Thursday in Chelmsford was pleasantly cool and dry as Leyton Orient’s Over 70s took another step forward with their first-ever competitive tournament. Organised and hosted by Chelmsford City WFC , it comprised a league competition among five teams: two from the home club, plus Billericay, Southend and Leyton Orient.

With one marginally under-age player allowed in each team, Orient brought in Ajit Rehal, who proved an influential performer.

First up for the O’s were Southend. With both sides falling foul of some extremely strict refereeing, stoppages were frequent and play was scrappy. Orient, who had Austin making his club debut in midfield, soon had to make a couple of substitutions but were hard done by when the referee disallowed a goal by Rehal because defenders had stopped after hearing a whistle from the adjoining pitch. Final Score: Leyton Orient 0 v 0 Southend.

Chelmsford Blues provided the next opposition and were beaten by a perfectly executed set-piece. Rehal drove a corner low to the far side of the area as planned, where Stevenson met it with a fine finish. Final Score: Chelmsford Blues 0 v 1 Leyton Orient (Stevenson).

Expecting a tougher game against the other Chelmsford side, Orient who were now getting to know each other’s play, dominated and were two goals ahead by half-time. Rehal provided another assist for Stevenson, who returned the compliment, and in the second half the O’s managed the game comfortably for a win that put them top of the table with a game to play. Final score: Chelmsford Clarets 0 v 2 Leyton Orient (Stevenson, Rehal).

Going into their final match, Orient knew that a draw would be good enough to finish as champions, but they resolved to take the game to contenders Billericay, who had just enjoyed a half-hour break. Isteed, the main striker, now came into his own, holding the ball up, and finding his range with some powerful shooting. He gave the O’s a half-time lead from Stevenson’s assist and added a second after Tongue, playing at the back, broke forward. That should have been the third Orient goal but the referee had earlier disallowed one, ruling that he was inadvertently obstructing the Billericay goalkeeper’s view as Rehal’s fierce shot flew into the net. When Billericay finally applied some pressure, goalkeeper Everett and his defence held firm to complete a fourth successive clean sheet. Final result: Billericay 0 v 2 Leyton Orient (Isteed 2).

Skipper Tongue said: “To win our first tournament so comfortably was very rewarding and confirms the progress we’ve been making since the start of the summer. It was probably the strongest squad we have put out, helped of course by promising youngster Rehal, who will be eligible for all games from next year. Apart from the players already mentioned, John Hockley was as keen as ever when called on and Dave Medcraft with his valued vocal encouragement was outstanding while playing almost all of the 80 minutes. It was particularly pleasing to hear one of the referees complimenting the sportsmanship of Orient and runners-up Southend and saying it was the most enjoyable tournament he had officiated at this year.”

Leyton Orient would like to thank Chelmsford for their excellent organisation and hospitality in what may well become a regular event.

Leyton Orient team: Steve Tongue (Cpt), Keith Everett (Gk), Dave Medcraft, Phil Stevenson, Ajit Rehal, Steve Isteed, John Hockley, John Austin .

Goals Scorers: Isteed 2, Stevenson 2, Rehal.

© Copyright 2021 Leyton Orient Walking FC
Image used © Steve Tongue

Location

Melbourne Park, 56 Salerno Way, Chelmsford CM1 2EH, UK