On Sunday 24th April, U11 Orpington FC Stallions played their first league match after the Easter break against the U11 Athenlay Rye side, losing the match 3-1 after leading 1-0 in the first half. Despite the heartbreaking loss, the boys put in a lot of effort and determination.
The boys arrived at Goddington Park at 9:15 am with the sky blue and the sun beaming off their faces. On the Orange Shield Table, their position in 4th place could only be unsettled by their opponents Athenlay Rye, who were 2 points behind in 7th with 1 extra game in hand. A win today would place them ahead of Guru Nanak Youth in 3rd, 2 points away from undefeated team Crayford Arrows Black, who won against Guru Nanak Youth 2-1 later today. After the 3 week Easter break, the boys were determined to win ‘for our mothers, friends and players’ assistant coach Greg Stephens said.
The match kicked off at 10 am and immediately Orpington were asserting dominance within the first 10 minutes, having 73% possession and creating 4 chances. After a corner from Athenlay Rye was successfully defended, captain Dean was able to find Wing forward Terrance for a deadly counter attack. After beating his marker, Terrance crossed it into the box for Wing Forward Xander to slot it into the back of the net, making it 1-0. Parents spectating and head coach Jake were ecstatic to see their team lead break the deadlock. The rest of the half resumed with constant pressure from the U11 Orpington side as they fervently attempted to double their lead on Athenlay.
Team talks from Coach Jake and Greg during half time were pivotal as ‘space was key to unlocking the defence’. It was clear that ‘it was going to be a tough game’ as coach Greg said. The whistle signalled for the second half and the U11 boys resumed the game, however, the pressure was now put on them as they let Athenlay play with more confidence clearing and blocking goal attempts. Miscommunication and mistakes began to occur and unfortunately a poorly- defended corner from Athenlay led to an equaliser. Athenlay Rye were back in this game but Orpington were out. As the game went on, more sloppy errors from the central midfielders and defenders reduced the stability of Coach Jake’s side. A second goal was scored, this time from Athenlay’s attacking midfielder Dorothy Watkins (who was also woman of the match), as she volleyed the ball from the halfway line exquisitely into the bottom right corner for what would be the goal of the season. A third goal was scored from yet another corner in extra time, sealing the win for Athenlay Rye and a second defeat for Orpington FC Stallions in the league. Despite the saddening loss, Orpington welcomed the arrival of 2 new dynamic players Shola and Chris ahead of the friendly game next week.
