Orpington v Erith & Belvedere Reserves, Kent County Division 2 West, 20 August 2022

Written by: Steve Burn, Deres Reserve Team Reporter.

The slopey pitch and very dry conditions were not conducive to The Deres’ style of football, but nevertheless, The Deres enjoyed the better of the first half possession, with Tommy Brown just missing out on some good early chances. The Deres did not have it all their own way though, and after 20 minutes, Orpington began to get into the game and were rewarded with a successful long range effort on the half hour. The home sides’ joy lasted only 10 minutes though, before The Deres were level. Tommy Brown set up youngster Adeleke “Delboy” Babatunde for his 1st competitive goal since progressing through the youth system at the club. A nice story for him and the football club I’m sure!

Heading into halftime, the fractious nature of the game needed settling down, and this was helped when The Deres went ahead through Tommy Brown heading home an inswinging Charlie Crane corner, to the delight of new manager James Burn.

The Deres could even have added a third before the break, when Sid Reardon broke down the right and chipped wide, narrowly missing the far post and Tommy Brown on the cut back.

HALF TIME: Orpington 1-2 Erith & Belvedere Reserves

The second half was largely forgettable, as Orpington played the long ball game down the slope and the constant ariel and physical pressure started to tell on the boys in blue. The main point of note in the half, was Joe Watts receiving a 10 minute sinbin on 75 minutes for foul language, which resulted in a penalty being awarded to the home team. Deres’ keeper, Ray Marshall, managed to save the attempt from the spot, keeping The Deres ahead.

FULL TIME: Orpington 1-2 Erith & Belvedere Reserves

Thoughts:

The Deres Reserves dug deep to see out their first set of points this season, in what will be one of the most physical games we will see. Saturday’s opponents have undergone a major overhaul over the summer and proved themselves to be a competitive and tough outfit, that will surely be a handful for any opponent at this level.

It was an ugly win, something that we don’t associate with the managers usual style of football. If the team can strike a balance this season and win games “ugly”, as well as that attractive free-flowing football we see from James Burn’s teams, then this side will be in for a successful run.

I’m looking forward to reporting on The Deres Reserves this season and watching the journey unfold in the ever more competitive Kent County Division Two West.

Steve Burn, Deres Reserve Team Reporter