On Tuesday 24th September Leyton Orient Walking FC sent both their over 60s Reds and over 60s Whites teams to Billericay to compete in the Essex Walking Football League over 60s Cup.

Leyton Orient over 60s Whites began their league cup campaign against Leyton Orient Reds. The Whites lined up with Spence in goal, Tim Conlan at the back, Dooley, Baker and Stevenson in midfield and Slater upfront. From the off the Whites were demonstrably the better side. Tim Conlan had Gould in his pocket, Baker never gave Pillay a kick and Dooley totally dominated Paul Weston. As Stevenson only had Clancy to mark he had plenty of time to effortlessly control midfield. Slater twisted Birnbaum’s blood on so many occasions it became an embarrassment. As the shots rained down only a string of superlative saves from Sullivan kept the game scoreless. It may surprise people but there is an alternative view of how this game played out. In reality the Reds dominated possession and the Whites defended resolutely. Gould managed to break free on a couple of occasions but Spence produced excellent saves to keep him at bay. Chris Conlan and Kotonou replaced Stevenson and Baker at the interval. The Whites continued to battle hard and for all their possession the Reds were finding it different to create any goalscoring opportunities. The Whites were very satisfied when the game ended goalless. Final score: Leyton Orient Whites 0 v 0 Leyton Orient Reds.

Leyton Orient Whites second game was against Cheshunt who had finished the season as runners up in the first division. This was another attritional affair with the Os defending deep and frustrating the opposition’s attempts to achieve a breakthrough. Cheshunt eventually took a first half lead when, following a free kick, a Cheshunt player hit a hard shot which beat Spence at his near post. The second half followed a similar pattern with Cheshunt dominating possession but creating few chances. Another free kick was to prove Orient’s undoing once again. A Cheshunt defender was unmarked on the edge of the box and when the ball was played to him he hit an unstoppable shot into the back of the net. Final score: Cheshunt 2 v 0 Leyton Orient Whites.

Leyton Orient Whites final game was against a team from their own division, Chelmsford. With nothing to lose Orient Whites produced a more expansive performance. The Whites controlled large parts of the game and looked the more likely team to score. The deserved breakthrough came in the second half when, following good defensive work, Kotonou sent a superb through ball to Chris Conlan who calmly put the Os one up which was well deserved. Orient opened up the Chelmsford defence on several occasions but the nearest they came to a second goal was a ferocious shot from Chris Conlan which hit the inside of the post and rebounded to safety. This proved to be the last action of the game. Final score: Chelmsford City 0 v 1 Leyton Orient Whites (C.Conlan).

After play captain Stevenson reflected: “The Whites collected four points from their three games which was a fair reflection of their performances. Playing two teams from a higher division the Whites played with determination and resilience. Spence performed admirably in goal, Tim Conlan was resolute at the back, Dooley, Baker and Kotonou worked tirelessly in midfield. Slater and Chris Conlan were constant threats despite limited goalscoring opportunities due to the rearguard performances required in the first two games. Thanks to Billericay, who as always are excellent hosts and also to the referees who had good games. Congratulations to the Reds on progressing to the finals where hopefully they will be successful.”

There was no report received with respect to the Leyton Orient Reds results although the team has qualified as runners-up for the EWFL over 60s Cup Finals day.

Cheshunt 1 v 1 Leyton Orient Reds
Chelmsford City 0 v 1 Leyton Orient Reds
Leyton Orient Whites 0 v 0 Leyton Orient Reds

Leyton Orient over 60s Whites squad: Aidan Spence (Gk), Phil Stevenson (Cpt), Chris Conlan, Tim Conlan, Jack Kotonou, Simon Baker, Vince Dooley, Derek Slater.

Leyton Orient over 60s Reds squad: Tony Sullivan (Gk), Maurice Birnbaum (Cpt), Mick Mullins, Paul Weston, Steve Inkpen, David Clancy, Nad Pillay, Howard Gould.

Goal scorers: C.Conlan.

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Image used © 2024 Trevor Ridley

Location

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