On a bright, but chilly Tuesday morning in the west of London, a scratch team of seven over 65s took part in a friendly tournament against various teams from the Middlesex area. This was a final opportunity to work on tactics and teamwork before the up and coming league season.

Orient’s first match was against Hive Foundation who had already played one match so were already well into their stride. Orient lined up with James in goal, Rains in central defence, supported by Dooley, Baker and Kotonou in midfield and Kassam up front. Hive were a very good team who clearly had played together a lot. Their quick pass and move style had Orient on the backfoot in the first half and they quickly scored two goals in quick succession. At half time Latner replaced Baker. Gradually Orient managed to get a foothold in the game and four successive running offences by the opposition presented Orient with a chance to get a goal back from the penalty spot. Captain Baker elected Dooley to take the penalty as he had been successful from the spot in the previous tournament. Dooley struck it well but the keeper was equal to it and made a fine save. Orient managed to see out the game without conceding any further goals. Final score: Leyton Orient 0 v 2 Hive Foundation.

Next up were Hemel A. Another decent team. Kotonou took a break on the sidelines as Baker returned to the fray. This was a tight affair with both teams creating early chances. Orient were beginning to get into a rhythm as they became more familiar with each other as a team. Hemel took the lead in the first half after a well taken goal. James pulled off a couple of good saves and Dooley tested the keeper from long range. At half time Kotonou replaced Dooley. Orient played disciplined football, unlike the opposition who had four running offences resulting in another penalty. This time Kotonou volunteered to take it and coolly slotted it home. The rest of the game was evenly contested resulting in a well deserved draw. Final score: Hemel A 1 v 1 Leyton Orient (Kotonou)
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Orient’s third match was against Watford who have proved to be our nemesis in past tournaments. Dooley replaced Rains at the back. Orient started the game well in a fiercely competitive match. The O’s held their own, keeping possession and managing to get a breakaway goal when Kassam was released for a one on one with the keeper which he duly beat with a smart finish. This encouraged Watford to start showing their true colours with some smart one touch football resulting in a quick equaliser. At half time Latner took a break and Dooley re-entered the fray. Watford began the second half in the same way they had finished the first and despite some valiant saves from James they managed to score two more goals to finish as clear winners. Final score: Watford 3 v 1 Leyton Orient (Kassam).

Orient’s final match was against RIP wfc Thursday. Kassam took a break and Kotonou replaced him as striker. Orient quickly got into their stride with some neat passing football resulting in shots from Dooley, Baker and Kotonou peppering the opposition goal. As the game approached halftime Kotonou was unlucky not to score with a powerful shot hitting the crossbar. Kassan came on for Kotonou in the second half. RIP came back into the game but James made a couple of good saves to keep a clean sheet. Further shots arrived from Orient, most notably Baker, who injured the keeper’s thumb with a blistering toe punt. The game finished goalless from what was Leyton Orient’s best performance of the morning. Final score: Leyton Orient 0 v 0 RIP wfc Thursday.

After the tournament Captain Baker stated that “After a shaky start against good opposition we gradually began to play with more confidence, passing the ball to feet and getting some shots away. I was particularly pleased with the discipline of the squad. We kept running and tackling to a minimum which will hold us in good stead for the league season. I would also like to express my thanks to the injured Steve Guerrini who came along to cheer us on.”

Leyton Orient squad: David James (Gk), Simon Baker (Cpt), Vince Dooley, Peter Rains, Gary Latner, Jack Kotonou, Hassan Kassam.

Goalscorers: Kotonou, Kassam.

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Image used © 2025 Trevor Ridley