On what was a splendid day for playing football it was not only the sun shining as MVP took the spoils…..
It was Orpington who came out quicker and only some smart reactions by Ben Ashton and the help of his right hand post that MVP didn’t fall behind..Orp’s pacy left winger (no team sheet) cut inside and fired a goal bound shot that Ashton tipped onto the post. MVP then clearing their lines…Ashton was again on call when a loose pass almost put the no 9 in but the keeper alert to the threat got to the ball first. Then a smart right footed save stopped another goal bound effort. Orpington we’re going about their business very well.
Then a moment of brilliance when Chris McGinty opened the scoring with a marvellous strike from some 25 yards out. Spotting the keeper off his line..on the half volley his dipping shot come lob sailed superbly into the net 1-0. Against the run of play it has to be said.
However , this spurred MVP into action and we were to increase our lead some 4 minutes later when Grant Brown slid a pass through the Orpington offside trap for McGinty to finish well 2-0.
McGinty almost bagged his hat trick when after a fine move involving him and Brown saw him just fire wide of the left hand post…. Oliver Mentessi who has returned from a very brief stint at Bearsted was next to test the keeper with a long range effort that that was tipped wide.
Orpington despite the score line still looked menacing going forward so the MVP back line had much cause for concern.
MVP got their third goal on the stroke of half time when Matt Atkins who had been pushed forward into a midfield role was extremely influential. He went on a strong run down the Orp’s left hand side and sent in a low centre which the right back could only turn into the net for 3-0.
Half time MVP 3 Orpington 0
Proceedings mirrored the first half whereby Orpington came out strongly and soon had Ashton on hand with some terrific saves.. Miguel Johnson and Mayfield though were resolute at the back and ably supported by Berg and Munn on either flank. MVP were showing some good resolve at the back and keeping Orpington at bay.
At the other end McGinty almost notched his hat trick but for an excellent goal line clearance by the Orp’s defender. This was the result of a flowing move between Munn, Mentessi, & Brown. ( sadly goal line technology not on hand yet at the Stade MVP).
Brown had a good effort just wide of the mark. Then, Atkins with a header from 3 yards that was mistimed straight at the keeper. We even saw an appearance of Dimmo and Jonesy as second half subs both rolling back the years effortlessly with Toddy looking on no doubt itching to get involved.
MVP saw the game out to finish worthy winners. Great response following the last 2 outings. Excellent day all round for the team.
Notable performances from Ashton, Hante-Bobb, but MOM goes to McGinty up top with his two splendid strikes. Also credit to
Orpington who never laid down they are a very good side and contested the game the way it should be played.
Next up Gravesham Borough this Tuesday 15th March.See you there