Both the Leyton Orient Walking FC over 70s Reds & Whites, kicked off their Essex League season on 1st April with mixed fortunes.

Orient Reds kicked off their Division 1 fixtures in the morning session. The first game was against their old friends, Romford. The Reds struggled to get into their stride and managed to run up four non walking offences in the first half! Fortunately the resulting penalty was well saved by Cheston on his over 70s debut. The second half failed to produce anything much better until, with time running out, Brooks at the back, bisected the Romford defence with a superb ball to Stevenson on the left who finished with a fine shot inside the far post. Final score: Romford 0 v 1 Leyton Orient Reds (Stevenson).

Orient Reds next game was against Eastwood Falcon Blues. This was a tale of two halves! Positive Reds play led to several first half chances which were not taken. Inexplicably in the second half the Reds fell to pieces and Eastwood scored from open play and then from a penalty following the keepers hand being outside the area, attempting to save in a one on one situation. A further penalty, again for running offences, was disallowed for too many steps by the taker. The Reds pulled a consolation goal back towards the end by Ridley following a good passing movement. Final score: Eastwood Falcons 2 v 1 Leyton Orient Reds (Ridley).

Orient Reds opponents in their third game was Little Oakley Blue. This was a much better performance by the Reds. However, a ball cheaply given away in midfield fell to the opposition best player, who scored with a dipping shot from distance. The Reds responded well. Their good play was rewarded with an equaliser off the underside of the bar from Ridley after his initial shot was saved. Final score: Eastwood Falcons Blue 1 v 1 Leyton Orient Reds (Ridley).

Reds final game was against Chelmsford City Clarets, who fielded their over 65 England captain. Another good performance by the Reds kept the latter in check with a tactical tweak. However, their hard work was undone by stray foot in the area and Chelmsford duly scored the penalty to take the points in a game where Orient Reds at least deserved a point. Leyton Orient 0 v 1 Chelmsford City Clarets.

The afternoon session saw Leyton Orient Whites take to the field for their Division 2 fixtures.

The Orient Whites first game was against Billericay Town Whites. After a bright start, the Whites took the lead after a Kassam shot was saved only for Conlan to find the far corner from the keeper’s save. A second goal soon followed as Jones received the ball on the left and scored with a fine chip over the keeper. Billericay pulled a goal back but the Whites ran out deserved winners. Final score: Billericay Whites 1 v 2 Leyton Orient Whites (Conlan, Jones).

Next up was Billericay Town Blues. Another decent performance by the Whites. Despite Kassam hitting the woodwork twice the Whites could not find the goal their play deserved and the game finished goalless. Final score: Leyton Orient Whites 0 v 0 Billericay Town Whites.

The Whites final game was against Essex League new boys, Norwich Soca Seniors Yellow. Norwich’s strong reputation preceded them and they lived up to it taking a two goal lead with some crisp passing play. The Whites struck back with a well taken Haley penalty and Norwich suddenly looked vulnerable! However, a third Norwich goal settled the outcome, though the Whites gave a good account of themselves. Final score: Norwich Yellow 3 v 1 Leyton Orient Whites (Haley).

Manager Mick Mullins commented: “Ups and downs for the Reds who, though playing well at times, were disappointed with their results. Lack of discipline regarding running is a problem that needs to be addressed urgently!”

Mick went on to say "A decent set of results for the Whites having played two of the eventual top three sides, including Norwich Yellows who are already favourites to win this league.”

Leyton Orient Red squad: Len Cheston (Gk), Steve Tongue (Cpt), Trevor Ridley, Gerry Schneider, Phil Stevenson, Steve Skaith, Tony Brooks.

Leyton Orient White squad: Keith Everett (Gk), Chris Conlan (Cpt), Hassan Kassam, Dave Jones, Alan Lester, Ray Russo, David Hayes, Tony Haley.

Goalscorers: Ridley 2, Stevenson, C Conlan, Jones, Haley.

Over 70s Manager – Mick Mullins.

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Image used © 2025 Trevor Ridley