Two Leyton Orient Walking FC teams (Reds & Whites) set off for Billericay to play in the annual Basildon Mind Tournament. This was a mixed gender tournament and whilst the number of women participants increases year on year, it was a bit disappointing that only four out of the fourteen teams had women players. Trevor Ridley was on referee duty.

Each team had to play through a group stage to qualify for the semi-finals. The Reds started strongly defeating Redbridge 2-0 (Okocha 2) and then beating Chelmsford Clarets 3-1 (Rohm, Pillay, Kotonou). In the final game the Reds engaged in a tactical 1-1 (Pillay) draw to top the group and qualify for the semi-final.

The Whites faced some strong opposition. They lost their first game 2-1 to Cheshunt after taking the lead from a Chris Conlan penalty. Sadly, Orient lost Handley to injury in the first few minutes. In the second game they were swept aside by Bexley and then suffered a further 4-1 defeat against Redbridge with Perry getting a goal that made the game closer than the result suggests. In the final game, Orient found their mojo and comfortably beat Chelmsford 3-0 with goals from Cox, Newman and Chris Conlan. Cox picked up two green warning cards and came off to be replaced by Kay.

This meant Orient Reds faced Bexley in the semi-final. Expert pundit Steve Eades went through the Bexley team for the watching Whites; at least three England players and three South East Regional players, also national champions at one of the age groups. Orient lined up Tony Weston, Debbie Lewzey, Nad Pillay, Adam Rohn, Tim Conlan and Andrew Okocha. It was a 15-minute game and in the early stages the teams were evenly matched, then Okocha scored a classic ‘on the turn’ goal. Bexley applied the pressure, but Orient defended resolutely with Weston keeping out the rare shots. Pillay and Okocha linked up well on the occasional counter, one led to a brilliant save by the England Bexley keeper. Bexley became more rattled and began to argue with the referee and that gave Orient some respite through free kicks. As the game entered the last couple of minutes, Orient committed a DOGSO offence and conceded a penalty that was converted. There were only seconds remaining, Orient appeared in shock at conceding a penalty and left the Bexley striker unmarked to score with the last kick of the match. So close to one of the best win’s of recent years. A special mention to Debbie Lewzey who completely marked her player out of the game. Final score: Bexley 2 v 1 Leyton Orient Reds (Okocha).

Bexley went onto win the trophy beating Chelmsford 3-0 in the final.

After play captain of the Whites and Club chair, Len Cheston, said, “The Orient players enjoyed the morning’s football and with a special thanks to the women players for working hard for their respective teams. This is always a special tournament as all the monies collected go to such a worthwhile cause in Basildon MIND.”

o * Leyton Orient Reds Results *

Leyton Orient Reds v Redbridge 2-0 (Okocha 2)
Leyton Orient Reds v Chelmsford City 3-1 (Kotonou, Rohm, Pillay)
Leyton Orient Reds v Billericay 1-1 (Pillay)
Leyton Orient Reds v Bexley 1-2 (Okocha)

o * Leyton Orient Whites Results *

Leyton Orient Whites v Cheshunt 1-2 (Chris Conlan)
Leyton Orient Whites v Bexley 0-5
Leyton Orient Whites v Redbridge 1-4 (Perry)
Leyton Orient Whites v Chelmsford City 3-0 (Cox, Newman, Chris Conlan)

Leyton Orient Red squad: Tony Weston (Gk & Cpt), Ann Mathews, Jack Kotonou, Debbie Lewzey, Nad Pillay, Adam Rohm, Tim Conlan, Andrew Okocha.

Leyton Orient White squad: Len Cheston (Gk & Cpt), Shayne Perry, Alison Kay, Frances Handley, Chris Conlan, Paul Newman, Paul Weston, Alan Cox.

Goalscorers: Okocha 4, Pillay 2, C Conlan 2, Kotonou, Rohm, Cox, Newman, Perry.

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Image used © 2025 Trevor Ridley