On Saturday 22nd March, Leyton Orient Walking FC Over 50s Whites travelled to Billericay to commence their campaign in Division 3 of the Essex Walking Football League (EWFL). The squad included three players new to league action together with some more experienced players.

For the first match, against Stones Athletic, Orient lined up with Freeman, debutant, in goal, Edwards in defence, a midfield three of Dunn, Harden and Brennan with Okocha up-front. There was not much action in the first half – both teams committed a running offence, a shot wide by Stones and a good block by Edwards. There was a feeling, however, that Stones were getting a bit rattled by some of the refereeing decisions. The first half finished goalless. Newman replaced Brennan at half-time to make his league debut. Orient proceeded to dominate with Okocha having four shots saved by the keeper and Edwards also having a shot saved with Harden shooting wide from a free-kick. Akhtar, another debutant, replaced Harden. Orient continued to press and Dunn provided a good pass through to Okocha to open Orient’s account for the season. Orient then had no problems seeing out the game. Final score: Stones Athletic 0 v 1 Leyton Orient Whites (Okocha).

For the second match against Concord Rangers White, Orient reverted to the starting line-up from the previous match. Okocha had an early air shot before Freeman was forced into a save. Okocha then had two shots wide of goal, the second hit just narrowly wide. Brennan had a fine curling shot well saved by the Concord keeper. Yet another goalless first half. Newman and Akhtar replaced Edwards and Brennan at half-time with Harden taking up a defensive position. Stones committed their fourth running offence and Orient were awarded a penalty. Okocha hit the penalty high and hard but the Concord keeper made a good save. Orient upped their game with Dunn hitting shots over and wide and having another shot saved. Okocha and Newman both had shots go wide. Freeman was forced into a good save late on. Final score: Leyton Orient Whites 0 v 0 Concord Rangers White.

For the third match against Cheshunt, Orient again reverted to the original starting line-up. With Orient dominating the first thirty seconds or so, the Cheshunt striker received the ball wide of the Orient area, turned and hit a fine low shot past Freeman. Okocha had a shot go wide before hitting a powerful shot against the crossbar. Unfortunately, Cheshunt scored two further goals with their striker proving to be an utter handful. A shot wide by Okocha was followed by Edwards ghosting his way up to the edge of the Cheshunt area and scoring a fine goal. Further shots by Okocha and Brennan were well saved by the Cheshunt keeper. At half time Akhtar and Newman replaced Edwards and Brennan. Cheshunt had a shot go wide before Akhtar did likewise. Cheshunt then got a fourth goal. Freeman made an excellent double save to prevent another goal. A shot just wide from Akhtar and another good save by Freeman brought proceedings to a close. Final score: Cheshunt 4 v 1 Leyton Orient Whites (Edwards).

Stand-in Manager Shayne Perry remarked, “The team played well in the first two matches, deservedly winning the first and they should have won the second. The Cheshunt striker, however, was red-hot in the third match – getting half a yard and hitting the ball hard and low for each of his three goals. Okocha was his usual threat throughout and deserved two or three more goals and Dunn provided a calm platform in central midfield. The three debutants were able to gain good experience with Freeman making some excellent saves as well as being very vocal.”

Leyton Orient White squad: Mike Freeman (Gk), Jason Edwards (Cpt), Mark Harden, Paul Newman, Stevie Dunn, Micky Brennan, Noveed Akhtar, Andrew Okocha.

Goalscorers: Okocha, Edwards.

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Image used © 2025 Trevor Ridley