Orpington fought their way into their second cup semi-final of the season when they came from behind to beat Hollands & Blair 2-1.

For Hollands & Blair it was a case of déjà vu.  The side from Gillingham had dominated for long periods of the early season league encounter between the two teams but had failed to convert numerous chances and ended up on the wrong end of a 2-1 defeat. 

On this occasion they once again created a number of early chances but found O’s stand-in keeper, Byron Beard, in sparkling form – twice denying “one-on-one” chances by grabbing the ball from the feet of the forward.

When Byron wasn’t saving goal-bound chances, Hollands were shooting just wide of the target – striker Lee Preston just wide following a good move down the right.  Two minutes later and a Craig Harvey shot was deflected wide of the far-post.  The quickly taken corner set-up Preston but his effort was again narrowly wide. 

Orpington were just not on their game and struggled to create any convincing attempts on goal in the first-half.  Instead, Hollands continued to press forward – Byron Beard saving at the feet of Cliff Eldridge; and Preston firing wide from the edge of the penalty area.  As the visitors once again piled forward, Martin May ventured into the O’s penalty area and was brought down under a heavy challenge.  The spot kick was gratefully accepted by Andy Taylor who made no mistake.

With their noses in front at half-time, the visitors continued to look the more likely scorers early in the second period.  However, mid-way through the half, Orpington decided to wake up and after a double substitution scored two quick goals to turn the game on its head.  First, Rob Quick released Jamie Hughes down the right who opted to strike a volley first time over Lewis Flisher, in the Hollands goal, and inside the far-post.  The O’s took advantage of the swing of the momentum and went into the lead – Billy Webb curled a pass with the outside of his right foot up to Gary Gorman.  The forward neatly played the ball into the path of Jamie Hughes who placed his shot wide of the advancing Flisher for a two-one lead.  

With their confidence restored, Orpington looked more convincing and managed to keep the visitors at bay to the final whistle.  The O’s will meet Bly Spartans at home in the semi-finals.

Meanwhile, next Saturday, a nice little table-topping encounter with leaders Norton Sports is the next entertainment at Green Court Road.

Orpington: Byron Beard, George Belchamber, Danny Gorman, Danny Taylor, Jamie Hughes, Perry Belchamber, Rob Quick, Dave Johnson (Jack Lynch, 72) Mark Lewis (Billy Webb, 68), Gary Gorman, Anthony Weir; sub not used: Adam Ellson.

Hollands & Blair: Lewis Flisher, Dan Poet (Ben Christy, 77), Bryan Greenfield, Billy Johnson, Grant Steele, Andy Taylor, Ross Brookes, Craig Harvey, Martin May, Lee Preston, Cliff Eldridge; subs not used: Joe Hopkins, Dave English, Ryan Plummer, Marc Chapman.

Phil Alder

Orpington FC