On a bright, sunny morning the over 70’s Whites were hoping to capitalise on their solid performances in the previous round of matches.
The Whites first opponents were Billericay Blue. James retained his place in goal. Lester started at the back, Bell, Conlan (C) and Haley started in midfield with Kassam up front. The O’s started brightly and the Billericay keeper made good saves to deny Kassam and Conlan. Kassam provided an excellent pass to present Haley with a goalscoring opportunity but once again the Billericay keeper produced a good save.
Brooks replaced Haley at half time. The O’s continued to be the better side but lacked the killer punch. A golden opportunity to win the game arrived when Billericay committed a fourth running offence and a penalty was awarded. Unfortunately Conlan’ effort was saved and the game ended scoreless.
The next opponents were Romford. Brooks replaced Bell in the starting line up. Once again the O’s started brightly, Brooks going close early on. Kassam found Conlan with a good ball and the Romford keeper produced a good save to prevent Conlan giving the O’s the lead. A good effort from Haley produced another good save from the Romford keeper. Bell replaced Conlan at half time and immediately had a shot that went just wide. An excellent ball from Haley to Kassam created another good opportunity but once again the Romford keeper excelled. As in the first game the opposition committed four running offences. From the ensuing penalty Kassam found the the back of the net but his effort was disallowed, incorrectly in retrospect, for taking a step back. This game also ended scoreless.
The final game was against Heybridge Swifts. Bell replaced Lester in the starting line up. This was a more even affair, although in the first half the O’s were marginally the better side. Midway through the first half following an O’s corner, the ball was carelessly given away and Heybridge punished the mistake to take the lead. The O’s were fortunate not to go two behind when the ball was fizzed to Conlan, who proved the old adage to be true that some players can trap a ball further than others can kick it. Fortunately Conlan’s excellent through ball for Heybridge did not result in a goal. Lester replaced Haley at half time.
For the third consecutive game the O’s were awarded a penalty due to the opposition’s lack of discipline regarding running offences. Kassam stepped up again but his effort was saved. The O’s then committed a fourth running offences. Heybridge’s penalty taker put his effort wide. Late on Heybridge tool control of the game. James tipped a good effort over the bar and the last minute a good effort from Heybridge hit the underside of the bar and bounced clear. Final score Heybridge 1 Whites 0.
After the game Stevenson commented. It is hard to believe we only took two points from the three games.The Whites played good controlled football, especially in the first two games. Numerous chances were created but due to the opposition’s keepers and poor finishing the O’s could not find the back of the net. The penalty misses should have been irrelevant. A measure of the O’s dominance was the fact that James in goal only had two significant saves to make in the three games.
Results:
Billericay Blue 0 Whites 0
Romford 0 Whites 0
Heybridge Swifts 1 Whites 0
Squad: James (gk), Haley, Kassam, Bell, Lester, Brooks, C Conlan (capt)

Report by Phil Stevenson