Tuesday 4th November was the perfect autumn day for walking football and the morning saw Leyton Orient over 70s White round off their Division 2 season while the Orient over 70s Reds completed their Division 1 season.

First up for the Whites were champions elect Norwich Yellow. The Whites started with KEverett in goal, Lester at the back, a midfield trio of Haley, J Barrick and Jones with Kassam up front. A strong lineup and the team started positively, keeping possession well and easily containing the Norwich attacks with the low press which manager for the day Phil Stevenson had decided was the best way forward. The only problem was that the Whites quickly amassed three running offences and to prevent further transgressions Haley was replaced by Bell. Disaster struck. A speculative Norwich long shot rebounded from the shins of our stopper and rolled agonisingly back out of the box. The Norwich striker had time to take a couple of touches before dispatching his shot with aplomb. Worse was to befall as a fourth running offence was adjudged and Everett had no chance with the ensuing penalty. Late in the game Orient were also awarded a penalty but stand in skipper J Barrick could only roll it into the goalie’s midriff. Final score: Leyton Orient White 0 v 2 Norwich Yellow.

Next up were Cheshunt. The Os reinstated skipper C Conlan in midfield in place of Jones and started brightly only to be pegged back by a lucky Cheshunt goal when Lester took a tumble. Orient hit back and were rewarded by a fine team goal from Haley. Cheshunt scored again against the run of play and Haley repeated his equalising goal. Even better, Orient were awarded a penalty for four running offences and Haley stepped up to complete his hat trick. No such luck as his shot was blasted wide. Final score: Cheshunt 2 v 2 Leyton Orient Whites (Haley 2).

The final game of the day and the season was against an Eastwood Falcons team who were to finish second in the league. A penalty for going in our area decided the game. Orient peppered their goal, frequently hitting the woodwork but to no avail. Final score: Leyton Orient Whites 0 v 1 Eastwood Falcons.

After the games skipper Chris Conlan said, “We played the three teams today who finished 1st 2nd and 3rd and with a bit of luck could have got at least seven points if not nine. With that sort of return we would have been clear in second place and looking forward to promotion! Many thanks to all the players who have helped to make this such an enjoyable season. See you next year.”

The afternoon session saw Leyton Orient Reds start their final three matches of the league season with an outside chance of finishing third.

With manager Mullins away, Chris Conlan was due to take on managerial duties but found himself unexpectedly roped in to referee the Orient Reds opening game against lowly Romford, which he did with a commendable lack of bias. Romford, who belied their poor results this season with a spirited performance, could not protest at the award of a penalty when Ridley was brought down, and he dusted himself down to convert it for the only goal of the game. Final score: Romford 0 v 1 Leyton Orient Reds (Ridley).

For the second game, against Harlow Pirates, Stevenson, who had been nursing an ankle injury, replaced Schneider in midfield. Old friend Kevin Walsh was up front for Harlow, but Brooks played him well and Weston in goal was well protected. Orient had more of the ball without managing a breakthrough, their best opportunity being a penalty kick that was saved. Final score: Leyton Orient Reds 0 v 0 Harlow Pirates.

The final game of the season against Barnet proved a serious disappointment once Ridley had crashed a shot against the bar that declined to drop over the line. Barnet took advantage of a lapse in concentration to open the scoring and as Orient grew weary in a poor second half, four running offences cost a penalty from which Weston had no chance. Final result: Barnet 2 v 0 Leyton Orient Reds.

Skipper Tongue said: “Despite a disappointing final day, we were able to secure fourth place in a strong First Division, having drawn with, and lost only 1-0 to champions Chelmsford and twice held runners-up Little Oakley. That final game against Barnet was the only one of twentythree in all competitions that was lost by more than one goal. The defence held up particularly well and was greatly strengthened once goalkeeper Tony Weston became eligible three months ago. Thanks to all who played their part with great team spirit throughout, and to manager Mick Mullins. The First Division looks even tougher next season but we look forward to having more competition for places as new players reach the magic 7-0.”

Leyton Orient Whites squad: Keith Everett (Gk), Chris Conlan (Cpt), Tony Haley, Jon Barrick, Dave Jones, Hassan Kassam, Alan Lester, Kevin Bell.

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

Goal scorers: Haley 2, Ridley.

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Image used © 2025 Trevor Ridley