Tuesday 5th March and Orient over 65s headed to Billericay for the first round of the Walking Football Leagues Alliance (WFLA) Cup. The squad was lower on numbers than expected due to the late withdrawal of captain Mick Mullins, but the strength in depth of the over 65s meant it was possible to field a very competitive team over the whole nintey minutes.

First up was Woodnesborough from near Sandwich in Kent. Starting with Cooper in goal, Tim Conlan at the back, Wahlhaus, Cox and Dooley in midfield and Ridley up front, the gold shirts of Orient took the game to opposition from the off. Unfortunately, the enthusiasm of Ridley up front resulted in a couple of warnings within the first five minutes, so he was replaced by Howard who slotted into the midfield with Cox pushed forward. The silver lining was Cox almost immediately putting Orient into the lead. Five minutes later Howard also picked up warnings meaning he needed to be replaced by Rains before the half time interval. Orient came off at half time with a single goal lead and keeper Cooper pretty unoccupied. The same six players played the whole of the second half without further warnings and Cox doubled the lead. Orient saw out the game to put three points on the board. Final score: Woodnesborough 0 v 2 Leyton Orient (Cox 2).

On the adjoining pitch Billericay saw off Bay City Strollers by two goals to none.

Disappointed that Bay City had foregone their traditional tartan outfits, Orient swapped Howard for Dooley in the starting line up. A change in official meant warnings were less to the fore and once again Orient settled well and took an early lead through Cox. There were some signs of fatigue as Conlan was replaced by Rains just before the break which Orient headed into with a one goal lead. Cox was replaced by Dooley at half time. The second half saw a drop in the energy levels which allowed Bay City back into the game. There were some speculative long range efforts from Bay City that Cooper saved with some ease. Unfortunately, one of the efforts he pushed around the post was followed by a corner which Bay City equalised from. With only three or four minutes left, Orient pushed for the winner, but were unable to get the goal that would have seen them through to the second round with a game to spare thanks to Woodnesborough defeating Billericay elsewhere. Final score: Bay City Strollers 1 v 1 Leyton Orient (Cox).

Shock result: Billericay 0 v 1 Woodnesborough.

Orient headed into the final match against Billericay needing a draw to guarantee their spot in the second round. Wahlhaus having played for a hour was rested along with Rains. The first ten minutes saw Orient dominate without causing the Billericay defence too many problems. Dooley was replaced by Wahlhaus just before half time and Cox rattled his fourth goal of the day to give Orient their third single goal half time lead of the day. Rains replaced Howard at this point. The two super subs then scored the goals that sent Orient comfortably into the second round. A Wahlhaus pile driver from a smart free kick by Ridley, followed by Rains popping up on the right hand side to settle matters with a well taken goal. With around ten minutes left Dooley and Howard came on to give Ridley and Conlan a well earned breather and see out the victory. Final score: Billericay 0 v 3 Leyton Orient (Cox, Wahlhaus, Rains).

Meanwhile Woodnesborough came from two goals down to draw with Bay City Strollwrs. Bay City Strollers 2 v 2 Woodnesborough.

o * Final Table *

Leyton Orient GF 6 GA 1 Pts 7 (Qualified for second round)
Woodnesborough GF 3 GA 4 Pts 4 (Qualified for second round)

Billericay Town GF 2 GA 4 Pts 3
Bay City Strollers GF 3 GA 5 Pts 2

After play manager David Clancy enthused, “Overall, this was a very positive performance. At no point did Orient look to be in any trouble and were the superior team in all the games. The only negative was the soft goal conceded from the Bay City corner, however this is something that the players can work on at Thursday training. Every player made a big contribution and there was a superb team spirit. The general play was very good, and although there is likely to be a bigger test in the second round, any team that can score six goals in 90 minutes has every chance of success. Redditch, here we come!”

Leyton Orient Over 65s squad: Chris Cooper (Gk), Tim Conlan, Peter Rains, Micky Howard, Vince Dooley, Tony Wahlhaus, Alan Cox, Trevor Ridley.

Goalscorers: Cox 4, Wahlhaus, Rains.

© Copyright 2024 Leyton Orient Walking FC
Image used © 2024 Trevor Ridley

Location

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