Two key players from O’s 2006 promotion winning squad were back on the pitch in east London on Thursday (May 19)
Gary Alexander triumphed over his old Leyton Orient team mate John Mackie last week in the ‘Play with a Legend’ match at Brisbane Road.
The company, ran by Josh Landy and ex-Arsenal player Perry Groves, arranged for a group of O’s supporters to line up alongside two heroes from the 2005/06 promotion winning squad.
Mackie, who is assistant to Alexander at recently promoted Ryman South outfit Greenwich Borough, expected a competitive match.
It proved to be the case and it was the Boro boss who defeated the old Orient captain with Josh Caplin and Carl Stansbury finding the net in the 2-0 victory at Brisbane Road.
It could have been even more as well, but Alexander’s team missed a penalty as goalkeeper Jordan Stansbury, son of Carl, hit the crossbar with his effort.
But it was a night to remember for a large number of Orient supporters who got to experience playing at the home of their club and the dressing room atmosphere before the game.
Landy, who arranged the match with Mackie, said: “Being an O’s fan myself it was a real privilege to organise for 30 fans to get the chance not only to run out at Brisbane Road, but to do it with two heroes in John and Gary which made it really special.
“The game itself was really high quality and the atmosphere of the whole evening was superb as everyone shared their views on the latest events at Brisbane Road and told their stories of following the O’s.
“A lot of the guys have been asking if we’ll be back to do it all again next year and we’re already looking forward to it!”
John Mackie’s squad: Barri Twinn, Josh Landy, Lee Dearing, Jonathan Pittal, Dan Shannon, Alex Rose, John Mackie, Stephen Nussbaum, Mark Rose, Adam Dudley, Jonathan Howgrave-Graham, Simon Festinesi, James Watson, Kyle Savage, Jack Snelling, Josh Caplin.
Gary Alexander’s squad: Jordan Stansbury, Harry Wilks, Stuart Middleton-Brown, Greg Double, Luke Strauss, Nick Malhomme, Gary Alexander, Andrew Butler, Mark Lawrence, Carl Stansbury, Jonathan McIntyre, Toby Grainger, Mark Savage, Andy Keehner, Arron Mac Vitie, Thomas Cornwall.
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