On a dark and dank Tuesday morning on the 11th February, the Leyton Orient over 65s team traipsed over to the other side of London for a friendly walking football tournament hosted by the Middlesex FA.

Debut captain Baker faced an immediate challenge when two members of the squad (including the keeper) were nowhere to be seen. Fortunately they arrived just as the team were about to kick off. Orient started with James in goal, Conlan at the centre of defence, Dooley, Baker and Kotonou in midfield, and Ridley up front. Uxbridge Amblers were decent opposition and the team had to work hard to keep them at bay, with only the occasional foray upfield. At half time it was goalless. Guerrini and Inkpen replaced Kotonou and Baker for the second half. Almost immediately there was a defensive mix up resulting in an Uxbridge goal. Leyton Orient retaliated quickly however, winning a free kick just outside the keepers area. Dooley calmly tapped the ball back to Ridley who sent an unstoppable shot into the bottom left hand corner of the net. 1-1! Unfortunately it all unravelled after that with a series of defensive and goalkeeping errors resulting in three quick goals for the opposition. Final score: Uxbridge Amblers 4 v 1 Leyton Orient (Ridley).

Next up were Bumble Bees from Barnet. With Baker and Kotonou back on, Orient began well, passing confidently and threatening the opposition goal on a number of occasions. However another misunderstanding at the back led to a goal against the run of play. In the second half Ridley and Guerrini were rested with Baker moving to striker and Dooley slotting into midfield. Orient continued to press with increasing confidence, determined to find an equaliser. Then good fortune arrived when four running offences presented Orient with a penalty. Baker grabbed the ball ready to take responsibility until Dooley volunteered to take it. Baker gratefully handed the ball over and Dooley who calmly slotted it home. Orient continued to look for a winner but time was not on their side. Final score: Bumble Bees 1 v 1 Leyton Orient (Dooley).

Orient’s next match was against Bee Stingers. Baker and Guerrini returned to the bench with Ridley and Kotonou back in the fray. Orient dominated possession and were really beginning to get into their stride. Orient peppered the Stingers goal with shots from Kotonou and Ridley going close. The second half continued in much the same manner with further efforts from Ridley, Baker and Guerinni. Once again Orient could not find a breakthrough and the game finished goalless. Final score: Leyton Orient 0 v 0 Bee Stingers.

Time was running out but the organisers managed to squeeze in a final match against RIP WFC Monday. Inkpen and Conlan were rested with Guerinni sitting at the back and Dooley in central midfield. This was an evenly matched contest with James making a couple of good saves and Ridley and Baker both shooting just past the post. In the second half Inkpen and Conlan replaced Ridley and Kotonou. Orient continued to control the ball well and defend resolutely. With both teams tiring the game finished in another goalless draw. Final score: RIP WFC Monday 0 v 0 Leyton Orient.

Captain Baker remarked that “the team worked well together after a shaky start, showing an increasing confidence in keeping the ball and defending well, as the tournament progressed.”

Leyton Orient squad: David James (Gk), Simon Baker (Cpt), Vince Dooley, Steve Inkpen, Trevor Ridley, Jack Kotonou, Tim Conlan, Steve Guerrini

Goalscorers: Dooley, Ridley

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Image used © Trevor Ridley