Match Report

A report from Charlie Bradford of the Facebook group The Non-League Chronicles

Farnborough get off to a dream start when they took the lead in the seventh minute when John James took aim from around 25 yards out and somewhat caught Orpington goalkeeper Jake Gilbert off his line as the ball flew into the top right.

John James nearly scored again moments later when he struck another effort at Jake Gilbert before Orpington equalised in the 13th minute when a ball in was not cleared and was tucked home by Andrew Hubbard.

Farnborough re-took the lead in the 21st minute when a shot by Jack Eddleston was saved into the path of John James to tuck home his second.

On the half an hour mark was a potential turning point in the game as Farnborough goalkeeper Brayden Sheppard brought down his man one on one for a straight red.

Farnborough’s outfield player Josh Eastwood therefore had to don the gloves and made two decent stops before half time to deny Orpington’s George Maddocks and Andrew Hubbard.

HT: 1-2.

Despite being down to ten men, Farnborough doubled their lead in the 58th minute when a delicious ball over the top by Kearan Day saw Ed Williamson run on to the ball and tuck home the chance into the bottom right.

Orpington’s Ross Richardson then cleared the bar with an effort just inside the box before the hosts were awarded a penalty for a dubious handball.

Surely George Maddocks would tuck the penalty away against an outfield player playing in goal?! Wrong - Maddocks’ effort was poor and saved by Josh Eastwood who was then brave to dive at the two feet of Maddocks on the follow up.

Maddocks had a further chance which he spurned to mean Farnborough took the three points.

FT: 1-3.