On Tuesday 30th September Leyton Orient Walking FC over 70s arrived at Billericay without their England man who was on duty in the land of the rising sun however the 70s Reds sparkled in the Billericay Autumn sun.

A challenging set of fixtures saw Orient play Grays first up. Grays played a very negative brand of football with individuals holding on to ball for long periods with little ambition. Orient finally broke through when the ball came to Tongue who moved the ball to his right and fired in a fierce shot that the keeper got nowhere near. However, the ball clipped the post and hit the keeper to rebound in to the net to record an own goal rather than a Tongue goal the shot deserved! Final score: Grays 0 v 1 Leyton Orient (OG).

Next up were league leaders Wakering! They started the game in very determined fashion with swift movement (too swift?) and purpose! However Orient played a very measured passing game and gradually took control. Orient took the lead when fine hold up play by Ridley saw him set Barrick up to find the corner of the net. Wakering then were awarded a controversial “DOGSO” penalty for a disputed foul. Weston in goal produced a superb save to maintain Orient’s lead. Wakering were then awarded a second penalty for an Orient foot in the area, following up on a great save from the Orient keeper. Weston then produced another amazing penalty save and Orient were still ahead. In spite of much Wakering pressure, Orient saw the game out with great passing, composure and game management. Final score: Wakering 0 v 1 Leyton Orient (Barrick).

Orient’s final game was against third in the League Little Oakley, who were also the form team coming into this set of fixtures. Another composed performance saw Orient with chances to secure a third straight win. However the game finished goalless. Final score: Little Oakley 0 v Leyton Orient.

After play manager Mick Mullins commented: “Today saw the best football the Reds have played this season. Very happy with no goals conceded and seven points. The performance against Wakering was particularly pleasing, especially the two fantastic penalty saves by Tony Weston. The whole squad played their full part in this great set of results.”

Following the Orient over 70s Reds exertions in the morning it was over to the over 70s Whites who had just two games in this set of fixtures in the afternoon.

Orient Whites first game was against Southend. Orient pressed from the off but quickly gave away two running offences. This led to a change of formation. The pressing game paid dividends as Haley twice found himself one on one with the keeper and he finished expertly on both occasions. Orient were now comfortable. However, Southend scored an unexpected goal from distance after a free kick. With Orient on three running offences the final minutes were tense. In spite of this Orient managed the game out for three valuable points. Final score: Southend 1 v 2 Leyton Orient Whites (Haley 2).

Next up were Norwich Blacks. This was a much more even game. Norwich took the lead after Orient gave the ball away. However they were also racking up the running offences. Inevitability they were penalised for a fourth time. The subsequent penalty was confidently dispatched by skipper Conlan. Final score: Norwich Black 1 v 1 Orient (Conlan).

Manager Mick Mullins commented: “Pleasing that we were unbeaten in the these two league games and came away with four points. This has seen us climb to second and in with a shout of promotion along with several other sides. Great we go into the final games next month in contention”.

Orient had a final friendly game against Cheshunt. This game could have gone either way but Cheshunt got the win in a
game of little consequence. Final score: Leyton Orient 0 v 1 Cheshunt).

Leyton Orient Reds Squad: Tony Weston (gk), Steve Tongue (Cpt), Tony Brooks, Jon Barrick, Steve Skaith, Gerry Schneider, Trevor Ridley.

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

Goalscorers: Haley 2, C. Conlan, Barrick, OG.

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