On Tuesday 13th September Leyton Orient Walking FC over 70s lined up against over 70s teams from Kingston and Bracknell in the WFLA Regional Finals at Wadham Lodge. The regional winners would qualify for the next round. Each of the three teams played each other twice.

First up for Orient was Bracknell. The O’s had the majority of the play and were unlucky not to go ahead when a shot from Conlan rebounded off the post. However, almost immediately a Bracknell counter attack saw Bracknell go ahead after a shot was saved by Everett was turned in from the rebound. Try as they might Orient couldn’t find the equaliser their play deserved. Final score: Leyton Orient 0 v 1 Bracknell.

Immediately after such a narrow defeat Orient faced Kingston whose side boasted two England internationals. Orient were quick out of the blocks and were denied an opening goal by a fine save in the first minute. Kingston however went on to dominate play. Athough Orient had further chances they failed to make any count. Kingston’s pressure resulted in a deserved goal which proved decisive. Final score: Leyton Orient 0 v 1 Kingston.

Orient’s second game against Bracknell would prove to be decisive following Bracknell’s 3-0 defeat to Kingston. Again Orient had the edge in possession over Bracknell. Orient were awarded a penalty after denial of a goal scoring opportunity but failed to convert. Eventually Orient made the breakthrough near the end of the game when Tongue scored after a fine passing move. However, a collective lack of concentration allowed Bracknell a late, late equaliser. With only one point after 3 games Orient would progress no further. Final score: Bracknell 1 v 1 Leyton Orient (Tongue).

The final game against Kingston proved a game too far. In spite of taking the lead from the penalty spot, Orient tired and Kingston’s class won through as they went on to score four times. Final score: Kingston 4 v 1 Leyton Orient (Schneider).

Following the hard day’s play manager, Mick Mullins, commented, “Our play deserved better results against Bracknell, however failure to convert possession and good chances into goals cost us dear. Kingston were a very good side and deservedly topped the group”.

Leyton Orient squad: Keith Everett (Gk), Tony Brooks, Gerry Schneider, Steve Tongue (Cpt), Jon Barrick, Colin Green, Hassan Kassam, Chris Conlan.

Goal scorers: Tongue, Schneider.

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Image used © 2024 Trevor Ridley

Location

Wadham Lodge Sports Ground, Kitchener Rd, London E17 4LL, UK