With conditions perfect for football, the Leyton Orient over 50s Reds began with a friendly against this seasons champions Blackmore Athletic. Orient lined up with Sullivan in goal, Burns at the back, a midfield of Weston, Cox and Zelkowicz, with Eades up front. This was an even contest with both sides playing well controlled possession football. Lack of concentration at a free kick allowed Blackmore to open the scoring and they were one up at the interval. Pillay and Coyle replaced Eades and Weston. Cox and Zelkowicz combined well with Cox narrowly failing to get a deserved equaliser on two occasions and Zelkowicz also went close. Final score: Leyton Orient 0 v 1 Blackmore Athletic.

The first league game of the afternoon was against Colchester Phoenix Yellow. This was another tight affair with Orient marginally the better side in the first half. The breakthrough came midway through the second half when Cox delayed his pass and put Coyle through one on one with the keeper. Coyle made no mistake and coolly put the O’s one up. Orient continued to impress and comfortably ran out winners. Final score: Colchester Phoenix Yellow 0 v 1 Leyton Orient (Coyle).

The final league game of the season was against Little Oakley who, like Orient, had already been relegated. As in the previous two games the O’s played really well with the passing and movement a pleasure to watch. The only goal of the game came in the first half when Cox was denied a goal scoring opportunity. Although the keeper got a hand to the resulting penalty there was enough power to be successful. Final score: Little Oakley 0 v 1 Leyton Orient (Cox).

Following play manager Phil Stevenson said of the days play, “These were three excellent performances which drew praise from players of Little Oakley and Blackmore. The whole squad enjoyed the day. Sullivan produced excellent saves when called upon, Burns and Pillay marshaled the defence expertly. Pillay also made significant contributions in midfield as did Cox, Coyle and Zelkowicz. Eades led the line expertly and the only disappointing aspect of the day was that we failed to convert the chances we created. Obviously relegation is a disappointment but we have strong squads available for the upcoming league and National cup competition so hopefully we can end the season on a high.”

Leyton Orient over 50s Reds squad: Tony Sullivan (Gk), Alan Cox, Steve Eades, Paul Weston, Jake Zelkowicz, Neil Burns, Andrew Coyle, Nad Pillay (Cpt).

Goal scorers: Coyle, Cox.

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Image used © 2024 Trevor Ridley

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