On a gloriously sunny Tuesday with blue skies and no wind and temperatures in the high teens Leyton Orient sent two teams to Billericay for this first round of EWFL Over 65s matches. Leyton Orient Reds were playing in Division 1 in the morning while the afternoon saw Leyton Orient Whites playing in Division 2.

Leyton Orient Reds kicked off their campaign against Little Oakley who, in previous seasons, had been a thorn in Orient’s side. The first half had Orient starting very brightly, passing and moving well and taking the game to Little Oakley. This paid off when a quick ball out of defence by Martin found Cox clear on the left. A deft touch and Cox slotted the ball in off the far post. Going in one up at half time meant that Little Oakley had to push for the equaliser in the second half. This played into Orient’s hands and a defence splitting pass by Cox found Tongue on the left. With hardly a break in stride Tongue neatly passed the ball into the right of the goal. Little Oakley put more and more pressure on the O’s defence but Wahlhaus, Mullins and Martin stood firm and anything that did get by them was ably gathered up by Weston in goal. In the final minute Cox again turned provider with a powerful pass across the box to Tongue who fired in at the near post from an extremely tight angle. Final score: Little Oakley 0 v 3 Leyton Orient Reds (Tongue 2, Cox).

Orient Reds second game had them up against the resolute Grays Athletic. These games are always dour, defensive affairs and this on was no different. Little quarter was asked or given as both defences stayed firm. After a goalless first half it was more of the same. Weston did pull off one remarkable save however the Grays keeper was also in top form to deny any shots that evaded the Grays defence. Final score: Leyton Orient 0 v 0 Grays Athletic.

The penultimate game of the day for Orient Reds was up against last seasons champions, Chelmsford City. These are never easy games and the only positive before the game was that Chelmsford’s England international, Spencer, was side-lined after picking up an injury in Chelmsford’s first game of the day. This was another game where the defences were on top and needed to be given the quality of the players on both sides. The first half saw no goals and little goalmouth action. Orient started the second half well and were unlucky when a goal by Tongue was harshly disallowed because Tongue had allegedly strayed into the Chelmsford goal area. Within minutes a Chelmsford player broke forward only to be pulled back by Stevenson who received a straight Blue card for his efforts. Orient now had to weather three minutes of attack after attack by Chelmsford but the defence held firm. When Stevenson re-joined the game he almost immediately had a fierce shot on goal which beat the keeper and narrowly missed the post. With only seconds left on the clock Weston in the Orient goal pulled off the save of the day to ensure Orient went undefeated into their last game. Final score: Leyton Orient 0 v 0 Chelmsford City.

Orient Reds final game of the day was against Concord Rangers and the Reds started this game with the same players and formation as in their first game. Schneider was a pest up front, twisting and turning and giving the Concord defender no piece. Orient were in complete control of the game and Schneider was unlucky to hit the post when it looked as if it was easier to score. However it was Schneider who turned provider for Cox who slammed the ball home for Orient’s first. Just before half time Mullins played a delightful ball out from the back to Stevenson who advanced on the Concord box, stopped, dummied a shot which sat the keeper down, and then calmly chipped the keeper for Orient’s second. The second half saw Orient in complete control of the game and it was no surprise when Stevenson turned provider to slip in Tongue who again finished from a tight angle. Final score: Concord Ranger 0 v 3 Leyton Orient (Cox, Stevenson, Tongue).

This was a series of games where Orient Reds played right up to their potential with good pass and move football. Where it was needed the team showed good defensive discipline but always ready to spring into attack. The fact that Orient kept four clean sheets speaks volumes. Skipper Wahlhaus was justifiably pleased with his squad.

Tuesday afternoon saw Orient Whites in action in Division 2 of the EWFL over 65s League and their first opponents were Billericay. This was a game where Orient defended resolutely but also had chances of their own with Barrick being particularly unlucky with a shot from half way that eluded the keeper but hit the post. The back three of Cheston, Rains and Baker ensured that Billericay had few opportunities to test Cooper in goal. The second half started the same as the first half ended with Orient on the front foot. Conlan had a fierce shot well saved by the Billericay keeper. Orient were then awarded a corner on the left which was passed into Rains five yards out from the goal area from where he shot first time to fizz the ball past the Billericay keeper. It was now all hands to the pumps as Billericay tried in vain to get something from the game. Final score: Billericay 0 v 1 Leyton Orient Whites (Rains).

Orient Whites next game was against the Chelmsford City B. Both teams played a neat form of passing football but what few chances there were on goal were ably mopped up by the respective keepers. This was a game that had ‘goalless’ written all over it until Rains stepped forward from defence and had a curling shot from the half way line. Hockley somehow managed to crouch down under the ball which completely out foxed the Chelmsford keeper who watched the ball nestle in the back of the gaol. Again it was all backs to the wall as Orient made sure they held their precious lead. Final score: Chelmsford City 0 v 1 Leyton Orient Whites (Rains).

Third up for Orient were Wakering and the O’s were determined to at least take a point from the game. Although Orient had to play defensively to keep out Wakering they still had their own chances. One particularly good effort from Cheston saw the Wakering keeper just manage to tip it round the post as the ball headed for the far, top corner. Orient weren’t the only team to have their chances as a stunning save by Cooper ensured the draw. Final score: Leyton Orient Whites 0 v 0 Wakering.

The last game of what had turned into a strength sappingly warm afternoon was against Parringdon Pirates who are another strong attacking team. Although Orient didn’t get to many chances against the Parringdon keeper the Orient defence were stalwart in their duties and ensured Cooper in goal was not overly taxed. This was definitely a game where Orient showed their defensive capabilities, restricting Parringdon even with their tiring legs. Final score: Leyton Orient Whites 0 v 0 Parringdon Pirates.

This was a day where Orient Whites played to the top of their abilities. Competing in four games with only one sub speaks volumes for the commitment and drive of this set of players non more so than Baker who was experiencing League football for the very first time. The team should be proud of their work rate, their hard won results and of course, four clean sheets.

Leyton Orient Over 65s Reds: Tony Weston (Gk), Tony Wahlhaus (Cpt), Phil Stevenson, Alan Cox, Mick Mullins, Gary Martin, Gerry Schneider, Steve Tongue.

Leyton Orient Over 65s Whites: Chris Cooper (Gk), Len Cheston, Jon Barrick (Cpt), Simon Baker, Peter Rains, Chris Conlan, John Hockley.

Goal Scorers: Tongue 3, Cox 2, Rains 2, Stevenson.

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Image used © Trevor Ridley

Location

New Lodge, Blunts Wall Rd, Billericay CM12 9SA, UK