The early morning drizzle had petered out on Sunday February 11th by the time a Leyton Orient Over 60s squad, backed up by a couple of youngsters, arrived in Uxbridge for the monthly friendlies against teams from the Middlesex Over 60s League. Indeed by the time Andrew Okocha arrived, the sun was out.

An unusual dearth of available goalkeepers for various reasons meant that the O’s were forced to borrow one, from Uxbridge Amblers Over 50s, who proved to be an excellent loanee.

In the first game Rohm, Inkpen, Tongue, Baker and Lillington lined up ahead of him in a 1-3-1 formation against Watford, who proved the toughest opponents of the day. While Orient reacclimatised to the three-touch rule, Watford demonstrated how to play it, with good movement, excellent touch and some smart first-time passing. The O’s were limited to set pieces for any real opportunities and conceded once in each half, Guerrini having replaced Baker at the interval. Final score: Watford 2 v 0 Leyton Orient.

With Okocha ready for the fray and proving influential, Orient took on Uxbridge Amblers in a game of two defining moments. First a wayward pass out of defence gave the opposition a second goal to add to an early one; then with the O’s pressing and passing better in the second half, a penalty offered a chance to get back into the match. Lillington, having been substituted, suggested coming back on to take it, but the captain stood firm, only to see Okocha’s kick saved. Final score: Uxbridge Amblers 2 v 0 Leyton Orient.

The third match, against the Middlesex League leaders Godalming, turned out to be the O’s best performance. Playing three-touch more confidently and passing to feet, they had more possession, created some chances and defended solidly, fully deserving the goalless draw. Final score: Godalming 0 v 0 Leyton Orient.

The last opponents, London Irish, turned up with Nad ‘Paddy’ Pillay in their ranks. Having promised, like Declan Rice, not to celebrate if he scored, he was denied the opportunity but finished on the winning side – just. Irish claimed the only goal in the first half from a well worked short corner. Final score: London Irish 1 v 0 Leyton Orient.

Skipper Tongue commented afterwards: “Like the first series of these matches in January, it was an enjoyable set of games, played in relaxed and sportsmanlike spirit. The organisers really appreciate us turning out, so no team has to spend an extra half an hour waiting around for their next league match. We are committed to the March date (Sunday 10th) which may well be the last one and players of all ages are asked to put names down if they can make it.”

Leyton Orient squad: Steve Tongue (Cpt), Adam Rohm, Steve Guerrini, Simon Baker, Andrew Okocha, Julian Lillington, Steve Inkpen, AN Other (Gk).

Goalscorers: .

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