The second round of Over 65s fixtures on Tuesday 14 April, saw Orient Reds head to Billericay looking to climb up the table out of the bottom two places.

Having had a false start to the league season, the Os started cautiously with Mullins dropping alongside Burns at the back and Howard deployed as a striker. This had the desired effect with Orient controlling the first half and taking the game to Billericay Blue with Howard having a couple of good shots. With the game goalless at half time, Ridley was introduced to pep up the attack which he did immediately with an excellent shot that troubled the Billericay Blue keeper. Meanwhile Barrick had received a couple of green cards so Stevenson returned to see out a solid goalless draw in a game that Orient dominated.

Orient 0 - Billericay Blue 0

Weston, Burns, Mullins, Stevenson (Ridley HT), Barrick (Stevenson 15), Howard

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With the 2-2-1 formation having proved successful in the opening game it was repeated against Eastwood. Again Howard was able to trouble the keeper, but at the other end Weston made the save of the 21st century which elicited memories of Banks in the 1970 World Cup. Goalless at half time. Ridley came on to bolster the attack and the second half was keenly contested with Weston in the Orient goal tested on three occasions. Both sides were on three running offences with three minutes remaining. Inevitability the fourth offence was committed an a penalty given to Orient. Howard stepped up and give the Os a deserved lead. The advantage should have been doubled at the end as Ridley hit the post. A solid performance rewarded with three hard earned points.

Orient 1 - Eastwood 0

Weston, Burns, Mullins, Stevenson (Ridley HT), Barrick, Howard

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Next up were Billericay White. Ridley started up front as the Os once again controlled the game and created a couple of chances for Burns and Stevenson. Unfortunately as the half drew to a close, Burns foot in the area was spotted by the referee and a penalty awarded to Billericay. The Billericay striker smash the penalty towards the top right hand corner, but there was an outstanding save from Weston that saw the Os level at 0-0 at the break. Orient almost opened the scoring directly from the kick from a Ridley shot that was laid on by Stevenson, but soon enough Ridley was bearing down on goal only to find a Billericay player running across him. The referee rightly saw the DOGSO and gave the penalty. Unfortunately, he didn’t award a blue card, but Orient now had the chance to go ahead. Howard stepped up, but was somewhat indecisive which led to the keeper saving the penalty. Stevenson and Ridley subsequently carved open a couple of opportunities but neither led to a goal. A good game with a fair outcome.

Orient 0 - Billericay White 0

Weston, Burns, Mullins, Stevenson, Ridley, Barrick (Howard ht)

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Last up were Little Oakley Red. Again the Os set up in the 2-2-1 formation. However unlike the previous three games, the Os conceded in the first minute. From that point onwards, the Os were resolute in their endeavours to equalise. Behind at half time Mullins was withdrawn and the Os reverted to their normal 1-3-1 formation. The game ebbed and flow with both sides looking to score and less focus on defence. With five minutes left, Ridley cracked a thunderbolt shot against the cross bar which rebounded back into play only for Stevenson to do likewise. Alas, Little Oakley clung on for a fortuitous win.

Orient 0 - Little Oakley 1

Weston, Burns, Mullins (Stevenson ht), Ridley, Barrick, Howard

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Overall, these were four fine performances from the 65s reds who played with a lot of discipline and caused problems for all their opponents. With a little good fortune, one of the draws could have been a victory and the defeat could have been a draw. Howard’s versatility was invaluable, and Stevenson controlled the midfield. Barrick was always dangerous dovetailing with Howard and Ridley up front. Ridley unfortunate not to come away with a couple of goals. Mullins and Burns provided the defensive nous that kept the opposition at bay and Weston despite not being tested too much at close range was perfectly positioned throughout and made a couple of saves out of the top drawer. A good day that saw the 65 Reds climb out of the relegation zone. After their invincible season winning division 2, Orient 65 Reds are back in the top division and showing that they belong with the Essex elite.

SQUAD - Weston, Burns, Mullins (Captain), Stevenson, Ridley, Barrick, Howard

SCORER - Howard
Results -:
Orient 0 - Billericay Blue 0
Orient 1 - Eastwood 0
Orient 0 - Billericay White 0
Orient 0 - Little Oakley 1
Report by David Clancy.