Orient can hold their heads high after this gruelling series of matches in the FA People’s Cup semi-finals. With nine of the best teams in London and the south-east of England lining up at Goals, Wimbledon it was never going to be an easy task to win through to the finals at St George’s Park. The format was that all the teams would play each other with each game being eight minutes straight through. With the pitches being slightly longer and wider than Orient were used to and it being five-a-side this was a real endurance test. The top four teams in the resulting league table played off semi-finals and a final to produce the eventual single team that progressed to the Final.

To give everyone a game and to endure stamina levels were kept up the squad were rotated on a match to match basis apart from our goalkeeper, Chris Cooper and our mid-field general (and youngest player) Paul Browne.

First up were Herne Bay who had been champions of England eighteen months ago. This was by far Orient’s best result of the day. When Ridley chased a Mullin’s pass down the left wing the Herne Bay keeper panicked and came out of his box to clear and conceded a penalty which Browne duly dispatched. Herne Bay could not find a way through Orient’s man for man marking giving Orient this well-deserved first win of the day. Final Score: Herne Bay 0 v 1 Leyton Orient (Browne pen).

Next up were Bounds Green who Orient had beaten in the previous round. This was a hard fought game with Orient dominating for long periods but not looking like scoring until Martin fired in a snap shot across the keeper and into the far corner. That this was Martin’s first goal for the club and the winning goal at that, was an added bonus. Final Score: Leyton Orient 1 v 0 Bounds Green (Martin).

Our third game of the day was against our old friends Romford. This was a typical tough game with both teams knowing how each other play. Three minutes into the game Orient’s Mullins played a crisp pass up the right to Browne who, with one touch, passed across the edge of the Romford box to Ridley who dispatched it into the bottom corner past the Romford keeper. Orient were now coasting but Romford refused to give in and snatched a late equaliser against the run of play. Final Score: Romford 1 v 1 Leyton Orient (Ridley).

The fourth game of the day was against XCEL Walton and this was Orient’s toughest test so far. Twice Orient went behind and twice Browne pulled Orient back from defeat, first with a well struck shot and then from the penalty spot. Final score: Leyton Orient 2 v 2 XCEL Walton (Browne 2).

Now half-way through the day, Orient were hopeful of progressing as the points tally was 8 from 12 and other teams were playing catch-up. By now the whole squad were feeling the effects of playing such high intensity games so close together.

The most disappointing game of the day was probably the game against Brighton Seals. Having taken a well-deserved lead through Browne sloppy play allowed the Seals back into the game as they scored two late goals to take all three points. Final score: Brighton Seals 2 v 1 Leyton Orient (Browne).

Orient’s sixth game of the day really saw energy levels start to drop. Up against a very good Pompey team Orient were pulled around all over the pitch and lost some of their earlier discipline. Pompey’s first goal came from a shot across Cooper following a move down Orient’s right. Martin then had to be replaced due to a foot injury. Pompey then doubled their lead with a goal which was a near carbon copy of their first. Final score: Leyton Orient 0 v 2 Pompey.

The penultimate game of the day was against Godalming and Orient really should have taken all three points but despite any early goal from the excellent Browne Orient could not capitalise on two or three further chances to extend their lead and Godalming equalised late on. Final score: Godalming 1 v 1 Leyton Orient (Browne).

The final game was against a team Orient had played several times over the last year, Watford. Orient turned in a magnificent performance and although never looking like scoring themselves an unlikely draw looked on the cards until the last minute when tired legs and exhaustion finally gave Watford the opportunity to score. Final score: Leyton Orient 0 v 1 Watford.

Undoubtedly this was the toughest competition Leyton Orient have played in, with top quality, well disciplined and skilful teams participating from right across the region. That we beat two of those top teams and came so close on several other occasions is a testament to how far Leyton Orient have come over the last year but also points to the areas for improvement if Orient are to continue to improve and be competitive.

With only nine points Leyton Orient finished sixth on the day thus missing out on the playoffs to determine which team progressed to the finals at St George’s Park however, every single member of the team gave everything they could and more. Chris Cooper was immense in goal. Martin, Wahlhaus and Mullins determined and solid in defence while giving a platform to attack when Orient had possession. Ridley and Zelkowicz tried their best up front against robust defenders but without a doubt Orient’s Man of the Tournament was Browne who lead by example, playing every minute, always available in midfield, continuously keeping the rest of the team on task and running out Orient’s top scorer to boot. All in all this was a team effort to be proud of!!

Leyton Orient Squad: Paul Browne, Chris Cooper, Gary Martin, Mick Mullins, Trevor Ridley, Tony Wahlhaus (Capt), Jake Zelkowicz.

Goalscorers: Browne 5, Martin, Ridley.

Location

Goals, Raynes Park