The Reserves made their debut in the Orpington & Bromley League,
scheduled to play on the stadium pitch the match had to be switched
to the smaller back pitch.
Both sides adjusted well and although space was at a premium, it was
still a good enjoyable game, not much in it for the first quarter of
the game and Lessa just had the edge in attack, especially with
Centre-forward Simmon's long throws. It took a defensive mix up in
the home defence to break the deadlock; Russell Sultana pounced on a
bouncing ball that 2 Kenningwell defenders seemed favourite to clear
and opened the scoring with a neat lob over the keeper. United
rallied but the Lessa defence was very solid and organised. A minute
before the interval Lessa doubled their lead, a simple tap in for
Dan Simmons who had a very good first half.
With Ainsley Brown, Darius Thompson and Laurence Clarke working hard
at the heart of the team, Kenningwell were edgeing their way back
into the game, but the away team were on their game today and were
coping well in defence and still creating the clearer chances. Lessa
settled the match with a 3rd when a Kenningwell defender mis-kicked
on the half-way line, Jamie Range was away in a flash and drew the
keeper before rolling the ball into the empty net. The best
Kenningwell move of the match gave the home side a consolation goal,
some neat passing freed Darius Thompson down the right and his pin
point cross was converted by Vijay Wellington for the Reserves first
ever OBDSFL goal.
The best was left till last, the Kenningwell keeper under pressure
made a good punch out, but from fully 30 yards out Jack Mitchell hit
a first time volley that flew in off the under side of the bar for a
great goal and definitely the best action from a game full of
action.