Bannister Sports Centre, Middlesex – 11th November 2025

Early on Tuesday morning Baker’s phone rang with an apologetic Dooley informing the Captain that he is unwell and not able to participate in Tuesday’s tournament. On the long drive to west London, Baker mulls over possible formations in a team of six that only just managed to be assembled a week before the tournament. On arrival an anxious wait as each remaining team member arrives and is ticked off the list.

The weather is overcast but thankfully not too breezy up on the hill where competing teams assembled for a briefing prior to kick off. Leyton Orient Walking FC were appropriately attired in their gold shirts with the Tommy Club motif and silhouetted soldier. Perfect for Remembrance Day which was marked by a 2 minute silence at 11.00am.

Orient’s first match was against Hemel Pale Blue. Baker settled on a line up with James in goal, Inkpen at the back, Guerrini and Taylor on the flanks, Barrick in the middle and Baker up top. Orient started brightly keeping good possession and moving the ball around with confidence. An early Baker cross shot whizzed past the post and Inkpen tried a long range effort that flew over the bar. Then a lovely triangle of passes from Baker to Barrick to Inkpen in space who calmly slotted home to take the lead. The team continued to press right up to half time with little threat from the opposition. The second half continued much in the same way until James was pressurised to release the ball by a referee who decided to count out loudly the six seconds permitted. A rushed roll out went straight to a Hemel forward who passed the ball into the net. Hemel now found their mojo and played with more determination resulting in tighter marking and less chances for Leyton Orient. The game concluded in a disappointing draw. Final Score: Hemel Pale Blue 1 v 1 Leyton Orient (Inkpen).

After the perfectly observed two minute silence, Orient’s next fixture was against RIP WFC Thursday. This team were definitely stronger opposition who played a pass and move game that kept Orient on their toes. Halfway through the first half, their tricky striker managed to turn Taylor and fire a shot into the corner of the net. Orient continued to fight hard with a couple of speculative shots of their own. Once again their striker gathered the ball, swept past a static defence and scored a second goal. The over eagerness of the opposition finally resulted in a penalty to Orient for four running offences. Baker grabbed the ball, placed it on the spot and hit it hard and low only to see it skim past the left hand post. Final Score: Leyton Orient 0 v 2 RIP WFC Thursday.

After a 20 minute rest, which was very much needed with only six players and no subs, Orient’s third game commenced against Uxbridge Amblers. This began as an even contest with both teams battling to get the upper hand. Baker moved tirelessly around to receive some good passes from both Barrick and Inkpen resulting in a couple of shots which both worked their goalkeeper. Then a defensive mix up left a chance for Uxbridge to take the initiative and score the opener. Half way through the first half Guerrini pulled up with stomach cramps and was unable to continue. Fortunately an Uxbridge substitute donned an Orient shirt and played out the first half for us. Another Uxbridge player, Phil, volunteered to play for us in the second half and contributed well to our midfield as we pressed for an equaliser. Once again the opposition transgressed to four running offences giving Orient the opportunity to equalise from the spot. This time Barrick stepped up to take the spot kick which bounced off the arm of the goalkeeper, hit the bar and rolled to safety. (note to club coach, can we please start regular practice of penalty taking?) The game finished with a frustrated Orient unable to pick up another point. Final Score: Leyton Orient 0 v 1 Uxbridge Ramblers.

Orient’s final match was against Cedars. Once again a willing volunteer, Dip, was happy to slot into the Orient midfield and provided some much needed energy into the O’s game. Orient began to pass the ball around neatly and our stand in got an early shot away at the Cedars keeper. Baker continued to keep the opposition defence occupied by ghosting past defenders and providing space for the midfield to press on the Cedars goal. Cedars fought back strongly though and finally scored a bizarre goal that looped up against the bar spinning into a hapless James’ gloves and then agonisingly trickling over the line. Orient fought hard to get on level terms but to no avail. Final Score: Leyton Orient 0 v 1 Cedars.

After the tournament Baker praised the team for their monumental effort in trying circumstances stating, “The team spirit never faltered, the discipline was good and we did create some good chances and were never outplayed by any of the other teams. A couple of missed penalties aside, it was a good mornings football. Hopefully now our league seasons are over we can encourage some more over 65 sign ups for the December tournament.”

Leyton Orient Squad: David James (Gk), Simon Baker (Cpt) Jon Barrick, Mark Taylor, Steve Inkpen, Steve Guerrini.

Goal scorers: Inkpen.

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Image used © 2025 Trevor Ridley