It was Leyton Orient over 60s turn to be in action in the WFU Cup. On a blisteringly hot Tuesday Orient played a four team round robin series of games to determine who should go forward to the Finals of the Cup. Again Orient hosted the matches at Ive Farm, Leyton with teams from Bexley, Godalming and Little Oakley travelling up for the day. All games were ten minutes each way with plenty of time for water breaks.

First up for Orient were Bexley who, going on previous form, would be the team to beat. Orient started well defensively but Bexley were playing some neat passing moves and an over load down the Orient left saw their striker fire a bullet which Cooper had no chance with. This livened Orient up but didn’t produce much in the way of goal threat and eventually Bexley scored a fortuitous second. At half time Ridley came on for Cox and Tongue for Cheston. This resulted in more pressure through midfield and eventually Ridley pounced on a loose pass out from the Bexley keeper to give Orient some hope although ultimately too late. Final score: Bexley 2 v 1 Leyton Orient (Ridley).

The second game of the day was against Little Oakley and Orient needed to win to stand any chance of progressing. The team played well with long periods of possession, good defending when out of possession and good ball retention after turnovers. The pressure finally paid off when Cox fired a fierce drive under the keeper. Little Oakley now upped their game and an uncharacteristic lack of concentration allowed them in for the equaliser. Despite Orient’s pressure with Cox going close and Ridley hitting the bar Orient just could not find the winner. Final score: Little Oakley 1 v 1 Leyton Orient (Cox).

The final game of the day which was now a dead rubber saw Orient take on Godalming. With nothing resting on the game, being drained by the heat and with one eye on the forthcoming league games Orient put in one of their poorer performances. Godalming took full advantage scoring three without reply. Final score: Leyton Orient 0 v 3 Godalming.

This was a tough series of games played in sweltering conditions. All the Orient players gave everything on the day but fair to say the team just fell short. There are some lessons to be learnt about allowing enough pre-match set and warm-up time as this may have had a detrimental effect.

It must be acknowledged that the best team on the day, Bexley, went through to the Finals of the WFU Cup having won all three of their games. Orient wish them all the best. Also a big thanks to the referees who officiated so well.

Leyton Orient squad: John Bancroft, Tony Brooks, Len Cheston, Chris Cooper (Gk), Alan Cox, Trevor Ridley (Capt), Steve Tongue, Tony Wahlhaus.

Goal Scorers: Cox, Ridley.

Location

Ive Farm, Walnut Road, E10