This set of games, away to Grays in the wilds of Essex, were the first competitive matches for the over 50s since Lockdown back in March. On a cold autumnal morning the lads first challenge was that they had to play on a caged pitch. Three 20 minute games were scheduled.

In the first game Orient started well, with straight off the training ground dynamic passing and movement that Grays struggled to deal with. After a number of great saves by the Grays keeper their defence was finally breached after a slick passing move from back to front was calmly finished by Eades. Orient were now in full flow and completely bossing the game. Inevitably the second goal followed with again slick build up play and this time finished by Zelkowicz. Grays were now feeling the pressure with the Orient launching wave after wave of attack. The Grays keeper had to be at his very best to keep the score line respectable before once again Eades was on the spot to slot the ball home. Final score: Grays 0 v 3 Leyton Orient (Eades 2, Zelkowicz).

As expected Grays, stung by the first result, came out all guns blazing in the second match and this, combined with Orient switching off, led to Grays taking the lead. The Os gathered themselves and wrestled back control of the game. With Grays becoming increasingly more physical and verbal the Os showed great character and started to impose their passing game on the match finally drawing level with a well struck shot from distance by Franklin. With Grays becoming increasingly frustrated at the lack of possession and combined with some poor ref’ing Orient could have been forgiven for losing their composure but instead they gave a lesson in how cool heads and good football can overcome any level of attempts at provocation and intimidation by going on to add two more goals finished by Eades and Thursting. Final score: Grays 1 v 3 Leyton Orient (Eades, Franklin, Thursting).

The final game and with the Os 2-0 up in the set of games it would have been easy for the Orient to sit back and coast but that’s not in the over 50s DNA. Although Grays tried to make a big push to salvage something from the match the lads from Leyton came out fired up and eager to secure an overall whitewash in the set of games. Grays quickly found themselves two down with Eades slotting his fourth goal and Thursting his second. Grays rallied to pull one back late on in the game but showing good game management Orient coasted over the line for a three to nil series win. Final score: Grays 1 v 2 Leyton Orient (Eades, Thursting).

Overall an outstanding squad performance with the lads playing some sublime football from back to front. Outstanding!!! John Bancroft, over 50’s team manager, taking charge of the squad for his first official competitive game, said “I was delighted with the overall squad performance” and sent out a clear message to his players saying, “This is a very strong over 50s squad and competition is high for places.”

Leyton Orient: Neil Burns, Steve Eades, Paul Franklin, Darren Mockler, Tony Sullivan (Gk), Lee Thursting, Jake Zelkowicz

Goal Scorers: Eades 4, Thursting 2, Franklin, Zelkowicz

© Copyright 2020 Leyton Orient Walking FC

Image used © Darren Mockler

Location

Fen Farm, Fen Ln, North Ockendon, South Ockendon, Upminster RM14 3RH, UK