On Tuesday 13th May a Leyton Orient Walking FC over 65s team travelled to Middlesex for a friendly football festival. The team of seven included two debutants in Ian Gurman and Walter Gall. It was, for a change at this venue, a beautiful sunny day.

The first match was against Hive Foundation, an experienced league team. With Gall on the bench, Orient kicked off hoping to make a positive start. However Hive Foundation quickly got into their stride with quick (very quick) pass and move football. Orient were at sixes and sevens trying to somehow get into a rhythm with unfamiliar teammates. Hive Foundation scored three goals in fairly quick succession, while Orient tried to get a foothold in the game. At half time there was a quick team talk to sort out various issues. Gall came on for Taylor and the second half resumed. Lessons were learnt and Orient began to find some discipline in their play. We kept possession much better and tighter marking prevented Hive Foundation from scoring any more goals. Final score: Hive Foundation 3 v 0 Leyton Orient.

The next match was against Hemel A, yet another experienced league team. Baker took himself off for the first half to coach from the sidelines. The first half was a massive improvement, with Orient keeping possession well and carving out a few chances with a series of free kicks. Baker replaced Gall at half time and Orient continued to frustrate Hemel A with tight marking and a share of the possession. Unfortunately, towards the end of the game, Hemel’s tricky centre forward managed to turn the Orient defence and fire a shot into the net. Orient deserved a draw but one error was their undoing. Final score: Hemel A 1 v 0 Leyton Orient.

Orient’s penultimate game was against Watford. Kassam came off, Gurman moved up front and Gall joined the midfield. This was an ill tempered affair with Watford bending the rules with running and contact offences which they argued forcefully against with the referee. Baker sent a ball through the middle, Gurman battled with their defender who was pushing and shoving at him, but he persisted and slotted the ball calmly home. One nil to the Orient. The game continued with an increasingly grumpy Watford team arguing with the referee. Gurman had had enough of being elbowed and shoved and took himself off. Kassam entered the fray and in all the confusion Orient lost concentration and conceded two quick goals. Gurman returned for the second half with Taylor taking a break. Orient continued to push for an equaliser and finally the referee awarded a penalty to Orient for four running offences. Nobody seemed to want to take responsibility so Baker stepped up to promptly fire the ball well wide of the post. A frustrating game ended with Orient deserving at least a draw. Final score: Watford 2 v 1 Leyton Orient (Gurman).

The final game was against RIP wfc Thursday. Inkpen took a well earned rest with Gall taking up central defence, Kassam in central midfield and Gurman up front. Orient were determined to finish on a high and quickly established a lead when a great through ball from Gall found Kassam who duly set up Gurman to fire home. Orient continued to dominate with further shots from Kassam, Baker and Gurman. With both sides tiring in the midday sun Orient battled on to finally get the win they deserved. Final score: RIP wfc Thursday 0 v 1 Leyton Orient (Gurman).

After the match captain Baker reflected, “the team improved game on game after a very shaky start. A special mention to Gall and Gurman for very positive performances in their first competitive matches.”

Leyton Orient squad: David James (GK), Simon Baker (CPT), Mark Taylor, Steve Inkpen, Walter Gall, Ian Gurman, Hassan Kassam.

Goal Scorers: Gurman 2.

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