International friendly: England C 1 Estonia’s under-23s 0

England C secured a 1-0 victory over Estonia’s under-23s on a memorable evening for a number of non-league footballers at Leyton Orient’s Breyer Group Stadium last night.

The O’s Marvin Ekpiteta played the whole match and starred at the back to help Paul Fairclough’s side keep a clean sheet.

He partnered Laurence Maguire, the young brother of full England international Harry, for most of the match before Dagenham & Redbridge’s Luke Pennell come on for the last few minutes in E10.

One-time Orient loanee Jerome Binnom-Williams also lined up in the back four for the home side.

It didn’t take Ekpiteta long to show his worth as Tristan Koskor almost got through in the fifth minute, but the O’s defender slide in to thwart the danger.

England C went close with 21 on the clock when James Hardy fired wide after a superb passing move.

Alfie Pavey, of Havant & Waterlooville, threatened next, but saw an effort fly off target from just outside the area.

Estonia had the ball in the back of the net soon after, yet the linesman had his flag up for offside and it remained goalless at the break.

Both sides made substitutions following the restart and then England C were handed the chance to open the scoring.

Maguire was brought down inside the area and Pavey was given the opportunity to open the scoring in the 65th minute.

The south Londoner confidently slotted into the top corner to give England the lead and delight the 635 spectators in attendance at Brisbane Road.

Fairclough’s men pushed for a second after the opener, but were unable to show the required accuracy in front of goal.

More substitutions were made and Daggers utility ace Pennell entered the fray with 87 on the clock to make his second appearance for England C.

Alongside Ekpiteta, the two defenders from east London clubs ensured the home side claimed a positive result and secured a clean sheet to see off Estonia’s under-23s.

England C: Killip (Huddart 51); Tinkler, Ekpiteta, Maguire (Pennell 87), Binnom-Williams (Millish 51); Walker (Taylor 72), Croasdale, Fonguck, Hardy; Pavey (Willoughby 75), Williams.

Attendance: 635.