Leyton Orient Walking FC sent two teams to support Romford Walking FC’s prostrate and ovarian cancer fund raising event. The idea of the event was that Romford would play walking football continuously for twelve hours – from 10 o’clock in the morning until 10 o’clock that night. The Leyton Orient teams took to the field between 12 noon and 2pm in a five team round robin min-tournament.

The first game for the Leyton Orient Whites was against R.I.P. The opposition took the lead when Guerrini was turned (a common theme throughout the tournament) and the opposition forward scored with aplomb. Two more goals followed and the O’s were three down. Okocha pulled one back early in the second half and Stevenson converted a penalty in the last minute to make the score line more respectable. Final score: R.I.P. 3 v 2 Leyton Orient Whites (Okocha, Stevenson).

Meanwhile Leyton Orient Reds took on Stones. Final score: Stones Athletic 4 v 1 Leyton Orient Reds.

The second game for Orient whites was against Romford. The O’s were the better side in the first half and deservedly took the lead when Okocha turned smartly on the edge of the box and slid the ball home. The second half was a different story with the Orient frequently, needlessly giving away possession. This led to a tantrum from Stevenson who berated his teammates sloppy play. This rant came back to haunt him. In the final minute Stevenson gifted the ball to the opposition who equalised. Final score: Romford 1 v 1 Leyton Orient Whites (Okocha).

Leyton Orient Reds also took on Romford and although more goals were scored the outcome was the same: Romford 3 v 3 Leyton Orient Reds.

The Orient Whites next game was the derby against Orient Reds. Sky Sports dubbed this THE BATTLE FOR THE GLODEN BOOT. The two protagonists being Lillington and Okocha. Lillington had thanked Stevenson for taking the penalty in the opening game thus denying Okocha a further goal scoring opportunity. Stevenson pointed out he was not trying to assist Lillington in the chase to be leading scorer, rather it was Okocha’s inability from the spot that was the deciding factor. Onto the game. The Whites took the lead when Okocha received a pass from Fionda and smashed the ball into the roof of the net. The Reds quickly equalised when Lillington turned ……. (you fill in the blank) and rifled the ball into the bottom corner. After this the Whites took control and much to Lillington’s despair Okocha added a further three goals. Final score: Leyton Orient Whites 4 v 1 Leyton Orient Reds (Okocha 4) (Lillington).

Leyton Orient Reds then had there final game with RIP being the opposition. Although this was again a high scoring game Orient were o the wrong end of the eight goals scored. Final score: RIP 5 v 3 Leyton Orient Reds.

The final game for Orient Whites against Stones came as a relief to both sides as the heat was beginning to take its toll. Okocha scored a further four goals including an assist from Tony Weston. The four goal victory flattered the O’s and only a series of excellent saves from Weston prevented Stones scoring. Final score: Stones 0 v 4 Leyton Orient Whites (Okocha 4).

Obviously Lillington was distraught by the goals plundered by Okocha but he had the consolation of taking his lovely mum (our only supporter) to lunch. I hear she really enjoyed the jellied eels and chips.

Apres tournament in the bar (thanks Jack for the drinks) Fionda lamented if only the greedy Okocha had passed to him he would have scored a hatful of goals. Whilst agreeing with the first part of that statement I have my doubts regarding the rest.

Orient Whites catain, Phil Stevenson, remarked after play, “I would like to thank Romford for the superb organization and the teams we played against. The games were played in the right spirit with no one too concerned about the score line (except Tony Weston). Thanks also to the referees who made a significant contribution to the day.”

These were sentiments mirrored by Orient Reds captiain, Mick Mullins, “Though the results didn’t go the Reds way, this was a very enjoyable tournament played in a sporting manner on a very hot day. Well done to Romford for organising this great event.”

Editor comment: “I have just heard that the latest figure on amount raised is north of £3200 and still rising.”

Leyton Orient 50s Reds squad: Colin Brunt (Gk), Mick Mullins (Cpt), Derek Slater, Julian Lillington, Nigel Mear, Dave Jones, Gary Latner, Ray Russo.

Leyton Orient 50s Whites squad: Tony Weston (Gk), Phil Stevenson (Cpt), Andrew Okocha, Vince Dooley, Jack Kotonou, Steve Guerrini, Alan Taylor,
Tony Fionda.

Goalscorers: Okocha 10, Slater 5, Lillington 3, Stevenson.

© Copyright 2025 Leyton Orient Walking FC
Image used © 2025 Trevor Ridley