On Tuesday 11th March a return to fundamentals was the key as Leyton Orient Walking FC over 60s kicked off their Essex Walking Football League (EWFL) Over 60s Division 2 campaign with discipline and control.

Some players were still shaking off last season’s bruising five-nil Cup defeat to Bexley Reds only for Bexley, Essex League debutants, to be Orient’s first opponents. This time, the O’s focused on possession, tight marking, and precise passing, quickly unsettling their rivals. Bexley managed a few efforts on goal, but Sullivan made the saves look routine. Final score: Leyton Orient 0 v 0 Bexley.

Next up for Orient were Chelmsford City Blue, who were fresh from a commanding five goals to two victory over Grays. Orient’s patient, probing football seemed to pay off when Howard found Conlan, who rifled home a stunning finish – only for it to be controversially disallowed for running. As the match neared its end, Chelmsford conceded a penalty for a fourth running offence. Pillay duly dispatched. Final score: Chelmsford City Blue 0 v 1 Leyton Orient (Pillay).

Leyton Orient’s last game of the day was against Billericay Reds. This was a match where the O’s dominated possession and Sullivan was largely untested. Clancy came on as a second-half striker and, after a through ball from Pillay, curled a superb first-time finish past the transfixed keeper. Final score: Billericay Reds 0 v 1 Leyton Orient (Clancy).

Captain, Nad Pillay summed up the team’s performance: “Three clean sheets and seven points reflect our discipline, patience, and minimal individual errors. We played to our strengths and for each other. Conlan was impassable at the back, Mullins and Howard kept us secure in possession, Slater confidently held up play up top and Sullivan was calm and assured in goal. Birnbaum and Clancy came off the bench to add grit and flair when needed. Lots to like, a few things to improve. A great start.”

Leyton Orient squad: Tony Sullivan (Gk), Tim Conlan, Maurice Birnbaum, Mick Mullins, Micky Howard, Nad Pillay (Cpt), Derek Slater, David Clancy.

Goalscorers: Pillay, Clancy.

© Copyright 2025 Leyton Orient Walking FC
Image used © 2025 Trevor Ridley