FA Walking Football Cup South Regional 50s Final

Leyton Orient arrived at the regional final as Middlesex Champions with the opportunity to reach the National Finals. A strong squad of nine were ready to do their best against six other county champions. On a typical Autumn Day of sun, wind and rain Orient were placed in a group of three teams which meant we would play four games with the top team going through to the regional final.

First up were Southgate Olympic Strollers, an unknown quantity for Orient with a familiar face officiating. Orient started on the front foot putting the opposition under pressure whilst maintaining a disciplined approach to defence. The first goal was not long in coming. A quick long pass from Franklin found twinkle toes Okocha who danced round the defender to slot home. Orient playing a nice passing game were soon two to the good. A Southgate defender decided he could go into the area, but the eagle-eyed referee spotted the infringement. Up stepped Franklin to blast the ball into the net. The final goal, following some flowing passing with Zelkowicz finding Okocha who then dispatched the ball with aplomb. Final score: Southgate Olympic 0 v 3 Leyton Orient (Okocha 2, Franklin).

The second game was a more closely fought game against Eastleigh. A win would have put Orient in a commanding position but when do Orient take the easy path. Orient went behind from probably the only error of the day allowing an Eastleigh player free close to goal. One down but far from out the team continued to play their game creating chances but not converting. Eventually perseverance paid dividends with Okocha in the right place to calmly slot home the equaliser. Orient whilst not dominating the game had the greater number of chances but the winner didn’t come. Still four points from two games was not a bad position. Final score: Eastleigh 1 v 1 Orient (Okocha).

A change of pitch for game three seemed to affect Orient as the team started a bit sluggishly against Southgate. The situation got worse when the opposition scored but there was no panic and Orient improved their game. The style of play was smooth with controlled passing and movement. The opportunity for an equaliser came as a penalty was awarded to Orient. The captain declined the opportunity to score passing the ball to Okocha. No twinkling toes this time, high and wide sailed the leather orb. Despite the miss Orient continued to work for an equaliser which eventually came with Rohm finding Okocha who once again found his scoring form. No winner came but the draw kept Orient in the mix. Final score: Southgate Olympic Strollers 1 v 1 Leyton Orient (Okocha).

The last game of the group stage was a must win for Orient any other result would see an early shower taken. Unlike the previous two games Orient started in great style immediately closing space whilst playing a controlled passing game. The Eastleigh defence could not handle Okocha, his marker must have seen stars as he was turned so many times. The first goal came from a simple move, long ball from Franklin to Okocha who left his marker to slot home. One nil is always precarious so the next goal would be crucial which it was. An outside of the foot pass by Pillay cut open Eastleigh and found Okocha who netted his sixth of the day. Good game management saw the Orient through to the final. Final score: Eastleigh 0 v 2 Leyton Orient (Okocha 2).

Having topped the group Orient were now through to the regional final. One more win and Orient would be booking their tickets to St Geirge’s Park in November. Unfortunately the final was not an auspicious occasion for Orient. The team never had the chance to get going as they conceded in the first minute and it got worse. The Watford striker was virtually unstoppable, and he found the net with virtually every shot he had. Akhtar in the Orient goal has reported for physio on his back. Without their striker the game would have been much closer. Despite the score Orient kept going to the end of the game with Rohm scoring from a tight angle late in the game. However, the highlight was Cox cleaning out the Watford striker but not conceding a freekick. Orient did well to reach the final playing good football and not getting any where near giving away a penalty for not walking. Final score: Watford 8 v 1 Leyton Orient (Rohm).

After the tournament interim manager Micky Howard said “everyone played their part in a disciplined way while playing with the right spirit. A big thank you to the substitutes for their patience and support. Also, a thank you to other club members who came along to support the team. No trophy but a lot of pride won.”

Leyton Orient over 50s squad: Noveed Akhtar (Gk), Paul Franklin (Cpt) Alan Cox, Jason Edwards, Mark Harden, Andrew Okocha, Nad Pillay, Adam Rohm, Jake Zelkowicz

Goalscorers: Okocha 6, ,Rohm, Franklin.

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Image used © 2024 Trevor Ridley

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