Saturday 21st October 2023 and the maths was simple. Leyton Orient Walking FC over 50s Reds had three games to play and nine points needed to clinch the Essex Walking Football League over 50s Division Two title. The games were against the bottom three teams in the division so on paper a straightforward task. But as is known football is not played on paper. (More cliches later). With needing to score in every game Orient adopted a more attacking 1-2-2 formation.

I the first game against Billericay Town, Orient lined up with Sullivan in goal, Rohm at the back, Franklin and Zelkowicz in midfield and Okocha and Eades up front. This was a nervy performance by the O’s. Although dominating possession no chances were created in the first half. Paul Weston and Pillay replaced Zelkowicz and Rohm at the interval with Franklin moving to the back. The second half was a repeat of the first, lots of huffing and puffing but little end product. Then a moment of quality which decided the game. A quick throw out from Sullivan found Okocha who hit the ball first time to Eades. Eades befuddled the opposing defender on the edge of the area and smashed in an unstoppable shot off the underside of the bar. Cox replaced Okocha. It’s known the Club chair is a big fan of the Corinthian spirit, but Sullivan took it too far. With time almost up the ball went wide of the Reds goal and Sullivan RAN to collect it despite the protestations of his manager on the touchline. Final score: Billericay Town 0 v 1 Leyton Orient (Eades).

The next game was against Stones Athletic. This proved to be a more comfortable victory. Orient started with the same players who started against Billericay. Once again the Reds dominated possession. The breakthrough came midway through the first half when a clearance from an effort by Eades came out to Franklin who hit a ferocious shot giving the opposition goalkeeper no chance. A second goal soon followed, Zelkowicz passed to Franklin who hit yet another cracking goal from distance. Orient then relaxed and comfortably controlled the game. In the second half following the best passing move of the game, Zelkowicz found Franklin on the right who passed to Cox on the edge of the area. Cox, calmly side footed the ball into the corner of the net. Final score: Stones Athletic 0 v 3 Leyton Orient (Franklin 2, Cox).

So far so good.

The final opponents of the day and the season were Concord Rangers. Orient once again lined up with the original six players. One wag commented that the opposing goalkeeper looked even older than Stevo the Orient manager (harsh – ed). After thirty seconds it certainly looked that way, when a harmless shot was spilled by the aforementioned keeper but fortunately for him the ball trickled out for a corner. He was soon to make amends with a number of vital saves. Despite constant pressure by the O’s the opening goal would not come. This changed when a woefully under hit free kick by Zelkowicz somehow found Franklin whose deflected shot put the Reds one up. A second goal would settle the nerves and midway through the second half Cox passed to P Weston who scored the decisive second goal. Final score: Concord Rangers 0 v 2 Leyton Orient (Franklin, P Weston). The title was won!!

After play manager Phil (Stevo) Stevenson eulogised, “The squad worked hard throughout the season and thoroughly deserved their success. I feel the squad has the talent and class to have a successful season in Division One next season. The upcoming League Cup competition, where we are facing division one sides will give us a chance to assess what’s needed for next season. Hopefully the Orient over 50s Whites will get the necessary points next Saturday to win Division 3 which will be a great double for the over 50s squads.”

Leyton Orient over 50s Reds squad: Tony Sullivan (Gk), Steve Eades, Alan Cox, Jake Zelkowicz, Andrew Okocha, Nad Pillay, Paul Weston, Adam Rohm, Paul Franklin (Cpt).

Goalscorers: Franklin 3, Eades, Cox, P. Weston.

© Copyright 2023 Leyton Orient Walking FC
Image used © 2023 Trevor Ridley

Location

Salerno Way, Chelmsford CM1 2EH, UK