On a chilly Tuesday morning two mixed age Orient teams (Reds and Whites) contested a charity tournament at Billericay. Due to the restriction of only being allowed two over 50’s players on the pitch at any one time, the Whites rotated their squad throughout the three games they played.

Leyton Orient Whites opened up with a match against Billericay A. This proved to be a comfortable opener. After Eades had had a goal disallowed for running, Franklin opened the scoring with a well taken goal after a good move. Any threats from Billericay were thwarted by Tony Weston. After Eades received a blue card the Whites game management was excellent and a victory was achieved. Final Score: Billericay A 0 v 1 Leyton Orient Whites (Franklin).

Next up for the Whites were Paringdon. This was a tight contest with both sides playing good possession football. Another good move ended with Eades turning their defender to score the only goal of the game. Final Score: Parringdon 0 v 1 Leyton Orient Whites (Eades).

In the quarter final Leyton Orient Whites opponents were Billericay B. Another tight game ensued. The Whites had the better chances but the game ended goalless. Another dreaded penalty shoot out where the one step rule caused some controversy. Steve Eades had badgered the skipper to bring him on for the penalty shootout which Stevenson foolishly did. Steve took the first penalty which was very comfortably saved by the opposition keeper. Billericay also missed with their first penalty. Franklin then scored for the Whites but his effort was disallowed for taking two steps which appeared harsh. After three penalties from each side the scores were level at one apiece. Now to sudden death. Next up for the O’s was Tony ‘Penalty King’ Weston. For months he has been saying he should be taking penalties (he’s ok at saving them). He will not be taking another one. As I write the staff at Billericay are still looking for the ball Tony used as it had sailed high and wide. Billericay scored with their next effort and so once again Leyton Orient were eliminated on penalties.

After the tournament skipper Stevenson thanked the whole squad for their efforts saying ‘Everyone played their part and the Whites played some good football. Obviously a frustrating way to go out of the tournament.’

This was a well run tournament played in a good spirit. Leyton Orient Walking FC would like to thank Billericay Walking Football for organizing the event and for providing the excellent pie and chips after the game. Orient’s nutritionist and coach Darren Mockler said ‘the occasional meal of pie and chips would not adversely affect the performances of his highly tuned athletic squad. Julian please note the word ‘occasional’.’

PS. There is no report from the Red squad who had a 100% record. Played three, lost three. This was despite goals by Lillington and Tongue.

Leyton Orient Reds: Tony Sullivan (Gk), Julian Lillington, Darren Mockler, Gennaro Napolano, Mick Mullins, Steve Tongue, Gerry Schneider, Alan Cox, John Hockley.

Leyton Orient Whites: Tony Weston (Gk), Steve Eades, Paul Weston, Paul Franklin, Len Cheston, Maurice Birnbaum, Phil Stevenson, Derek Myers.

Goal Scorers: Eades, Franklin, Lillington, Tongue.

© Copyright 2021 Leyton Orient Walking FC
Image used © Trevor Ridley