Orpington 3-2 Holmesdale (A.E.T)

Attendance: 65

Scorers:

Orpington: Weir (28), Quick (62),Belchamber (116)

Holmesdale: Broome (49) Strotten (74)

The Dalers did not have to travel to far for this cup-tie; the pitch was in excellent condition both sides were keen to put on a good display.

The Dalers started very sharply with three guilt edged chances not being taken within the first fifteen minutes. This misfortune seemed to galvanise the host into action and they started to put together some flowing football.

Then just as the Dale were settled Tom Creasey had to be replace on 25 mins by Steve Strotten because of a groin Injury.

On the half hour a smart passing move saw the Orpington forward with his back to goal roll the defender a hit a smart shot passed Green for the lead. On the balance of play just about deserved at this stage.

Orpington who had midfield supremacy all the first half went in at half time one goal up and looking the better side.

Half time saw Jon White replace Charlie Hope just back from long-term injury.

The second half started very much the same with the Dalers controlling the play; the second corner in succession saw a better delivery from Hatt and Broome atoned for his first half display with a neat glancing header to tie the scores on sixty two minutes

Once again Orpington came back into the match a resulting corner that was not cleared saw the ball swept back into the box for the advancing midfielder to prod home from six yards. The game the swung back towards Holmesdale, with McDiarmid producing a strong run & cross for Strotten to lash a shot past the advancing Blue to level the scores.

At this stage the game edged towards Holmesdale and this should have been the platform to go on and take this game by the scruff of the neck unfortunately for the Dale this failed to happen, one last move involving three players saw Steve O’Rourke go clean through on half way only for his lob to be well save by Blue in the Orpington goal.

Extra time was a bit of anti climax, the one highlight if you’re an Orpington supporter the free kick that won the game & a semi final place. The least said the better from a defensive point of view.

To the Dalers credit the best side did not win this cup-tie, but that is football.

Holmesdale:

J.P.Green, Read, Broome Tolfrey (C), Nicoli, O’Rourke, Hatt, (Dadson) Hope, (White), Creasey, (Strotten) Hughes, McDiarmid. Unused: Mitchell, Bushell.