It was pouring down with rain on Wednesday 22nd May when Leyton Orient Walking FC’s over 65s headed out West to Uxbridge for their second round ties in the WFLA Cup. Orient were looking to make the last sixteen from the Surrey/Middlesex/Essex/Kent group by finishing in the top three of a group of five. Middlesex FA had opted to stage the group games the day after the Essex Walking League fixtures, and with four games to play, Orient took a ten man squad.

First up were Hemel Hempstead. The starting line up of Cooper, Conlan, Stevenson, Wahlhaus, Barrick and Slater quickly settled and played some good football against what were expected to be one of the better sides. Cooper made two very good saves in the first half to keep the scores level at half time. Dooley and Mullins came on for Barrick and Conlan. This changed the game from being close and competitive to one that Heme took control of. Nevertheless, the Os rearguard was holding firm with Mullins making a vital interception midway through the half. Sadly, with Orient looking like they had held on for a draw, Hemel suddenly found their striker on the right hand side of the area. From the sidelines, it looked as though he had stepped into and out of the area, but not in the referee’s opinion which is the only one that matters. The ball was placed to the left of Cooper just inside the post. There was barely time for a restart when the final whistle blew. Final score: Leyton Orient 0 v 1 Hemel Hempstead.

The second game was against Thames with the same starting line up. In the first half, Slater threatened to break the deadlock on two occasions, but the Thames keeper was alert to his effort. Of most concern was the number of warnings Orient were picking up from the far stricter Scottish referee. This saw Stevenson replaced by Rains ahead of half time. With three players on warnings, there were no changes at half time. The second half saw Thames score the opening goal with their striker twisting past Conlan. Orient responded magnificently with Wahlhaus playing the unmarked Rains in on the left hand side. With the goal at his mercy, super sub Rains smashed the ball past the keeper to bring the Os level. Unfortunately that was not the end of the scoring, as the tricky, twisty striker again went past Conlan to reinstate Thames’ lead. Orient came back at Thames again with Wahlhaus crossing from the right hand side across the area and finding Slater on the far edge who finished with aplomb. An exciting second half ended with honours even. Final score: Thames 2 v 2 Leyton Orient (Rains, Slater).

With a draw and a defeat, Orient’s third game against Uxbridge looked like a must win, but was definitely a must not lose if Orient were to qualify in the top three. Mullins replaced Conlan in the starting line up. Slater was again troubling the opposition keeper with a shot that was touched around the post, however the key moment was when Cooper rolled the ball out to a grateful Uxbridge striker who took full advantage returning the ball past Cooper into the net. Rains had to be replaced by Baker before half time after collecting a couple of warnings. Worse was to follow with Uxbridge scoring a second within a minute of the restart. As Orient looked to force their way back into the game, Wahlhaus picked up a second warning and was replaced by Dooley, who looked to replicate Rains super sub effect but saw his shot hit the side netting. The defeat along with Thames getting a draw against Hemel on the adjacent pitch meant that Orient were unable to claim the top three spot needed to progress to the third round. Final score: Leyton Orient 0 v 2 Uxbridge Amblers.

The game against Woodnesborough was all about pride and ensuring Orient were not the soggy bottom boys. The starting line up was revamped with Cooper, Rains, Dooley, Barrick and Baker starting alongside Stevenson who had offered his services as a striker. In an echo of the Watford WFA Cup, Dooley had the ball in the back of the net when Stevenson passed to Dooley on the left. Dooley’s left foot effort surprised the keeper as it trickled under him into the empty net. And of course unlike Watford, it was at the right end! Midway through the half, Baker was found in acres of space on the right hand side of the area. With great composure, Baker hit a superb shot only to see the keeper push the ball around for a corner. Meanwhile, Stevenson had drifted back from the lone striker role into midfield and finally as a sweeper. Conlan replaced Stevenson at half-time with Dooley pushed forward into the striking role. Orient pushed on to score again, though a one point they were particularly gung ho with little regard to defence with three Woodnesborough players left in the OS half. Fortunately the less strict ref blew for an infringement that denied the opposition the chance to exploit the defensive lapse. Orient continued to look to score a second, but were delighted with a win to round off a very wet afternoon. Woodnesborough 0 v 1 Leyton Orient (Dooley).

The results on the day meant that Orient finished fourth and were eliminated from the WFLA Cup.

Having qualified with ease from the Essex/Kent group in March, this was a step up that Orient didn’t quite make on the day. As expected, Thames were the most likely competition for third place and whilst they took their draws against Orient and Hemel, Orient didn’t do likewise nor did Orient beat Thames. It’s disappointing not to progress. We wish Thames, Hemel Hempstead and Uxbridge all the best in the next rounds of the competition. For Orient to do likewise next year, it’s clear that there needs to be more of a goal threat and improved game management. Thanks to everyone who came along for a second consecutive day of football; there was a great team spirit that should serve us well in the upcoming Essex League fixtures.

Leyton Orient squad: Chris Cooper (Gk), Mick Mullins (Cpt), Jon Barrick, Anthony Wahlhaus, Derek Slater, Vincent Dooley, Tim Conlan, Peter Rains, Simon Baker, Phil Stevenson.

Goal scorers: Rains, Slater, Dooley.

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Image used © 2024 Trevor Ridley

Location

Gatting Way, Uxbridge UB8 1ES, UK