Billericay, Tuesday 15th July: During a lull in the heatwave Leyton Orient over 60s Reds played the group stage of the Essex Walking Football League Cup with more than just silverware in mind. They had something to prove. The Orient over 50s had swept aside all before them in their group round two weeks earlier; now the senior side sought not only to emulate but to eclipse. A place in the Finals was the reward on offer, but pride – that powerful motivator in football at any level – spurred them more.

The squad welcomed John Woods, a quietly impressive performer boasting a W7 D1 record in club colours, for his inaugural Tuesday outing. He arrived with the form of a seasoned player and, according to his teammates, the lucky charm of one too – “just don’t wear the rabbit’s feet on the pitch,” came the wisecrack from the back.

The order of play had been altered. Rather than easing into the competition against bottom club Grays, the Reds were handed Concord Blue – promotion rivals and, tellingly, the side responsible for ending their unbeaten league run in April via a single controversial goal. A dress rehearsal for September’s crunch league decider? Perhaps. A chance for redemption? Certainly.

From the outset, the Reds played with purpose. Disciplined out of possession, expansive and clever with the ball. They made the pitch wide, passed to feet, created space. Okocha – that elegant menace up front – did what he does best: isolated his defender, then passed him with nonchalance to slot home the opener. Textbook. But football, even the walking kind, can go off script. A Tony Weston throw was intercepted and dispatched clinically by Concord. Weston’s silent frustration spoke volumes. But Orient didn’t panic. They regrouped. Concord tried to chase – too quickly. Penalty! Okocha, with a point to prove from the spot, stepped up seeking absolution. Granted. Two-one. Weston – without a save to make – relieved. As Johan Cruyff said: “It’s all very simple: if you score one more than your opponent, you win.” No more carelessness. Job done. Final score: Concord Blue 1 v 2 Leyton Orient (Okocha 2).

The fixture randomiser offered up Grays next. On past performances, a chance for Orient Reds to rotate and help themselves to some goal difference. But not today. A meaner, if not leaner, challenge in attack and defence took to the field. Non-contact an anathema. As the tackles went unpunished the game turned niggly. The Reds, however, took time to get control – the Gray’s keeper centre stage. Birnbaum was unlucky to see his left foot shot rebound off the foot of the post. Sustained possession drew too many not-walking offences and Okocha – newly liberated – netted his second penalty. Weston, serene in his area, barely touched the ball. Final score: Gray’s 0 v 1 Leyton Orient (Okocha).

Beacon Hill Rovers from the division above offered a sterner test. Mid-table solidity and well-drilled discipline promised a different type of examination. But the Reds – calm, patient, precise – passed it with honours. Okocha twice found room to weave his magic before the break. Then, after half-time, a training-ground move: Pillay and Birnbaum exchanging half a dozen crisp passes to tease Beacon Hill forward before slipping Okocha through for his hat-trick. Weston, called into action just once, responded with an acrobatic tip-over worthy of any league. Final score: Beacon Hill Rovers 0 v 3 Leyton Orient (Okocha 3).

The final fixture had its own emotional backdrop. Stones Athletic, who had inflicted a rare and improbable league defeat on the Reds, were now the target. And revenge was swift. Two classic Okocha goals – touch, shift, dispatch – and the Reds could rest weary legs and rotate with confidence. Final score: Stones Athletic 0 v 2 Leyton Orient (Okocha 2).

So, four games, four wins. Eight goals, one conceded. With Conlan in ‘none shall pass’ mode; Paul Weston metronomic and efficient; and Howard proving his versatility across the pitch, the Orient over 60s Reds joined their younger counterparts in their respective finals. And with all the teams enjoying a break from the heat today, the Reds brought the fire.

If running football requires the pace, power and passion espoused by Alan Hansen then the walking variety surely demands the possession, position and technique demanded by Cruyff’s total football. And the Reds are inexorably making progress.

In the bar, Weston – a single blot on his clean sheet – made amends for the lone blip with a quiet round of drinks. He turns another year older this Friday, sharing a birthday with Nelson Mandela. A reminder that character, like class, never fades.

Captain Nad Pillay reflected: “With eight goals from Okocha, you’d be forgiven for thinking this was a one-man show. And looking at the shocking state of his ankle, you might wonder if the officials ever watched it. He played his part – goal scorer – magnificently. But so did every other player. The movement and control between the midfield and defence was outstanding: retaining and recycling the ball, nullifying threats and opening up the pitch to create dozens of goal scoring opportunities. This was a very comfortable set of team performances. And Freshman Woods takes his club tally to twelve unbeaten. But in the end, no luck required!"

Leyton Orient over 60s Red squad: Tony Weston (Gk), Nad Pillay (Cpt), Tim Conlan, Paul Weston, Mick Howard, Andrew Okocha, Maurice Birmbaun, John Woods.

Goal scorers: Okocha 8.

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Image used © 2025 Trevor Ridley