On Saturday 13th July Leyton Orient Over 50s Reds travelled to Chelmsford for their latest round of EWFL Division One fixtures. The day started with the sad news that we would have a player missing when we received news that Neil Burns had been taken unwell the evening before. On behalf of the club we wish Neil a speedy recovery and hope to see him back soon.

First up for Orient was Beacon Hill who were in the top three. Spence started in goal, Rohm at the back, a midfield three of Wahlhaus, Perry and Paul Weston and, in light of no striker, Franklin was upfront with Mick Brennan on the bench. As Orient’s first two games were against teams in the the top three and with strict referee Stuart Short officiating both games and only one sub Orient knew they had to be patient and disciplined which was shattered when Franklin received two warnings in the first sixty seconds without even touching the ball, so not to receive a blue card was replaced by Brennan. At half time Franklin replaced Rohm who was also on two warnings but within two minutes Franklin was cautioned again for a petty offence, meaning Orioent would be down to five players for three minutes. The four outfield players showed their experience by keeping the ball and frustrating the opponents to run down the clock. As soon as the three minutes passed Rohm came back on and immediately put in a block challenge which the ref ‘harshly’ deemed as a tackle and denying a goal scoring opportunity, which resulted in a blue card for Rohm and a penalty conceded.
Spence stood tall and big in goal and made a superb save to deny Beacon Hill all three points. Franklin came back on, promptly got cautioned again and ended with the unwanted record of six touches and four cautions within three minutes playing time. Final score: Leyton Orient 0 v 0 Beacon Hill.

Next up was Blackmore Athletic, with Orient starting with the same starting line up and knowing and another resilient performance would be needed. Franklin lasted three minutes this time before receiving two cautions and being replaced by Brennan. As the game wore on it was Blackmore who were getting frustrated by the referee and found their selves down to five players. Orient got on the front foot with Wahlhaus driving the team forward and with Perry now playing up front, he was a constant threat and had a couple of good opportunities which tested the keeper. Franklin came on and promptly got another caution (for sneezing) forcing the team down to five players for three minutes. Again our experienced players kept the ball superbly and along with Spence making fine saves kept another clean sheet. Final score: Blackmore 0 v 0 Leyton Orient.

Final game was against old foes Romford and with a change of pitch and change of referee there was optimism that was some football would be played. Brennan started instead of Weston in a game that was much improved with both teams having chances with very little influence from the referee. Both keepers were kept busy with shots raining in from Wahlhaus and Franklin but in the end a draw was a fair result. Not surprisingly not one player received a green card. Final score: Romford 0 v Leyton Orient.

After play captain Franklin reflected, “Despite this being a much changed line up everyone played really well keeping the ball to retain possession. Spence was solid in goal, Rohm had the centre forwards in his pocket, Weston, Wahlhaus and Brennan showed their experience in keeping the ball and Perry covered every blade of grass in the multiple positions he played. Shame about the blue card tally though: Franklin 2, Rohm 1.”

Leyton Orient squad: Aidan Spence (GK), Paul Franklin (Capt) Paul Weston, Adam Rohm, Shayne Perry, Mick Brennan, Tony Wahlhaus.

Goalscorers: .

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Location

56 Salerno Way, Chelmsford CM1 2EH, UK