Report

Saturday brought a long trip to the outskirts of Chichester for the first round of the Sussex FA Junior Cup. With 5 first team regulars missing, an away game against an inform Hunston CC FC reserve team was not going to be easy.

With the rain howling down after a long journey Orington where jeered up and ready to prove themselves with a good victory. Dan Smith replaced Jay Finch at left back, Simon Needham replaced Jamie Lindsey on the wing, Paul Savage took up the no.1 shirt allowing Mat Gilbert to take up a midfield role for old times sakes!

With both leading goal scorers unavailable, Jon Rich-spice took up the responsibility of leading the line foe Orington, pushing up from his usual midfield role. As the game started it became obvious just how motivated Orington were, and they soon began creating chances. Good one and two touch football, saw Jon Richspice release Steve Greenfield, who was tackled at the last moment to prevent Orington with a scoring chance. Orington continued to play well for the conditions, as the rain continued to come down, creating a very slippery top surface. With the ball hard to keep in possession, Orington were quick to adapt and use the ball quickly through the channels. This tactic soon lead to the first goal. Good work from John Mannering and Jon Ricshpice down the right flank, carved open the Hunston defence gifting Jon Richspice with a easy finish from John Mannerings cut back. Orington soon doubled there advantage when Jon Richspice returned the favour to allow John Mannering to round the last defender and finish neatly with his left foot. As the first half continued Orington continued to have the better of the play, preventing Huston from having any time on the ball, restricting them to limited sights on goal. Jon Richspice was soon to complete his brace when good work again down the flanks allowed him to neatly finish past the keeper. The score could have been more soon after when Orington were awarded a penalty. Jon Richspice’s effort was smartly saved by the Hunston keeper. Soon after though, his hat-rick was complete, when a loose ball was pounced upon, Steve Greenfield released Jon Richspice who neatly finished the one-on-one with the keeper! 4-0.

Orington were comfortable at half time, but could expect a fight back in the second half. As the half started Orington only added to their lead when Steve Greenfield latched on to Mat Gilberts and finished smartly pas the keeper. The lead could have been more in the second half as Orington missed chance, with Steve Greenfield hiting the post from a free kick and the cross bar from a John Mannering cut back.

Huntson were to restore some pride, and take away a clean sheet from Paul Savage when a near post cross was not dealt with and neatly tucked away.

All in all a good performance under the circumstances. Victoria Baptists in the next round â€" bit closer to home!