 point lead at the top of the division.

Centre-half, Ryan Canty donned the gloves, not simply because it was cold, but because regular ‘keeper, John Walker, reported sick.  

Looking at the side its not difficult to see why the O’s have performed so well this season.  A mixture of budding and former first-team players in all three areas of the pitch has provided a blend of talent that propelled them to the top of the division.

Orpington looked confident when passing the ball around the field but found it difficult to crack the visitor’s defence.  However, Dave Castle did well on the right and worked his way into the Broms’ penalty area.  His cross found the head of Bradley Buck who headed just over.

Five minutes later and once again a Dave Castle cross caused problems, this time from a corner..  Bill Scamp won the header and was unlucky to see it cleared off the line.  The O’s striker had another attempt shortly afterwards but this time his long-range effort was wide of the right-hand post.

In between Orpington’s chances, Bromleians mounted counter-attacks but the final ball always seemed wanting.  However, after twenty minutes a Broms forward got behind the O’s defence.  Just as he was about to pull the trigger Danny Taylor stole in to clear the danger.  Minutes later and again Broms worked an opening but this time the resulting shot was blocked by Danny Sandford.  Five minutes before half-time and Orpington looked about to open the scoring.  Scott Middlewood weaved his way into the penalty area.  His pass found Bill Scamp who, in the ensuing melee, found himself on the ground on top of the ball.  Any chances of a penalty were quickly extinguished when referee, Derek Peck, gave a free-kick to the visitors - for either handball or obstruction.

Matt Noad, in the centre of Orpington’s midfield, seemed to be in the wars. Nothing intentional, but he gained a finger in the eye which needed treatment. Bravely he continued - although at the expense of a swollen eye.

Before the interval, there was time for Scott Middlewood to have a rasping shot blocked by, of all people, team-mate Bill Scamp.  From the breakdown of that attack Brmoleians launched a promising assault of their own.  But once again, Danny Taylor’s intervention saved the day.

Goalless at half-time.  But Orpington broke the deadlock two minutes into the second period..  An Orpington corner was only half-cleared and Danny Taylor was able to float a delightful curling ball over the Broms defence and into the path of Karl Martin who showed great composure to control and fire past the ’keeper.

Bromleians responded immediately and looked about to equalize but a free header at the far-post, from a cross from the right, went wide of the target.

But Orpington dominated possession in the second-half.  Joe Champ got into the forward play when provided a telling low cross but none of his team-mates could get on the end of it and the ball flashed wide of the far-post.  Scott Middlewood created space for himself but his shot was too high.  Dave Castle’s header was deflected wide from a John Duplock corner.  From the following corner, an Orpington effort was cleared off the line.

Orpington were aware that they needed a two-goal cushion but were becoming frustrated in front of goal.  Scott Middlewood was enjoying a number of opportunities but couldn’t find the target - this time the Broms keeper saving a shot from the edge of the penalty area.  Bill Scamp beat one defender and crossed to Dave Castle whose attempted chip was well saved again.

Bromleians reminded the O’s why they needed a second goal.  They broke away but Ryan Canty read the situation well to run out of his goal to clear away the threat.

With ten minutes left a Joe Champ free-kick was floated over the wall but also the visitor’s cross-bar.  Three minutes later, in one of the best moves of the game, Scott Middlewood slipped the ball to Dave Castle who in turn spread the ball out to Karl Martin.  Karl fed the ball back into the path of Scott Middlewood who fired over.  Just time for Scott Middlewood to head over from Danny Taylor’s cross.

A one-nil win that keeps the O’s ahead of the chasing pack.

Orpington Reserves: Ryan Canty, Joe Champ, Matt Paterson, Danny Sandford, Danny Taylor, Matt Noad (Jamie Middlewood), Dave Castle, Karl Martin, Bradley Buck (John Duplock), Bill Scamp, Scott Middlewood.

Phil Alder

Orpington FC