Over 65s Division Two, Billericay - 30th June

As Dooley drove stand in manager Baker to Billericay on a warm, but slightly overcast morning, the two old friends discussed team selection and tactics in preparation for a crucial four matches that may decide how the season as a whole might play out for the over 65s whites team. Sitting in third place in division two on equal points with second and fourth place, this was going to be a day of reckoning. The conversation was interrupted by Baker’s phone buzzing a message to inform him that key player, Gurman, had a flat battery and could not start his car. It was going to be one of those days.

On arrival in Billericay, Baker was relieved as squad members duly arrived except for Gurman who was maintaining radio silence with no indication that he was coming or not. The team changed, including Baker who still nursing a sore knee, reluctantly lace his boots and selected a shirt as emergency sub. As the players warmed up and kicked a ball around, Gurman finally arrived with five minutes to spare and joined a hastily arranged huddle before kick off.

First up were Romford, sitting in sixth place in the league. The team set up with Myers in goal, Rains at the back, J Barrick in central midfield, Gurman and Dooley on the flanks and Slater as striker. Kassam primed and ready waited eagerly on the bench. Leyton Orient began well, keeping possession and carefully probing for an opening. Eventually Gurman found Slater completely free and one on one with the keeper, who rushed to the edge of his area and managed to smother Slater’s shot. As the game continued, both sides began racking up running offences, with Dooley seemingly being picked out as a main offender. A free kick did present Dooley with a shot that narrowly missed the target. Romford were the first to hit four runs and Slater calmly stepped up to fire the Os in front. Dooley was substituted for Kassam who almost immediately went close with a shot. We just needed to see the game out, but alas Barrick was caught running, albeit chasing a running Romford player, to present Romford with a penalty. Myers, who had barely touched the ball at this stage in the game, dived to his right and made a sharp save to prevent the equaliser. Thereafter Leyton Orient carefully retained possession and a further shot from Kassam was saved by their keeper before the final whistle eventually blew.
Final Score: Romford 0 - 1 Leyton Orient (Slater)

The next game was against Concord Rangers Blue, sitting just below us in fourth place on the same number of points. Slater took a rest on the bench as the second match began. An early long range shot was followed by a green card for Rains as the game inevitably became very competitive. Concord pushed for a goal with a long range shot that was well saved by Myers. At the other end a Dooley shot was denied by a save from the opposition keeper. It was end to end with Concord firing another long range shot that just whizzed past the post. They continued to push with another go at Myers goal, once again saved and ruled out for running anyway. Slater replaced Kassam and soon after Barrick intercepted a Concord pass and laid on a in point pass for Slater to drive it home. Leyton Orient saw out the rest of the game to gain a second victory in succession.
Final Score: Leyton Orient 1 - 0 Concord Rangers Blue (Slater)

Game three was against Hawkwell Athletic, sitting in eighth place in the league. Barrick rested his knee in the first half with both Slater and Kassam entering the fray with high hopes of more goals. However Hawkwell proved to be much more stubborn opponents that belied their lowly status in the league table. Indeed their first shot on goal hit the post and a second one soon followed with the woodwork rattling once again. Leyton Orient gradually composed themselves and set up two shots from Gurman, both saved by the Hawkwell keeper. Slater also had a shot that flew over the Hawkwell bar, Our opponents fought back with a shot that went just wide of the post. In the second half Barrick replaced Kassam and soon after Slater had one shot saved and another that just missed the target. At the other end Myers came to the rescue once again as Hawkwell threatened to take the lead. It was turning into a mighty battle with no team able to get the upper hand. With one last push Orient strung some passes together to provide Gurman with a strike on goal that was saved by their keeper. Barrick picked up a green card with a desperate tackle to prevent Hawkwell from breaking away, followed by a final attempt by Gurman that was once again saved by the keeper.
Final Score: Hawkwell Athletic 0 - 0 Leyton Orient

The final game was against Eastwood Falcons, who at the start of play, were sitting in second place on the same number of points as Leyton Orient. The squad were huffing and puffing after the last encounter, it was turning into a tough morning of football. Baker put on his shin pads thinking he may be needed after all with players flagging and a big final game to come. The game began with the same line up that finished the previous game. Orient started brightly with composed possession football that prevented Eastwood getting barely a touch for at least three minutes. However as soon as they did gain possession Eastwood showed how dangerous they could be with a fierce shot skimming past Myer’s post. Barrick picked up another green card as he valiantly fought in central midfield to try and take back control. Soon after another hard shot from the Eastwood striker was pushed onto the woodwork by Myers who scrambled desperately to prevent the ball from trickling over the line. Leyton Orient pushed back with a succession of attempts on goal by first Dooley, then Slater. Another green card was awarded to Gurman has he lunged at an opposition player to prevent a shot. Dooley was once again subjected to three running offences, with Baker wondering whether to replace him before the inevitable penalty. However we managed to keep the ball calmly as the final whistle beckoned. Myers once again denied a goal scoring opportunity for Eastwood. At the other end Slater had a shot saved and a final Eastwood attempt went wide.
Final Score: Leyton Orient 0 - 0 Eastwood Falcons

On reflection, stand in manager Baker was pleased with the whole team effort that gained us eight valuable points and four clean sheets. With one more round of fixtures to come in September, Leyton Orient should be well placed to fo for a final push for promotion.

Leyton Orient Squad: Myers, Rains, J. Barrick, Dooley, Slater, Gurman, Kasssam

Goalscorers: Slater (2)

Results
Romford 0 - 1 Leyton Orient (Slater)
Leyton Orient 1 - 0 Concord Rangers Blue (Slater)
Hawkwell Athletic 0 0 Leyton Orient
Leyton Orient 0 - 0 Eastwood Falcons Blue

Match Report: Simon Baker