Having qualified for the Essex Walking Football League over 70s Finals day, Leyton Orient Walking FC over 70s arrived at Billericay with high hopes. Qualification for the final was to be decided by two group stages with the winners meeting in the final.

The first game for Orient was against Romford. A storming start saw the Reds go a goal up without the opposition touching the ball! A fine passing move saw the ball fall to Green who moved the ball well before scoring with a strong finish. Orient continued to dominate possession and their pressing game led to a second when Green and Stevenson exchanged passes and Stevenson finished well. Final score: Romford 0 v 2 Leyton Orient (Green, Stevenson).

Next up was Barnet. This was a much closer game. Orient continued with their passing game and took the lead when Barrick found Green with a fine cross, which was expertly dispatched at the far post. Barnet came back strongly in the second half and found an equaliser. The game continued to be a tight affair and ended up all square. Final score: Barnet 1 v 1 Leyton Orient (Green).

Orient went into the last game versus Eastwood Falcons needing to win to get into the final. Orient played their best football of the day. Unfortunately they found the Eastwood keeper in sublime form saving four shots that looked sure to hit the back of the net. Orient also fashioned two other great chances that narrowly missed the target. Having not been able to convert their numerous chances, Orient were hit by a sucker punch that saw Eastwood take the lead. Try as they might an equaliser evaded the Reds and the game was lost. Final score: Leyton Orient 0 v 1 Eastwood Falcons.

Manager Mick Mullins commented “The standard of our play today was very good. If we had got the result our performance against Eastwood deserved we would have qualified for the final. Every member of the squad played well and they can be pleased with their efforts if not the final outcome.”

Leyton Orient over 70s squad: Len Cheston (Gk), Phil Stevenson, Steve Tongue (Cpt), Tony Brooks, Gerry Schneider, Jon Barrick, Chris Conlan, Colin Green.

Goalscorers: Green 2, Stevenson.

© Copyright 2024 Leyton Orient Walking FC
Image used © 2024 Trevor Ridley

Location

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