On a cloudy day at Billericay the Reds took a strong squad of 7 to contest what looks like a very competitive league which includes all last years favourites except Wakering, with the addition of Norwich Yellows who won division 2 in a canter last year.
Manager Conlan’s instructions were brief but clear. Keep possession and don’t shoot from ridiculous positions. No running.
We started with Conlan in goal, Mullins at the back , a midfield of Tongue, Stevenson and Cox, with Ridley up front.
First up were Harlow, who included Orient old boy Kevin Walsh up front. Mick Mullins marked him out of the game to such an extent that he was withdrawn at half time. Tim Conlan was making his over 70s debut in goal, in the absence of Weston who had a long awaited medical appointment.
A well worked move saw Ridley score the opener and the Os were cruising only to be undone by a speculative shot which wrong footed our keeper. Final score 1-1 (Ridley)
Next up were old foes Barnet. Stevenson had a point to prove against their “England” player and dominated the middle area. Skaith replaced Tongue and the Reds produced ten minutes of scintillating football, capped by goals from Cox and Skaith.
Changes were made at half time and the second half was something of a stalemate with one good save low down to his left by Conlan. 2-0 (Cox, Skaith)
The day went from zenith to nadir in next to no time. Having watched Norwich beat Barnet during their “free” session the Reds should have known what to expect. However the team which finished the day as league leaders were by far our strongest opponents on the day and made their 180 mile round trip well worth while. Two well taken goals were thoroughly deserved. 0-2
At the end of the day the Reds are third in the league, albeit a long way adrift of the top two. The managers instructions were followed with minimal running offences and no ridiculous shots. A work in progress.
Chris Conlan