On an extemely windy Saturday 6th April Leyton Orient Walking FC over 50s Reds travelled to Chelmsford for the start of the new Essex Walking Football season. Having been promoted to Division 1 as Division 2 champions last season, this was always going to be a tough start. Skipper Eades gave a Churchillian speech extolling the merits of the oppositions star players. Despite the skippers best efforts the squad were in a buoyant mood before the first game.

David Clancy made his debut in goal and his keepers attire was eye catching. It was reminiscent of kits from the nineties, the 1890’s. Perry began at the back, with a midfield three of Wright, Zelkowicz and Pillay with Eades upfront. Concord Rangers dominated possession early on but the O’s remained compact and chances were few and far between. Just before half time came the turning point. An Orient player encroached into his own area and from the subsequent penalty Concord took the lead. Cox and Edwards replaced Wright and Perry at half time. In the second half Orient gained more control. Clancy produced a couple of good saves and Eades brought a spectacular save from the opposition keeper. From a neat move Eades then hit the inside of the post. Final score: Leyton Orient 0 v 1 Concord Ranger.

The second match of the day was against Beacon Hill Reds. Orient started brightly and were looking the more likely to score however midway through the half a soft shot somehow managed to find the back of the net and the O’s found themselves a goal down. A couple of minutes later a controversial moment which decided the match. Cox cut in from the right, the keeper got his hand to the ball, which then hit the crossbar and appeared to cross the line. No goal given. Due to this unfortunate incident the Orient players momentarily lost concentration and ten second later the score Beacon Hill were two up. This was a game where the O’s deserved at least a point. Cox, who hit the outside of the post in the second half, personally had more shots on target than Beacon managed between them all game. Final score: Leyton Orient 0 v 2 Beacon Hill Reds.

The final game was against Garon Park – last years champions. This was another tight game. The opening goal came when a Garon player intercepted a pass out from the back and had the freedom of the park to score the opening goal. Once again Orient were up against it but they dug in and found an equaliser when Zelkowicz tapped a short free kick to Eades who rifled the ball into the roof of the net. The game continued to be in the balance until Garon got an overload on Orient’s right, and a clever finish with the outside of the left foot saw Garon Park notch their second. Final score: Garon Park 2 v 1 Leyton Orient (Eades).

After play the Roient manager, Phil Stevenson, had time to reflect, “Although we suffered three defeats I am optimistic about the season ahead. We played three of the teams who finished in the top four last season and on another day we could have at least drawn all three games which I thought we deserved. We have a stronger 50’s squad this season and when everyone is available I am confident we will have a successful season. The whole squad played well today. David Clancy performed admirably in goal, Edwards and Perry were solid at the back throughout, Zelkowicz and Pillay showed some nice touches in midfield and Eades, Cox and Wright were a constant threat upfront.”

Leyton Orient Over 50s Reds squad: David Clancy (Gk), Alan Cox, Jake Zelkowicz, Shayne Perry, Jason Edwards, Nad Pillay, Stuart Wright, Steve Eades (Cpt).

Goalscorer: Eades.

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Image used © 2024 Trevor Ridley

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56 Salerno Way, Chelmsford CM1 2EH, UK