Tonbridge invicta Under 16's V Orpington Rovers

EVEN CONTEST

ORPINGTON ROVERS 3 TONBRIDGE INVICTA 3

15.09.02

In the opening League fixture of the new season both of these teams clearly posted their intentions to be a force in their Division. This was an enthralling battle played in a competitive spirit at Cockmannings Lane, the home of Rovers.

The visitors started the brighter and got their reward with about 15 minutes played. A long Tonbridge goal kick by keeper Ben Fitzer was helped onto striker Daniel Powell in the penalty area. He brought the ball under control and turned. Despite being challenged he managed to slide the ball in off the near post.

Orpington's response was swift and effective. A powerful header from a corner brought the scores level minutes later. Rovers now got the upper hand and for some 15 minutes or so forced a succession of corners. Invicta stood firm however, and as the half drew to a close they began to reassert themselves. In fact they got the ball in the Orpington net for a second time, but striker Luke Saunders was adjudged to have fouled before finishing well. 1-1 at the break.

The home team began the second period with confidence and it wasn't long before they took the lead. An incisive raid down the left led to a great pull back cross that was finished well by an advancing Rovers midfielder. But Tonbridge were not to be denied and they fought their way back into the game following a free kick. The ball was met by Jamie Hayes who nodded it into the path of Daniel Powell. He smashed it into the roof of the net to make it 2-2.

Now the game was really ebbing and flowing. Back came Rovers. Tonbridge thought they had cleared their lines from a corner when a superb strike from outside the box flashed into the net. 3-2 to Orpington. Could Tonbridge level once more? Slowly but surely they began to apply pressure and with 10 minutes remaining made the score 3-3. A beautifully struck free kick from Andrew Jarrett gave the Rovers Keeper no chance.

And that's how it finished. Two evenly matched sides - a deserved point a piece.