Leyton Orient Walking FC over 60s Whites arrived at Billericay with a song in their hearts as summer had finally arrived!! And with help from a few of the over 65s, a full squad. Guerrini volunteered to go in goal as no goalkeeper signed up, other volunteers may be needed in the future.

First game of the day was against Beacon Hill. Orient started with Guerrini in goal, Rains at centre back, Stevenson in central midfield, Wahlhaus and Jackson on the wings and Ridley up front. Myers and Conlan were on the bench. Orient started with a 1-3-1 formation with instructions to implement a high press and shoot on sight. The O’s start well and dominate the possession for the whole half. Shots rained in from Ridley, Stevenson and Wahlhaus but were either well saved by the keeper or just wide. Luckily Orient’s makeshift goalie wasn’t troubled at all. With the referee hot on running, Stevenson and Ridley picked up a green cards. At half time Myers and Conlan came on for Rains and Jackson respectively. The second half starts in much the same way as the first, total Orient domination. The O’s pushed and pressed high, Beacon Hill could not get out of their own half. Stevenson and Ridley picked up two more green cards and Stevenson was substituted for Rains. Eventually Beacon Hill managed to attack and had a shot just wide of the post, Orient weren’t not sure if Guerrini had it covered. There then followed several good blocks from the defence to see the game out for a draw. Final score: Leyton Orient 0 v 0 Beacon Hill Rovers.

In their next game Orient faced Grays Athletic. Orient started with the same formation as in their first game only with Myers and Wahlhaus on the bench. Again Orient started well, dominating possession. A good nutmeg form Ridley and and only the keeper to beat but good save from the Grays keeper. The pressure continued and a good turn by Ridley on the edge of the box led to yet another good save again by the keeper. At the interval Wahlhaus and Myers came on for Stevenson and Jackson. Orient started the half with some good passing and pressure. The pressure eventually told and Ridley hit the post with the keeper beaten. Grays suddenly started an attack with a good pass down the middle, but their forward was running, the whistle went and Guerrini pulled out of the save. The O’s were relentless and carried on attacking with shots from Ridley and Wahlhaus, one hitting the keeper’s chest and rebounding but Myers put his shot wide. Final score Grays Athletic 0 v 0 Leyton Orient.

The final game of the day saw Orient pitted against Billericay Blue. This time it was Rains and Ridley who started on the bench. Unfortunately Orient started badly, conceding possession to the Blues but still defending well. Guerrini was much busier in this game. Billericay hit the post from close range and Guerrini collected the rebounding ball. A poor throw from Guerrini gifted the ball to a Blues player, Steveson steps in and there is a block and deflection but the referee gives a free kick for a foul. Of course Orient were convinced the referee has made a mistake but the freekick is given. A quick pass back for a Billericay player and a firm shot squeezes past the defence, through many legs and with Guerrini unsighted the ball squirms in. Orient are one down at the break Ridley and Rains come on for Myers and Conlan. Orient started the second period well with good pressing and passing which eventually leads to a good through ball by Jackson and shot by Wahlhaus which is blocked. Orient kept up the pressure but poor passing let the O’s down. A good pass out by a Billericay defender sees the Blues forward free on goal, Guerrini saves the shot from close range. Unfortunately for Orient a stalward Billericay held out for their win. Final score: Leyton Orient 0 v 1 Billericay Blues.

After play captain Guerrini said, “Overall, we had a good day in the field, if only we could put the ball away. I did my best in goal and didn’t have a bad day at all. Of course I was shouting instructions from my area constantly. Over all I thought we should have won the first game comfortably. Deserved to win the second as well and played well enough for at least a draw in the third.”

Unfortunately no report has been received for the over 60s Red results.

Leyton Orient Reds 0 v 0 Blackmore Athletic
Wakering 1 v 0 Leyton Orient Reds
Leyton Orient Reds 0 v 0 Concord Rangers Blue
Southend 2 v 0 Leyton Orient

Leyton Orient Reds squad: Colin Brunt (Gk), Maurice Birnbaum (Cpt), Nad Pillay, Paul Weston, Steven Inkpen, David Clancy, Stevie Dunn.

Leyton Orient Whites squad: Steve Guerrini (Gk & Cpt), Peter Rains, Stuart Jackson, Trevor Ridley, Phil Stevenson, Tony Wahlhaus, Derek Myers, Tim Conlan.

Goalscorers: .

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

Location

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