Orpington boss Byron Beard: We can actually make a few teams sit up and take notice because I do think we’ve got a good squad here that can finish quite high up in the league

ORPINGTON manager Byron Beard says his side can make rival clubs sit up and take notice of his side in the Kent Invicta League this season.

The O’s began their campaign with a 2-2 draw in an entertaining opening night game at FC Elmstead at Oakley Road on Friday 7 August.

Winger Alvin Turyatemba, 18, impressed by scoring two goals and has already attracted the attention of higher league clubs following his excellent performance against the debutants.

Orpington host Richard Dimmock’s Meridian to Green Court Road on Saturday and Beard said: “We’re looking to stabilise this year. Last year was a bit up and down. I lost my coach around February time so this year is all about building and building on the foundations we had last year.

“Our next five games are quite favourable. We’ve got Meridian, Forest Hill Park, Lewisham Borough, AC London and Crockenhill, teams that were at the bottom last year or new to the league.

“Fingers crossed we can get a good run going. It’s always good to start off with a win but a point is not too bad either.”

Meridian VP kicked off their campaign with a 1-1 draw at home to Gravesham Borough last weekend.

Beard said: “I know Dimmo and I know a couple of guys there. Jamie Taylor has left Erith Town to go there. I tried to get him down here. He played a couple of pre-season games with us but a couple of his mates play there.

“They’re going to be a good side. I don’t know how good they’re going to be compared to teams in this league like your Sutton’s etc.

“To be honest speaking to the squad and knowing what I’ve got in the dressing room we actually set ourselves to win all but one of those so we’ve dropped the two points (at FC Elmstead), so hopefully going forward we can get a nice little run going of four or five nice wins to really put us on the map going forward and actually make a few teams sit up and take notice because I do think we’ve got a good squad here that can finish quite high up in the league.”

Visit Orpington’s website:  www.orpingtonfc.org.uk

Orpington  v  Meridian VP
Pain & Glory Sports Kent Invicta League
Saturday 15^th August 2015
Kick Off 3:00pm
At Green Court Road, Crockenhill, Swanley, Kent BR8 8HF