Leyton Orient Walking FC over 70s turned out a strong squad for the Essex League Cup competition on a beautiful September day in Billericay. The day’s games were the group stages to qualify for the knockout finals on 8th October.

First up for Orient was Billericay Town Blues. Orient dominated from the off but a combination of a well organised Billericay defence and indifferent finishing meant Orient could not make the breakthrough they needed. The game finished goalless with the Orient keeper rarely troubled. Final score: Leyton Orient 0 v 0 Billericay Town Blues.

Next up was Eastwood Falcons Blues, current joint leaders of the over 70s League. Orient were in determined mood following only drawing their first game. Playing their best football of the season, Orient were in complete control in the first half. They could easily have gone in three up at half time but wayward finishing meant they had to be content with a single goal lead after Green converted. The second half saw Eastwood come into the game a little more though Orient were still on top. Again finishing was an issue and Orient could not add to this first half goal. This slender lead nearly came back to haunt them when an Eastwood shot low into the corner had goal written all over it. However, debutante over 70s O’s keeper Cheston, produced a fantastic save to tip the ball around the post. Orient got the win the performance deserved. Final score: Eastwood Falcons Blues 0 v 1 Leyton Orient (Green).

Orient went into their last game against Eastwood Falcons Yellow knowing a win could see them top their group. This game followed the same pattern as the two before with Orient dominant. An early goal settled the nerves, as Green scored with a superb individual effort as he danced through the Eastwood defence and then slotted calmly into the far corner. Orient’s played some excellent passing football resulting in Conlan setting up Skaith to score the O’s second. Orient then killed the game off by expertly retaining possession. Eastwood Falcons Yellow 0 2 Leyton Orient (Green, Skaith).

Manager Mick Mullins commented “This was very satisfying morning’s work by the over 70’s. We dominated all three games and could have scored a few more goals. Happy that we didn’t concede any goals with an excellent debut performance by Len in goal. The performance against Eastwood Blues was particularly pleasing. Every member of the squad played really well and our passing and movement was excellent. We have topped our group and now go into the knock out stage in the quarter finals”.

Leyton Orient over 70s squad: Len Cheston (Gk), Steve Tongue (Cpt), Phil Stevenson, Chris Conlan, Steve Skaith, Gerry Schneider, Gary Martin, Colin Green.

Goalscorers: Green 2, Skaith.

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Image used © 2024 Trevor Ridley

Location

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