On Saturday 28th October Leyton Orient Walking FC over 50s Whites set off for Chelmsford for the last round of EWFL over 50s Division 3 league games knowing that, having a four point lead and much better goal difference they only needed a draw or win against Billericay Reds, the title would be theirs.

The first game of the day was against Orient closest rivals for the title, Billericay Reds. Orient lined up with Weston in goal, Rohm at the back, Guerrini in the middle, Perry and Clancy wide and Eades up front with a 1-3-1 formation. Edwards and Birnbaum were on the bench. The game started with both sides being cautious, but as the half went on Billericay started to dominate. The O’s lost positional discipline and Billericay rained shots on the Orient goal with Weston saving well. The O’s only got a couple of shots away and Eades was closely marked and couldn’t get away for any clear chances. With the score level at half time it was ‘So far so good!!’. Guerrini and Clancy were replaced by Birnbaum and Edwards at the start of the second half. Again the O’s struggled to create chances and went into defensive mode. Edwards managed to get two shots away but both were saved by the Billericay keeper. Towards the end of the game, Billericay put a long ball through to their forward who turned and scored with a hard shot inside the near post. Billericay then played keep ball and the game was lost. Final score: Leyton Orient 0 v 1 Billericay Reds.

The second game of the day was due to be against Notley but they had not turned up so the win allocated to Orient and a precious three points. Billericay Reds won their second game.

The final game of the day and the season was against Beacon Hill Rovers. There was now no ifs, buts or maybe’s – Orient had to win. For this game Orient started with Weston in goal, Rohm at the back, Guerrini in the middle, Birnbaum and Clancy wide and Eades up front. Edwards and Perry warmed the bench. A 2-2-1 formation was discussed for this game but the captain decided to go with the usual 1-3-1 formation with Guerrini getting more forward than usual. This game took on a familiar playbook, Orient dominating possession but unable to take their chances. Eades with lots of possession but was unable to put the ball away with Guerrini shooting over the bar when he should have got the shot on target!! Birnbaum was involved in a nasty head clash with an opponent and both players had to leave the field. Perry came on as his replacement. With the scores level at half time the league title was still in Orient’s hands. Edwards came on for Clancy at the beginning of the second half. The second period proved as frustrating as the first with first Clancy shooting over the bar and then Guerrini with a great chance to win the game shooting badly wide from the centre edge of the box,more composure would not have gone amiss!! Final score: Leyton Orient 0 v 0 Beacon Hill Rovers.

Billericay Reds won their final game of the day taking all nine points available and won the division by one point. On behalf of Leyton Orient Walking FC: Congratulations to Billericay Reds, well played.

After the day and a long and hard season captain Guerrini was phlegmatic in his analysis: “On review, we only lost one game all season but had too many draws when we should have won. As captain I take full responsibility. Still, it was a good season and hopefully we will be promoted with Billericay.”

Leyton Orient Over 50s Whites squad: Steve Guerrini (Cpt), Tony Weston (Gk), Maurice Birnbaum, Shayne Perry, David Clancy, Steve Eades, Jason Edwards, Adam Rohm.

Goal scorers: .

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Location

Salerno Way, Chelmsford CM1 2EH, UK