Leyton Orient Walking FC over 70s Reds and Whites were in action in the Essex Walking Football League over 70s Divisions 1 & 2 respectively on Tuesday 6th May. Due to injury and non availability both squads consisted of the bare six players each with no subs!

Orient Whites kicked off their morning session against a strong Cheshunt side. Playing a very slick passing game Orient pressed strongly but could not break through and at half time it was goalless. Cheshunt scored two second half goals to take the win in a game where the Whites were unlucky not to get a point. Final score: Cheshunt 2 v 0 Leyton Orient Whites.

Next up for the Whites was Southend. Building on the performance from the first game the Whites played some excellent passing football. A move from back to front ended with Rehal crossing to Jones who finished with a fine shot into the corner. Jones returned the favour as Orient dominated the game and a fine ball found Rehal who scored with aplomb. Final score: Southend 0 v 2 Leyton Orient Whites (Jones, Rehal).

Whites final game again against Eastwood Falcons saw them continue with their fine passing game. Though on top for the majority of the game, a breakthrough goal eluded them and the game finished goalless. Final score: Leyton Orient Whites 0 v 0 Eastwood Falcons.

Orient Reds took to the field in the afternoon session and their first game was against Harlow Town Pirates. The Reds were on the front foot from the off. Skaith found Ridley on the right who lashed a fierce shot beyond the opposition keeper. The same two players combined again with the same outcome to put Orient fully in command. Ridley completed a fine hat trick converting a penalty conceded by Harlow for running offences. Final score: Harlow Pirates 0 v 3 Leyton Orient Reds (Ridley 3).

Next up was Barnet with Orient seeking revenge for their recent WFA Cup defeat. The Reds continued their controlled accurate passing game frustrating Barnet and tempting them into multiple running offences. Unlike the Cup game these were punished by the referee and soon Orient had a penalty which was not converted. Orient continued to press and were rewarded when Schneider found Skaith who fired in off the post. Barnet continued to be penalised for running trying to get back into a game which the Reds were controlling. A second penalty ensued which was expertly put away by Stevenson for Orient to run out impressive winners. Final score: Barnet 0 v 2 Leyton Orient Reds (Skaith, Stevenson).

The final game was against Grays. The Reds fine form continued and soon Skaith followed up on well saved Stevenson shot to put them one up. Shortly after came a nicely worked team goal, ending with Stevenson finding Ridley for another well taken goal. Grays briefly came back into the game and scored off the post following a free kick near goal. Ridley settled any nerves as he intercepted the keeper’s throw out to finish high into the net. Final score: Grays 1 v 3 Leyton Orient Reds (Ridley 2, Skaith).

Manager Mick Mullins commented: “This was a very enjoyable day’s play. Both the Whites and Reds played some lovely football and coped well with just having six player squads. The Whites were unfortunate not come away with a better points return, which their efforts deserved. A great day for the Reds with three excellent victories. This puts them into the running near the top of the table”

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

Leyton Orient White squad: Keith Everett (Gk), Chris Conlan, (Cpt), Jon Barrick, Alan Lester, Ajit Rehal, Dave Jones.

Goalscorers: Ridley 5, Skaith 2, Stevenson, Jones, Rehal.

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Image used © 2025 Trevor Ridley