Sunday 9th June’s latest TRA over 50s fixtures provided a stern test and a chance for the Orient to regain some credibility after last months disappointing results.

Prior to the football a minutes silence was observed to commemorate the Leyton Orient manager, Justin Edinburgh, who had sadly passed away the previous day.

First up were Romford White and Orient’s starting lineup was Weston in goal, Mockler supported by Adams and Franklin at the back, Eades making his debut in midfield with Solly up front. Neophytou and Inkpen were subs.
For once it was a perfect start when Solly took the kick off, laid the ball back to Franklin who shot first time into the corner. Romford come back strong and scored two quick goals to leave the O’s behind at half time. Inkpen replaced Adams as Orient regained control of the game with Eades scoring his first competitive goal to level the score. Unfortunately a heavily deflected shot from a free kick left Weston with no chance with the Romford winning goal. Final score: Romford White 3 v 2 Leyton Orient (Eades, Franklin).

Next up were the stronger of the two Romford teams starring ex Orient player, Paul Browne. This was a game Orient could not afford to lose. The starting line up was the same with the exception of Inkpen replacing Adams. The Os adopted a man marking formation with Mockler superbly marking the Romford front man while Inkpen impressively marking Browne which frustrated Romford. Franklin and Eades had the space to play with Solly holding the ball up well, the first goal came from a short free kick from Solly which Franklin converted. This was quickly followed when Franklin played a rebound off the back board which found Eades in space to slot home number two. Romford scored what proved a consolation goal just before half time. In the second half it was a matter of being defensively strong, Weston was in dominant form saving everything thrown at him. Neophytou came on for Inkpen and assisted Eades to score his second and while Solly scored Orient’s fourth. Final score: Romford Blues 1 v 4 Leyton Orient (Eades 2, Franklin, Solly).

The final game of the day was against Grays. Franklin and Neophytou started as subs. Unfortunately Grays took a surprising two goal half time lead with two lucky shots going in off the post and then crossbar respectively. Neophytou and Franklin came on at half time for Adams and Inkpen to put the emphasis on getting more shots on goal. Immediately Franklin scored from distance only for Grays to restore their two goal advantage. Orient then had to take risks throwing players forward and this paid off with Solly scoring Orient’s second but yet again Grays scored restored their two goal advantage. With only four minutes remaining Orient were up against it but a goal from Franklin and superb brace from Solly, which completed his hat-trick, sealed a memorable comeback. Final score: Grays 4 v 5 Leyton Orient (Solly 3, Franklin 2).

This was a much improved performance on last month, Eades made an impressive debut, Solly took his goals well, Weston made some vital saves, Mockler marshalled the defence and all the players played there part.

Leyton Orient squad: Bob Adams, Steve Eades, Paul Franklin (Capt), Steve Inkpen, (Gk), Darren Mockler, Fid Neophytou, Keith Solly, Tony Weston (Gk).

Goal Scorers: Franklin 4, Solly 4, Eades 3.

Location

Playfootball, Romford