With the over 65s getting through to the Essex Walking Football League over 65s Final it was now up to the over 50s team to do the same in the EWFL over 50s league. On this bright, slightly windy early September Saturday morning it was going to need the team to play at their very best and hope other results went in their favour. This was due to the fact that although they were lying top of the league both Romford and Wakering had a game in hand and could push Orient down to third spot. With the withdrawal of Concord Rangers Blues both Romford and Wakering were awarded the win and three points each. Orient were now in second place before a ball was kicked.

The first game of the day saw Wakering and Romford play out a nil nil draw which pushed Orient down to third.

Orient’s first game of the day was against Romford and the Orient goal came under almost constant early pressure. Adams worked well in thwarting the Romford striker and when Adams was outmanoeuvred then Mullins and Ridley got in the blocks. Eades did his best to work the midfield and at the same time get forward to support Zelkowicz but Romford just kept coming at the Os. Brennan replaced Ridley who took a blow to the calf and hobbled off. The second half was more of the same with Orient doing everything they could to preserve parity. In the end all the hard work paid off and the draw saw Orient back into second place in the league table. Final score: Leyton Orient 0 v 0 Romford.

Next up for Orient were Concord Rangers Yellows. This was a slightly more open game with Orient giving as good as they got in attack. Adams, Mullins and Ridley ensured there were few chances on Weston’s goal and those that did get through Weston dealt with easily. Meanwhile Zelkowicz and Eades harassed and pressed the Concord defence with both having shots blocked or going off target. In the end this was another stalemate. Fortunately Wakering had been playing out their own nil nil draw against Eastwood Falcons so Orient were still in second place in the table. Final score: Leyton Orient 0 v 0 Concord Rangers Yellows.

The final game of the day was the all to play for decider against Wakering. A draw would suite Orient while Wakering desperately needed the win and Wakering threw absolutely everything at the Os but Orient stood firm with last ditch blocks, fine saves by Weston and all the Orient players covering the ground to counter the Wakering pass and move football. Then an uncharacteristically weak pass out of goal by Weston was intercepted and powered into the Orient net. This initially knocked the stuffing out of Orient but they got through to half time without conceding again. The second half saw Brennan come on for Mullins but still Wakering persisted with their pass and move football although now they seemed more intent on playing down the clock. Eventually this played against them as Orient got more and more ball in advanced positions. With only seconds left Zelkowicz received the ball in midfield and advanced on the Wakering goal and with a measured pass to his left fed in Ridley who powered the ball left footed low and hard under the Wakering keeper. As much as Wakering tried to regain the initiative there just wasn’t enough time left and Orient had the draw that puts them through to the over 50s league finals. Final score: Wakering 1 v 1 Leyton Orient (Ridley).

This was a truly amazing days football with fortune swinging first one way and then the other. Every single Orient player gave his all for the cause and they should all be justifiably proud of their efforts.

Leyton Orient squad: Bob Adams, Mark Brennan, Stephen Dunn, Steve Eades, Paul Franklin, Mick Mullins, Trevor Ridley, Tony Weston (Gk), Jake Zelkowicz.

Goal Scorer: Ridley.

Location

Douglas Eyre, Coppermill Lane E17