Orpington slid to their second successive league defeat, this time to Rusthall.

Although Orpington were almost back to full strength, they still lacked their earlier season zip and confidence.  They again allowed the opposition too much space in midfield and paid an early price when a Rustics move down the left resulted in a low cross which Robbie Perkins converted with a first-time effort.

The home side began to show signs of lifting their game and for the second week running looked dangerous at set-pieces but found Phil Hawkins in good form in the Rusthall goal..  A Danny Gorman header was well saved low down and Hawkins was at full stretch to keep out an effort by Billy Webb from a Rob Quick cross.

Rusthall continued to look dangerous and an Ian Balmer cross went begging in front of an inviting open Orpington goal-mouth.  Meanwhile Orpington’s main threat was from corners - Adam Noad firing over from knock-down.  However, the O’s managed to string together one flowing move - Billy Webb laid the ball back to Perry Belchamber who squared it to Rob Quick and the midfielder acrobatically volleyed home just inside the right-hand post to square things up.

Orpington then started to look as if they might go on from this - Hawkins turned a low near-post effort from Jamie Hughes onto the post; and Billy Webb volleyed over from a deep cross.  But Rusthall survived and two minutes before half-time regained the lead when Andy Myles cut inside from the left and struck a powerful shot inside the far-post.

Danny Sandford had an opportunity to equalise but headed wide from a Jamie Hughes cross from the right.  Immediately afterwards, Rusthall had a similar chance at the other end but Nick Coxon headed wide.

Rusthall began the second-half where they left off - A twenty-five yard effort from Wayne Balmer was well held by Nicky Blue in the O’s goal.  It was Nicky Blue who helped create Orpington’s next chance - Perry Belchamber headed on Bluey’s kick for Jamie Hughes to run onto but his low shot was saved by Hawkins.

The action continued to move from one end to the other - Lee Speirs’s shot was gratefully received by Nicky Blue following a good move down the left.

For a twenty minute spell mid-way through the second-half, Orpington picked-up a number of cautions, including two for Danny Gorman.  Although the O’s were reduced to ten men, they continued to create chances but lacked the conviction in front of goal..

Rusthall were worthy winners and closed the gap on the top three places.  Orpington will look forward to being back to full strength or otherwise wonder where the next points are coming from.

Orpington: Nicky Blue, Danny Gorman, Danny Sandford, Gary Wigzell (Darren Shelton, 70), Adam Noad, Rob Quick, George Belchamber, Byron Beard, Perry Belchamber, Jamie Hughes, Billy Webb (Dave Johnson, 70).

Rusthall: Phil Hawkins, Owen Myles, Ian Balmer, Alan Chapman, Nick Coxon, Wayne Balmer, Andy Myles (Andy Waterman, 85), Lee Speirs, Lewis Howard (Dave Burren, 68), Robbie Perkins (John Penny, 83), Gary Stock. 

Phil Alder

Orpington FC