On Tuesday 22nd July Leyton Orient Walking FC over 65s Reds and Whites headed to Billericay looking to progress from the same group into the Essex Walking Football League over 65s Cup Finals.

First up for Orient Reds were Billericay Blue. The starting line up was Weston in goal, Jacobs, Mullins and Howard in midfield with Ridley in attack. The Reds started strongly with Ridley testing the Billericay keeper within a minute before nutmegging the centre half and poking the ball past the forlorn keeper. There was some confusion after the goal was scored with Billericay claiming the shot was in the area (it wasn’t). The goal was given. Billericay then stepped up their game but with Weston and Conlan standing firm at the back there were no major concerns save an errant back pass giving Billericay a chance that was smothered by Weston. With a minute left, Howard made an excellent block on the edge of the area. However, in one of the worst refereeing decisions ever, it was called a foul and a free kick given. The Billericay players protested it was a DOGSO and the referee suddenly gave a penalty. The Billericay players then complained a blue card wasn’t shown and the referee duly obliged. Billericay dispatched the penalty to send the sides in level at half time. Unfortunately with five minutes remaining the Billericay striker smashed in a goal to give them an undeserved lead. Inkpen came on for Jacobs, however Billericay played keep ball and saw out the victory. The first defeat this season for the Reds. Final score: Billericay White 2 v 1 Leyton Orient Red (Ridley).

First up for Leyton Orient Whites were Chelmsford City Blue. Orient lined up with James in goal, Rains at the back, Dooley, Baker and Neophytou in midfield and Gurman up front. In the first half Orient battled well against a very decent side. The O’s marked doggedly, not allowing the opposition to settle into a passing game. When in possession themselves they kept the ball well and tried to provide some outlet up front. In the second half Brennan replaced Neophytou and the match continued in much the same vein with disciplined defending and occasional forays up field, where Gurman tirelessly moved around to create chances. Then a free kick for Chelmsford resulted in a player finally finding an opening to toe poke the ball into the net. Orient continued to battle for the equaliser, but to no avail. A narrow defeat. Final score: Leyton Orient Whites 0 v 1 Chelmsford City Blue.

Next up for the Reds were Little Oakley. Retaining the same line up, there was an early disaster with another errant back pass finding the Oakley striker on the edge of the area. Unlike his Billericay counterpart he scored the opening goal. Having taken the lead Oakley controlled the first half and Orient Reds were unable to lay a glove on Oakley so went in a goal down at half time. Inkpen replaced Jacobs at half time and made a quick impact with a passing combination with Ridley in the Reds best move of the day which resulted in a good save from the Oakley keeper. Weston kept Oakley out with a save from a deflected effort. With time running out and with each side having committed three running offences, a penalty was the most likely means of equalising. Unfortunately, it was Oakley who got the penalty which was duly dispatched. Oakley saw the game out for a deserved win. Final score: Leyton Orient Red 0 v 2 Little Oakley.

At this point the odds were stacked against the Reds qualifying. Nothing less than two wins would suffice, ideally scoring a few goals in the process. So a win was required against Chelmsford. Howard was replaced by Inkpen in the starting line up and whilst the Reds had the better of the first half, it was goalless at the break. Given the situation, Mullins was replaced by Howard and a more offensive 1-2-2 formation adopted. This paid dividends with Ridley being fouled on the edge of the area, resulting in a penalty that was hammered in by Howard followed swiftly by Ridley shaking off a foul from a defender to put the Reds two up with just four minutes gone. Chelmsford came back with a shot that was saved by Weston which rolled out to the waiting striker who hit the ball high into the goal. Orient then committed an unnecessary third running offence which meant a nervy final three minutes before the final whistle blew to confirm the Reds first win of the day. Final score: Chelmsford City 1 v 2 Leyton Orient Reds (Ridley, Howard).

Next up for Orient Whites were Little Oakley Red, fresh from defeating our colleagues in Red. This was to be another tricky game. However Orient continued to play a disciplined passing game, rarely conceding possession and eeking out a few chances of our own. Rains was limpet like on their striker, Dooley effortlessly controlled the middle of the pitch and Baker and Brennan battled and blocked any attempts to get the upper hand. Finally Rains sent one of his classic long balls out from defence to Gurman, who found himself in acres of space with a Little Oakley defender in hot pursuit. With legs at full stretch to avoid running offence, Gurman closed in on goal and toe poked a shot under the keeper and in to the net. Orient saw out the game with calm possession and forthright defending. Final score: Little Oakley Red 0 v 1 Leyton Orient Whites (Gurman).

Buoyed by their victory over Oakley, Orient Whites faced the belligerent Billericay Blues in their third game of the day. With James in goal, Rains at the back, Dooley, Brennan and Baker in midfield with Gurman up front. The Whites took control of the game and rattled the opposition. Baker and Gurman had fine efforts that were both saved and the Whites went in level at half time. In the second half, the lively Gurman caused problems for the Billericay defence coming close on two occasions, set up by excellent play firstly by Brennan and then Dooley. Neophytou replaced Brennan with five minutes remaking. Billericay were arguing pretty much every decision however a far stronger referee issued green cards for their dissent. No goals, but a good all around performance. Final score: Leyton Orient White 0 v Billericay Blue.

The final game of the day pitted the Leyton Orient Reds against Leyton Orient Whites. The Whites went into the game with four points knowing a win would see them in the finals. The Reds needed to win and win well to have a chance of qualifying. In the first half Dooley, Gurman and Neophytou all threatened but Weston stood firm resulting in a goalless first half. Mullins was replaced by Conlan for the Reds just before half time, while Brennan came on for Neophytou at the break. The Reds came out strong in the second half with Ridley threatening to break the deadlock. With a minute left, the Reds were awarded a penalty due to running offences which had totted up. Howard stepped up and struck the penalty hard to the right of James, but unfortunately to the left of the post. The final whistle blew soon afterwards. The draw was of no use to either side with both eliminated. Final score: Leyton Orient Reds 0 v Leyton Orient White.

Captain Baker praised his squad afterwards for a great team performance against some strong sides. Every player gave their all in a disciplined, battling manner.

Manager Clancy ruminated that, “It is very disappointing that after last season’s commendable third place, there are no Orient teams remaining in the cup. A diabolical decision and a weak referee was costly for the Reds in the opening game and a second defeat made it near impossible to qualify. The Whites had a great win against Oakley, however the goal that would have taken them into the finals proved elusive in the final two games, despite two excellent performances, especially in defence. The Whites will look to get results in their final two league games to see them rise up the table. For the Reds, the title is at stake in August. A lot to play for.”

Leyton Orient over 65s Reds squad: Tony Weston (Gk), Tim Conlan, Mick Mullins (Cpt), Trevor Ridley, Micky Howard, Steve Inkpen, Phil Jacobs.

Leyton Orient over 65s Whites squad: David James (Gk), Simon Baker (cpt), Vince Dooley, Fid Neophytou, Mick Brennan, Peter Rains, Ian Gurman.

Goal scorers: Ridley 2, Howard, Gurman.

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