Leyton Orient Walking FC over 70s completed their Essex League season on Tuesday 22nd October. The team had been due to play two league games but as Billericay Blues couldn’t fulfil their fixtures, only one league game and two friendlies were played.

With three points in the bag from the Billericay fixture, Orient needed to win their last league game against Chelmsford City, to be in with a chance of third place in the final league table.

Orient started confidently against Chelmsford City and made several presentable chances which were not converted. Switching to a pressing game led to even more chances but half time saw the game still level. The second half saw further Orient possession and the breakthrough finally came when a free kick was passed to Conlan, who scored with a low drive into the corner of the net. Final score: Chelmsford City 0 v 1 Leyton Orient (Conlan).

The next game was a friendly against Little Oakley. A much tighter game saw several saves from Everett in goal. However, Everett was eventually beaten when a wayward defensive pass led to a Little Oakley goal which turned out to be the winner. Final score: Little Oakley 1 v 0 Leyton Orient.

Orient’s final game, another friendly, saw them take on Barnet. Orient were on the front foot from the start and a well worked exchange of passes between Skaith and Green saw the latter score with a high shot to the top corner. Green soon followed this up by beating the Barnet keeper to a pass to toe poke past him. Half time saw the O’s go in with a two goal lead. More Orient goals followed in the second half, as Green completed his hat trick with a trademark mazy run before finding the far corner of the net. Skaith added a fourth after a fine build up saw him put through on goal. An unfortunate foot in the O’s area saw Barnet awarded a penalty to score a late consolation goal. Final score: Barnet 1 v 4 Leyton Orient (Green 3, Skaith).

After play manager Mick Mullins commented: "The whole squad played well today and to get two wins out of three was quite satisfying. The final game against Barnet in particular, saw some lovely football played by us and it was pleasing to see four goals hit the net. This was a season of what it might have been for the over 70s, who at times played some amazing football. However, we lacked consistency, hence the fact that we didn’t win the league or cup this season. This is something we will be looking to remedy next year!”

Leyton Orient over 70s squad: Keith Everett (Gk), Steve Tongue (Cpt), Tony Brooks, Jon Barrick, Chris Conlan, Gerry Schneider, Steve Skaith, Colin Green.

Goalscorers: Green 3, Conlan, Skaith.

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Image used © 2024 Trevor Ridley

Location

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