Orpington Athletic 4 vs 5 Interfecta FC First

Orpington Athletic were dumped out of the Ted Holder Trophy this weekend, by an Interfecta team they had embarrassed in the league only 7 days previous. Despite a brace from the in-form Tejiri Kode and a goal each for Oral Graham and Mike Adamou, Orpington's makeshift defence was beached on 4 occasions, with an own goal sealing their exit with only minutes to go before extra time.

Orpington began the game in similar form to last weekend and were 2 up within 20 minutes, firstly with Graham converting another header and Kode capitalising on a defensive error and finishing with aplomb. However, 2 set pieces from Interfecta were not dealt with and the defensive walls, which stood so firmly last week, were broken down.

In the second half, Orpington's troubles were compounded when skipper, Terry Fowler, was forced off with a calf injury and with Orpington already fielding their attacker, Laurence Downs, as a stand-in goalkeeper, the defence was patched together.

Interfecta found ways to get in behind the back line, exploiting the left hand side and scoring 2 more, however Orpington responded on each occasion and another goal from Kode and penalty from Adamou kept the scores level at 4 all.

However, a stroke of luck befell Interfecta and a speculative ball over the top found the head of Joe Haden who inexplicably headed the ball into his own net, with Downs rooted to his spot. With only 4 minutes to go, and down to 10 men with Knott having to come off the field due to injury, Orpington threw all they had at the opposition, but at the blow of the referee's final whistle, it was Interfecta who progress to the 2nd round of the Ted Holder Trophy.

Orpington now have a week's rest before meeting South London Doves in the Bill Braisted Memorial Trophy on 3rd November.