On Wednesday 4th September Leyton Orient Over 65s made their way to the Len Forge Centre, Southend for this last round of the Essex League Over 65s ‘South’ Division fixtures. Sitting on top of the ‘South’ qualifying league all they had to do was avoid any slip ups to ensure a place in the Essex Walking Football League Finals in October.

The day started with a downpour that created numerous hold ups and traffic delays on the M25 and A127, which added to the early tension. However the squad all made it to the venue on time and were joined by their manager, Phil Stephenson, putting in a welcome appearance.

Orient had four league games to contend with, including playing the teams standing second and third in the table, so they knew that the games would be difficult and the whole squad would be used to counter fatigue and potential blue cards.

First up were Romford who are a team that Orient always seem to struggle to record a win against. This was no different. The O’s were on top throughout the game and only one on target shot was recorded against the Os goal and that was well saved by Sullivan. Despite this possession and numerous attempts including shots off the post and saves by the Romford keeper, the goal just would not come. However this was still a very useful point as Orient’s nearest rivals, Grays, had gone down to Eastwood Falcons which meant that Orient actually increased their lead at the top of the table by another point. Final score: Leyton Orient 0 v 0 Romford.

Eastwood Falcons, who now joined Grays in second place, were next up and this was an even tighter game although Orient still had most of the possession and attacking play. Despite pushing for that elusive goal Orient had to be wary of the counter attacks that Falcons produced. When the Falcons did get through Sullivan was immense in goal, keeping out three well hit shots. Luck, however, was on the Os side when an opposing defender was spotted by the referee walking across his own area and a penalty was awarded. Up stepped Miller and calmly and powerfully put the ball to the keepers right. The game remained that way, good possession again by the O’s but defences on top. All games were again being strictly refereed and good use of the whole squad was needed as players reached two warnings for running. Unfortunately Stephenson received a third warning and was sin binned for two minutes which did put some additional pressure on the team but the defence held out. Final score: Eastwood Falcons 0 v 1 Leyton Orient (Miller).

This meant Orient were looking comfortable at the top of the table although it was still not definitive. Up next were Southend. Orient quickly got into gear and were camped out in the other teams half. Green tried an audacious back heal that didn’t work but quickly got back on the ball and crossed to Tongue who lashed the ball into the roof of the net. Still in the first half Orient again made their dominance count when a goal bound shot from Stephenson deflected wickedly into the opposite corner of the net giving Orient a two goal lead. The second half was a masterclass of possession football giving the opposition no chance to get back in the game. Final score: Southend 0 v 2 Leyton Orient (Stephenson, Tongue).

The last game was against Grays and these games are always well contested and tight. This was no different. Defences were on top for both sides as each attack faltered against strong opposition. With the game ending goalless Orient knew they had done enough to qualify top of the Over 65s Division South group. Final score: Leyton Orient 0 v 0 Grays.

Special mention to Tony Sullivan who pulled off some excellent saves.

Leyton Orient squad: John Bancroft, Jon Barrick, Tony Brooks, Colin Green, Keith Miller, Gerry Schneider (Capt), Tony Sullivan (Gk), Steve Tongue with a guest appearance by Phil Stephenson.

Goal Scorers: Miller, Stephenson, Tongue.

Location

Len Forge Centre, Eastwoodbury Lane, SS2 6UH