Tim strike makes it two out of two

The U’s followed up Saturday’s success away to Chipstead with an identical scoreline in their opening Ryman Football League Division One South home fixture courtesy of Tim Olorunda’s first half goal.

Walton notched up a notable 5-3 win over Faversham Town at the weekend and bossed the opening 20 minutes at The Pilot Field. United were grateful to Andy Henson’s goal-line clearance to keep out Connor French’s header from a Liam Collins right wing corner.

United grabbed what turned out to be the winner somewhat against the run of play in the 32nd minute. A Sam Adams free kick bounced around in the away penalty box and Olorunda scrambled the ball over the line.

Home goalkeeper Josh Pelling gathered Sam Labinjo’s shot low to his left at the second attempt, while at the other end, United came close to a second shortly before half time. Adams did brilliantly to send an inviting cross and Kenny Pogue’s header was superbly tipped over.

Pogue again came close five minutes into the second time, this time clipping the top of the bar after latching onto a great ball from Matt Darby down the left. Walton had a chance to level in the 55th minute, but Bobby Traynor glanced his header wide of the far post.

There was one more nervy moment as Pelling gathered French’s close range backheel, but on the whole United were fairly comfortable and looked dangerous from the set-pieces of Adams. One such delivery was headed just wide by Sean Kelly.

The one downside for United was the sight of Jordan Woodley being stretchered off just moments after coming on as an 88th minute substitute. That resulted in nearly eight minutes of added time, yet United survived with few alarms.

United (4-2-3-1): Pelling; Gilbert, Judge, Kelly, Henson; Olorunda, Darby; Crone, Maclean, Adams; Pogue (Woodley 88 (Cruttwell 90)). Subs not used: Shonk, Corrigan, Burbridge. Attendance: 469.