Tuesday 2nd September was the Essex League over 70s Cup Day. Leyton Orient Walking FC Whites had the morning shift while the Orient Reds pulled the afternoon slot. Kevin Bell passed a late fitness test and seven players headed to Billericay through some heavy traffic.

Orient Whites had a challenging morning facing teams who play in a higher division. They lined up with Keith Everett in goal, Alan Lester, Len Cheston, Chris Conlan, Tony Haley taking care of the defence, Kevin Bell in midfield and Hassan Kassam up front.

First up were Eastwood Blues who had knocked Orient Reds out the previous season. The Whites gave a good account of themselves in the first half but the threat of a penalty for non-walking offences seemed to play at the back of the Orient minds. Eastwood opened the scoring with a long-range blast onto the top corner. Penalty to Eastwood followed with Everett making a fine save but the chance to equalise never really materialised. Final score: Eastwood Blues 1 v 0 Leyton Orient Whites.

Next Orient faced Harlow Pirates. Orient had more of the game but appeared too static as if fearing to give away a penalty. Orient old boy Kevin Walsh turned the defence and opened the scoring for Harlow. Orient huffed and puffed by did not find the spark to fire an equaliser.
Final score: Harlow 1 v 0 Leyton Orient Whites.

In the final game Orient faced Romford. Manager Phil ‘Amorin’ Stevenson demanded more movement from the White team, and they played their best football but could not take the clear chances they carved out. Again, Orient sprinted to three non –walking offences but this time did not give away a penalty. Unfortunately, a Romford player escaped the Orient defence and scored with a shot into the near post. Final score: Romford 1 v 0 Leyton Orient Whites.

Manager Phil ‘Amorin’ Stevenson diagnosed that whilst the battling spirit was strong, the Whites were too static except in the final game and throughout had become inhibited when they started to concede running offences.

The after noon saw Leyton Orient Reds take to the field in the hope of avenging the Orient Whites and making it to the finals day on 14th October.

First up for Orient Reds were Norwich Soca Seniors who are a very good team. The game ebbed and flowed with both teams squandering chances. In the end a goalless draw was probably a fair result. Final score: Leyton Orient Reds 0 v 0 Norwich Soca Seniors.

Orient’s next game was against Wakering who were sitting second in the top division. This was a tough game which went done to the narrowest of margins. Final score: Wakering 2 v 1 Leyton Orient Reds (Skaith)

Finally with it all to play for Orient Reds faced Billericay Town Blue and Orient eased into a nervous victory by a single goal. Final score: Billericay Blue 0 v 1 Leyton Orient Reds (Stevenson)

At the end of the mini league round LEyton Orient Reds and Norwich Soca Seniors both had four point and the same goals for/against. The teams were therefore told that both would go through to the finals day on 14th October.

Leyton Orient Reds squad : Tony Weston (Gk), Steve Skaith, Steve Tongue (Cpt), Phil Stevenson, Jon Barrick, Gerry Schneider, Trevor Ridley.

Leyton Orient White squads: Keith Everett (Gk),Alan Lester, Chris Conlan (Cpt), Dave Jones, Len Cheston, Tony Haley, Kevin Bell, Hassan Kassam.

Goal scorers: Skaith, Stevenson

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Image used © 2025 Trevor Ridley