Leyton Orient walking footballers have a long and well established connection with Cheshunt walking football, playing numerous games against them, all which have been very close and fairly played.

Cheshunt have a squad of Over 65 players who are keen to test their mettle against other over 65s teams hence the invite on 21st November to visit Cheshunt with a squad of Orient Over 65s in a quickly arranged friendly.

This was another cold day with intermittent sunshine when the Orient squad turned up to play round robin games against two Cheshunt teams – Golds and Stripes. Cheshunt took all three squads in a pre-match warm up before starting a series of games whereby each team played each other twice for 12 minutes a game.

First up for Orient was Cheshunt Stripes. In the team briefing before the game Bancroft who was gaffering for the day and Schneider, captain, were keen to learn from previous games encouraging players to be more vocal and making better use of space to receive the ball. Almost immediately you could see those lessons being put into practice with Orient showing good movement and being a continual threat on the Stripes goal. As we have seen though in many other games scoring is not that easy as this game also showed. Final score: Leyton Orient 0 v 0 Cheshunt Stripes.

Orient then faced Cheshunt Golds. We knew this would be a tougher game as it indeed turned out to be. It was also a game where individuals made silly mistakes which would come back to haunt them. Orient took a deserved lead when Rehal played a lovely through ball to Tongue who slotted past the keeper. Despite the need to keep it tight the mistakes kept coming with one leading to a chance which Taylor was unable to save as he was left one on one with the scorer. Final score: Cheshunt Golds 1 v 1 Leyton Orient (Tongue).

Then came the return game against Cheshunt Stripes. This was a far better Orient performance, the mistakes were reduced and the Os played some nice controlled flowing football. It was only time before the good play resulted in a goal when Rehal popped up to put the ball in the net. Orient kept the pressure on and were unfortunate not to score again. Final score: Cheshunt Stripes 0 v 1 Leyton Orient (Rehal).

The final game was the rematch against the Golds. Although this was a friendly the Os were keen to ensure they left Cheshunt unbeaten. This was another tight game but it was Orient who continued to make chance after chance only to see the Cheshunt keeper pull off some great saves. One save from Bancroft, that all thought was going in, was of particular merit. The game ended all square. Although Orient were happy with the performance the team were disappointed that they didn’t get that winning goal. Final score: Leyton Orient 0 v 0 Cheshunt Golds.

Orient were the only team to win a game as both games between Golds and Stripes ending in draws. This was an excellent session for the Over 65s, with some excellent football being played. Special mention to Paul Taylor who would have had a full sweep of clean sheets but for one mistake in defence.

Orient would like to thank the Cheshunt squads for an enjoyable morning of walking football and the camaraderie between all players built up over many games between us was plain to see. Of special note, the two referees used were of a high standard and although running was a feature this was properly penalised.

Orient have already invited Cheshunt Over 65s to visit to Ive Farm in the New Year which they have accepted. A date has yet to be arranged.

Leyton Orient squad: John Bancroft, Jon Barrick, Tony Brooks, Gary Martin, Ajit Rehal, Gerry Schneider (Capt), Paul Taylor (Gk) Steve Tongue.

Goal scorers: Rehal, Tongue.

Location

Cheshunt Football Club, Theobalds Lane, Cheshunt, EN8 8RU