On Tuesday 29th April Leyton Orient Walking FC over 65 Reds came to the second round of Essex League games topping the Division 2 table undefeated and with no goals conceded. At the same time the over 65s Whites had three games of their own in division 2.

First game for the Reds was against Romford. This was an odd game given intense application of the non running rule. Play was stilted and didn’t flow well. However, the Reds dominated the game and were unlucky not to take the lead after a Cox penalty hit a post and then a Ridley shot from play had the same outcome. The game continued in this manner until Orient took the lead when the Romford keeper missed a tame back pass which ended up in the net! Final score: Romford 0 v 1 Leyton Orient Reds (OG).

Meanwhile the first match was for Orient Whites was against Harlow Pirates who were currently sitting at the bottom of the division 2 table after the first round of fixtures. Orient started confidently and were just getting into their stride when a speculative shot from the Harlow striker bobbled and slipped through Jame’s hands and trickled over the line. Orient continued to have most of the possession and a few attempts at scoring. Eventually in the second half, Baker switched across from left to right and found himself in space to provide a pass to Slater who fired the ball into the bottom right hand corner. Orient pushed for a winner but time was against them. Final score: Harlow 1 v 1 Leyton Orient Whites (Slater).

Next up for Orient Reds came Billericay Whites. This was very competitive game with Billericay having the best of the early exchanges. Weston in goal ensured Orient parity with a fine save after also saving in a one on one situation. Billericay then had a player sun binned after a sliding tackle prevented a Ridley chance on goal. As this denied a goal scoring opportunity, Orient were awarded a penalty, duly dispatched by Cox. Billericay then suffered a second player sin binned following a reckless challenge on Ridley. Orient managed the rest of the game to secure their second win of the day. Billericay Whites 0 v 1 Leyton Orient Reds (Cox).

Orient Whites then faced Billericay Red who at start of play were also below Orient in the league. This was a much more even game with both sides attempting to get the upper hand. Despite good efforts from Kotonou, Watson and Baker, neither team were able to break the deadlock. Captain Baker was also forced into unnecessary substitutions after some strange refereeing which resulted in Dooley having to be sacrificed for two green cards for running?? Final score: Billericay Red 0 v 0 Leyton Orient Whites.

The final game of the day for Leyton Orient Reds was against their very own Leyton Orient Whites! Both teams were fighting for bragging rights in this tense encounter. This proved to be Orient Whites most satisfying performance and they were out of the traps quickly and when Rains found Watson who broke through the Reds defence to score with a fine finish high into the net. The Reds fought back and equalised when Mullins scored with a fierce toe poke after being set up by Jacobs. The Reds then went ahead when awarded a running offences penalty, again well dispatched by Cox. The Whites were then awarded a penalty for the same reason which was put away by Slater. Both teams played out the rest of the game with no further goals. A well fought game ended in an honourable draw! Final score: Leyton Orient Reds 2 v 2 Leyton Orient Whites (Mullins, Cox)(Watson, Slater).

Orient White’s captain Baker commented that “all team members made valuable contributions during the morning with good performances. A special mention to newcomers this season Neophytou, Watson and Kotonou who all slotted into the squad seamlessly.”

Leyton Orient Red squad: Tony Weston (Gk), Mick Mullins (Cpt), Tom Armour, Steve Inkpen, Alan Cox, Trevor Ridley, Phil Jacobs, Tim Conlan.

Leyton Orient White squad: David James (Gk), Simon Baker (Cpt), Peter Rains, Vincent Dooley, Derek Slater, Fid Neophytou, Jack Kotonou, Barry Watson.

Goalscorers: Cox 2, Slater 2, Watson, Mullins, OG.

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Image used © 2025 Trevor Ridley