On Saturday 27th July Leyton Orient Walking FC over 50s Whites arrived at Chelmsford for the next round of Essex Walking Football League Over 50s Division 2 fixtures knowing they needed as many points as possible to avoid relegation.

The opening game was against Colchester Phoenix who were below Orient in the table. The O’s lined up with Tony Weston in goal, Edwards at the back, a midfield three of Cox, Pillay and Wright with Eades up front. Orient were on the front foot from the start, dominating possession with movement and passing excellent. Numerous chances were created and spurned and the game remained goalless at the interval. Cox and Edwards were replaced by Birnbaum and Clancy. The second half was a repeat of the first with the Os totally dominant. Eades was a constant threat but the Phoenix keeper was inspired and ensured the game ended all square. It is no exaggeration to say a five nought score line would not have flattered the O’s. Final score: Leyton Orient Whites 0 v 0 Colchester Phoenix.

Next up were Eastwood Falcons who were near the top of the table. This was a much more even affair but on clear cut chances created Orient possibly edged the game. Cox asked to be replaced at half time as the previous night’s session had caught up with him. There will be no disciplinary proceedings as the manager was in a similar condition. Unsurprisingly another goalless draw. Final score: Leyton Orient 0 v 0 Eastwood Falcons.

The final game was against Chelmsford Clarets who are well clear at the top of the table. For the third game in succession Orient played well. They went behind when a Clarets forward turned cleverly on the edge of the box and gave Weston no chance with the finish. The Os continued to create and spurn chances, with Eades and Cox forcing the Clarets keeper into good saves. Final score: Leyton Orient 0 v 1 Chelmsford City Clarets.

Manager Stevenson was somewhat downbeat after play stating, “Two points was an extremely disappointing outcome. The Os played well in all three games and could easily have ended up with seven points. It was good to have Tony Weston back in goal, due to Os good performance Tony had little to do but when called upon he produced a couple of excellent saves. Edwards was solid at the back, Pillay controlled midfield, Eades linked up play excellently, Wright and Cox were constant threats, all ably supported by Birnbaum and Clancy. Today really was about missed chances. The opposing goalkeepers played well and the Phoenix keeper produced one of the best displays I have ever witnessed. Having said that the number of one on one chances spurned over the three games had me thinking of banjos and barn doors. This lack of goals is a common feature of all the men’s teams competing in the Essex League. This set of results sends the Whites to the bottom of the table and the fight to avoid the drop looks bleak. Our nearest rivals for the relegation spot have four games left while the O’s only have two left. With the over 50’s Reds almost certainly relegated as well, after leading two sides to relegation in the same season I don’t think I’m on the shortlist for the England job. I await Chairman Len Cheston’s vote of confidence.”

Leyton Orient over 50s Whites squad: Tony Weston (Gk), Steve Eades, David Clancy, Nad Pillay (Cpt), Maurice Birnbaum, Stuart Wright, Jason Edwards, Alan Cox.

Goalscorers: .

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