It did not need the song, 'It's raining men' for two Leyton Orient Over 70s teams, the Reds and Whites, to notice the weather at The Hive, Barnet on Friday 6 February, although the rain gods relented for one of the two games played by each.
With an unexpected number of absences for these pre-season friendlies, the club's request to include two 69 year-olds was happily agreed by Barnet, so that youngsters John McBride (Reds) and Vince Dooley (Whites) were welcome additions.
The Reds squad of seven had Tony Weston in goal, Mick Mullins at the back, three of Alan Cox, Steve Tongue, Steve Skaith and John McBride in midfield plus Trevor Ridley up front.
In a tight first game against Barnet A, Orient recovered from a shaky start on the wet pitch and settled down to some better passing, forcing chances but finding that those on target were held or beaten away by a good goalkeeper. Mullins making a late run to meet corners proved a threat but the breakthrough came from a penalty awarded for four non-walking offences by the home side. Cox produced one of the few shots kept low enough to beat the keeper, nestling perfectly just inside a post.
The O's had been slightly more disciplined with running but were eventually pulled up as well for a fourth offence, which produced an equaliser.
Final score: Barnet A 1-1 Leyton Orient Reds (Cox pen).
Having played almost half an hour straight through, as the referee was not expecting a half-time interval, the Reds waited until the second game, against Barnet B, to bring on McBride for a weary Cox. A defensive lapse while the new formation adjusted allowed Barnet in for a goal, which they clung onto for the rest of the game. Opta stats would have recorded Orient having far more shots in both halves, notably from Ridley in the first half and sub Cox in the second, but an outstanding goalkeeping performance kept everything out.
Final score: Barnet B 1-0 Leyton Orient Reds.
Skipper Tongue said: "Concentrating on simple passing in possession and tight marking when not, the Reds made far more chances than they conceded, but lacked the finishing touch that will be required in a tough Over 70s Essex League this season."
Reds: Tony Weston, Mick Mullins, Alan Cox, Steve Tongue, Steve Skaith, John McBride, Trevor Ridley.
Goal: Cox pen.

Orient Whites had a squad of eight and lined up with David James in goal, Vince Dooley, Len Cheston, Chris Conlan, Dave Jones in midfield and defensive duties, Kevin Bell in midfield and Steve Syron (over70s debut) and Hassan Kassam leading the line.
First up for the Whites was Barnet 'B'. Orient got off to a flyer with a through ball finding Kassam one on one with the keeper. He scored. There followed a very even game. Both teams had chances but it was Barnet who equalised then scored a late winner, despite James making some good saves to keep the Whites in the game.
Final score: Leyton Orient Whites (Kassam) 1-2 Barnet B
The next game saw the Whites play the much stronger Barnet A. The Whites nearly took the lead, when through on goal and hitting the side netting. After that the Whites battled hard against a technically superior Barnet team who repeatedly found holes in the Orient defence, scoring four times. Whilst the score may appear one-sided Orient made plenty of attacks and worked the Barnet keeper. A chance of redemption was missed with a penalty saved with the last kick of the game.
Final score: Leyton Orient Whites 0-4 Barnet A
Chairman Cheston summed up the day: "We played some good attacking football but did not take our chances and were continually caught out by long through balls through down the middle.of the pitch".
Whites: David James, Vince Dooley, Len Cheston, Chris Conlan, Dave Jones, Kevin Bell, Steve Syron, Hassan Kassam
Goal: Kassam
Our thanks to Barnet for hosting us in their usual friendly fashion and allowing us to dry off in the bar.