Saturday 7th June saw the Leyton Orient Walking FC over 50s Reds head to storm-shadowed Billericay for the group stage of the EWFL over 50s Cup. In a round-robin where the top two would advance to July’s finals, the Reds found fluency, found goals – and, after a disappointing start to the season, crucially, found themselves.

First up were last month’s victorious foes, Stanway Rovers, unbeaten in Division 2. This was no grudge match but a measured, mutual battle under the wary gaze of a referee interpreting the walking and contact laws with scholastic vigour. It was a game defined not just by football, but by empathy – shared frustration transcending shirts. As the not-walking offences quickly racked up, it was Stanway who cracked first. A penalty, calmly converted by Okocha, gave the Reds the edge. Inevitably, the Reds returned the infringements favour. However, the apparent equaliser was scrubbed off for the softest of penalty infractions – a foot no one saw step backwards, except the official. A let off, nonetheless. Weston, imperious between the sticks, denied Stanway time and again. At the other end, a Zelkowicz masterpiece of movement and touch freed Eades for a glorious top corner thunderbolt – disallowed for a minor not-walking breach. The footballing gods surely sighed with exasperation. Another penalty followed. This time Zelkowicz stepped up, struck cleanly, only to be denied by a brilliant stop. A late blue card for Pillay added jeopardy, but the Reds stood tall. Unbowed. Unbreached. Final score: Stanway Rovers 0 v 1 Leyton Orient (Okocha).

The second tie, against a bottom-tier Romford B, seemed – on paper – a formality. Yet, football’s script rarely follows the rankings, the Reds were alert. Early assurance came via Zelkowicz, rifling into the roof of the net with studied intent. A fourth not-walking offence gifted Romford a lifeline, but Weston was down quickly to palm away. Masterful. Orient’s own spot-kick drama returned, Okocha falling foul of the same backward-step rule that had haunted Stanway. But injustice fuels the best, and Okocha’s riposte was emphatic – twice, in quick succession, spinning; shuffling and snapping home with predatory class. His arched glance toward the referee seemingly echoing Thierry Henry’s infamous “Is that enough?” barb to Graham Poll. Final score: Romford B 0 v 3 Leyton Orient (Okocha 2, Zelkowicz).

Finally, Eastwood. Familiar foes, now clinging to Division 1 status. A draw would suffice; the Reds wanted more. Eades’ opener, a deflection looping in via an unfortunate keeper, gave the team space to breathe. Okocha, ever the menace, added a second from the bench. Job done. Group topped. Message sent. Final score: Eastwood Falcons 0 v 2 Leyton Orient (Eades, Okocha).

The storm clouds never broke, but the Reds did – through defences, doubts, and dry spells. On a day where weather held off, the boots of Leyton Orient brought the thunder.

Captain Nad Pillay reflected: “The officiating was very strict but even-handed and is something we will need to adapt to. But it was rewarding to finally see the Reds deliver on their promise. This was the ultimate team performance with substitutions never once disrupting the flow. The Weston brothers marshalled the back – Paul unpassable, Tony unbeatable. Three clean sheets – nuff said. Zelkowicz sparkled as usual, Wright’s left foot delivered four assists without ever shirking defensively. Eades was incisive and composed. And Okocha – strong, patient, ruthless. Won one, lost one, drew one? What’s that?!”

Leyton Orient 50s Red squad: Tony Weston (Gk), Paul Weston, Jake Zelkowicz, Stuart Wright, Nad Pillay (Cpt), Steve Eades, Andrew Okocha.

Goalscorers: Okocha 4, Zelkowicz, Eades.

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Image used © 2025 Trevor Ridley