Tuesday 31 October was an unseasonably mild morning when a depleted Leyton Orient Walking FC over 60s Reds were in action in the Essex Walking Football League over 60s League Cup at Billericay.

Orient had qualified for the quarter final by going unbeaten in their group stage however this was now a straight knockout so lose the first game and the team would be out of the Cup.

Orient’s opposition were Cheshunt who had proved to be Orient’s nemisis in the past. Orient started with Blunt in goal, Inkpen at the back, a midfield three off Pillay, Dunn and Stevenson with Gould up front. Cheshunt soon gained the ascendancy, playing neat football and dominating possession. The breakthrough came when an O’s player (no names, no pack drill), stopped tracking his opponent upon hearing a referee’s whistle. Unfortunately the whistle did not belong to our referee, thus Cheshunt had a two on one situation. They took full advantage giving Blunt no chance as they took the lead. A second goal soon followed leaving the O’s trailing by two at the interval. Conlan replaced Stevenson in a bid to get the goal that was badly needed. The mishap with the referee’s whistle came to the fore again in the second half. This time Blunt heard the wrong refs whistle and rushed out of his goal to retrieve the ball which had not gone out of play. With Blunt being over six feet tall and wearing a bright orange top, it was amazing the referee spotted this transgression. The referee was kindhearted and only awarded a free kick and not the penalty we feared would be awarded. Cheshunt ran out comfortable victors. This contest put a whole new meaning in playing to the whistle. It obviously helps if it’s the correct whistle. Final score: Leyton Orient 0 v 2 Cheshunt.

This meant Orient were out of the main event and were now playing for pride. Southend provided the next opposition. Orient played good, possession football and were the dominant team throughout. Conlan and Gould had numerous attempts but a combination of good goalkeeping and wasteful finishing meant the O’s were vulnerable to a breakaway. In the second half this is exactly what happened and Southend scored the only goal of the game. Final score: Leyton Orient 0 v 1 Southend.

The final game was against Chelmsford City Blues. A match of vital importance. Whoever lost would finish eighth out of eight on the day. As in the previous game Orient were once again the better team. Pillay controlled midfield and Inkpen was solid at the back. Once again numerous chances were spurned and the inevitable happened, the opposition broke away and took the lead. This time, however, the O’s hit back in the last minute. Blunt found Gould who passed to Dunn whose effort evaded the opposition keeper (just). The game ended all square Orient shared a glorious seventh place. Chelmsford City Blues 1 v 1 Leyton Orient (Dunn).

In analysis manager Stevenson said, “Cheshunt deservedly won the first game but in the other two fixtures Orient moved the ball nicely and should have had two victories. The O’s striker (no name) missed several one on ones with opposition keepers. Barn door and banjo come to mind. On a more serious note it vital to take the chances presented because it is always difficult to get a result if you go behind. Thanks to Maurice Birnbaum for his support on the day.”

Leyton Orient over 60s Reds squad: Colin Blunt (Gk), Stevie Dunn (Cpt), Chris Conlan, Steve Inkpen, Nad Pillay, Howard Gould, Phil Stevenson.

Goalscorers: Dunn.

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

Location

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