Friday 10th May was almost too warm for walking football as Leyton Orient’s Over 70s travelled to the far east of Essex for a second round WFA Cup tie against Little Oakley. The squad knew to expect a tight game against the Essex League Over 70s champions, both teams having scored five goals in winning their first round matches.

Orient fielded a now familiar squad and started with Everett in goal, Martin at the back, Schneider, Stevenson and Skaith in midfield and Green up front. They settled down well after an early scare when an Oakley shot dislodged Everett’s cap and produced good efforts from Green, just wide, and Skaith, well saved.

The home team, who were clearly used to shooting from distance on their short pitch, did so regularly but Orient’s blocking and closing down was good, and Everett dealt capably with those shots that reached him in a goalless first half.

Barrick had taken over from Stevenson, who was on two warnings, and at the interval Brooks replaced Martin, who had kept the Oakley striker quiet. Hoping to push forward more, the O’s did so and Green forced a parried save from the goalkeeper but could not convert the rebound.

Everett then kept out a powerful free-kick before Oakley’s England international midfielder finally escaped his markers, shimmying onto his left foot and crashing in the opening goal.

With less than ten minutes left, the home team were content to keep the ball and make good use of the generous back-pass rule. Despite worthy attempts by Stevenson, who was back on, and Barrick, Orient could not find an equaliser, ending their hopes of a second successive run to the national finals.

Final score: Little Oakley 1 v 0 Leyton Orient.

Acting manager Tongue said: “As ever, this was a close game against Little Oakley, with mutual respect evident on both sides and a sporting contest ensuing. We managed to control their star player for long spells but he made and finished off his one real chance extremely well. Our thanks to Little Oakley for their hospitality and lifts back to the station, and we look forward to meeting them again in our next Essex League fixture early in June.”

Leyton Orient over 70s squad: Keith Everett (Gk), Gary Martin, Tony Brooks, Steve Skaith (Cpt), Phil Stevenson, John Barrick, Gerry Schneider, Colin Green, Steve Tongue.

Goalscorer: .

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Location

Memorial Ground, Harwich Rd, Little Oakley, Harwich CO12 5ED, UK