On Tuesday 15th October Leyton Orient Walking FC over 65 Reds were at Billericay for the EWFL over 65s Finals day.

First up for Orient were League Champions, Chelmsford City Claret. Orient adopted a 2-2-1 formation starting with Sullivan, Conlan, Jacobs, Cox, Stephenson and Gould. Within two minutes, Cox found himself one on one with Chelmsford keeper. The recovering defender ran back and was penalised, however quite inexplicably it was not seen as the denial of a goal scoring opportunity and only a free kick was awarded. Shortly afterwards, Stephenson jarred his ankle and was replaced by Ridley for the remainder of the game. Sullivan was the busier keeper, however Gould and Ridley combined to pose the Chelmsford keeper problems throughout. A disciplined performance saw Orient rewarded with a point from a goalless draw, though it could have been better but for the referee’s interpretation. Final score: Leyton Orient 0 v 0 Chelmsford City Claret.

Next up were League Runners-Up Wakering coming off a 3-0 win in their first group game. With the same starting line up, Orient weathered a couple of early scares with Sullivan making three expectational saves along with a Wakering effort hitting the post. Orient grew into the game with a Cox effort nearly giving Orient the lead midway through the first half and the O’s expertly controlling the game as the half went on. No changes at half time, but with Cox and Jacobs picking up green cards early in the second half they were replaced with Kassam and Ridley respectively. Sullivan made another crucial save midway through second half, but Orient managed the game to claim another well deserved point. Final score: Leyton Orient 0 v 0 Wakering.

The final group game was against Southend who had drawn with Chelmsford. Orient needed to win to make the final and ideally score three goals to match Wakering’s goal difference whilest hoping that Wakering and Chelmsford City played out a draw. Orient started with the same 2-2-1 starting line up for the third consecutive game. The first half was the Howard Gould show. He immediately set about Southend with an early shot which was saved before turning the defence to open the scoring. Not content with one goal, Gould had two more shots on target before half time. As goals were of the essence, Jacobs was replaced by Ridley at the break. Gould received a second green card just after the restart, but as a parting gift he scored his second goal from distance after a quick free kick from Conlan. Kassam came on for last six minutes and had an immediate effect putting Ridley through one on one with the Southend keeper. Unfortunately, Ridley’s shot was pushed against the post. Bad news was coming through from the other game with Wakering leading Chelmsford. Orient would need four goals if Chelmsford equalised. Kassam had a good shot saved, followed by two Ridley thunderbolts that went wide. Jacobs came on for last two minutes as Cox had received two green cards. Orient had won, but Wakering’s victory meant finishing second in the group and qualifying for the third place play off. Final score: Southend 0 v 2 Leyton Orient (Gould 2).

Final Table

Wakering 7
Leyton Orient 5
Chelmsford City 2
Southend United 1

Orient now faced Billericay Blue in a very eventful, third place play off. Orient started with a 1-3-1 offensive formation with Jacobs at the back, Ridley, Kassam and Cox in midfield with Gould up front. Orient dominated the first seven minutes with Gould and Cox having shots going just wide. Jacobs then made a decisive block to deny Billericay. With seven minutes gone, Gould turned the defender and shot low and hard to give Orient the lead. Billericay were not happy as they wrongly believed Gould had run. The Billericay goalkeeper aggressively threw the ball towards the half line with a volley of expletives aimed at the referee who walked off the pitch. The referee returned to issue a blue card, but the Billericay keeper continued swearing and was then given a red card. The referee had enough and left. Eventually a new referee was found to officiate the remainder of the game. Orient saw out the final three minutes to lead by a goal at half time. Conlan replaced Jacobs at the break. The second half began with two excellent strikes by Kassam. Stevenson replaced Kassam to bring more control to the midfield. However, Stevenson’s clearance from a corner presented Billericay with a golden chance to score. As the shot came in the wrong footed Sullivan thrust out his left hand to push the ball around the post. Jacobs replaced Gould for the last three minutes to firm up the defence and Orient managed the game to end up in a very well deserved third place. Final score: Billericay Blue 0 v 1 Leyton Orient (Gould).

After play manager, David Clancy said, “A excellent performance by the Over 65s Reds that provided redemption from the underwhelming league campaign. No one beat Orient’s over 65 Reds in their seven cup games and not a single goal was conceded. Congratulations on a great achievement.”

David went on to say, “I would like to thank everyone who has played for the over 65s Reds and Whites this season. Forward Orient in 2025. Also I have medals for Hassan Kassam along with Steve Inkpen and Andy Barrick who played in the semi finals. There is also a medal for Tony Wahlhaus who despite not playing in the Cup made a big contribution to the over 65s Reds season.”

Leyton Orient over 65s squad: Tony Sullivan (Gk), Tim Conlan, Phil Jacobs, Alan Cox (Cpt), Trevor Ridley, Phil Stevenson, Hassan Kassam, Howard Gould, Mick Mullins (Non playing reserve).

Goalscorers: Gould 3.

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

Location

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