Leyton Orient Walking FC Women’s Walking football team travelled to Chelmer Valley High School grounds in Chelmsford on Saturday 13th July for the last Essex Women’s Walking League tournament of the season. There are eight teams in the league so the seven games played were thirteen minutes each with a sharp turnaround at halftime.

The first team that Orient faced were Billericay Town Blues who were second in the league. An early shot by Handley went wide, shortly followed by a similar shot and result from the Blues. It was an evenly fought contest and at half time the score remained all square. Shortly after the second half kicked off, keeper Williams made a save from a corner kick and another after Orient were dispossessed. Handley made an excellent shot which whizzed past the keeper into the back of the net but was disallowed as she was judged to have been moving too quickly. Grint’s shot, after a well worked team build up, went over the bar. Final score: Leyton Orient 0 v 0 Billericay Town Blues.

Next up were Billericay Town Whites who weren’t doing as well as their sister team and were propping up the league. Overhearing a conversation before the game they really wanted to give it their all against the O’s. Handley again saw a goal disallowed – this time due to a tackle on her that the ref blew his whistle hastily for, rather than playing the advantage. Unfortunately Orient didn’t score from the resulting free kick. Several other shots from Selner and Handley were either saved or marginally wide before a goal from Kavanagh finally put Orient ahead. The second half saw some chances from both sides but the result remained in Orient’s favour. Final score: Billericay Town white 0 v 1 Leyton Orient (Kavanagh).

The third game was against Paringdon Pirates Red who topped the league. Orient played really well and had a couple of half chances and Williams also had to make a save. Orient scored the first goal from a well worked free kick with Grint blasting home her shot. In the second half, Williams made a couple more excellent saves. An Orient substitution was just going to be made to remove an attacker and bring on a defender to maintain the O’s lead, when a powerful long range shot from Paringdon put the score level. Despite keeping Orient’s forward on the pitch, there was little time left to get another goal. Orient were pleased with the draw as they had always previously lost against this very strong team. Final score: Paringdon Reds 1 v 1 Leyton Orient (Grint).

Game four was against Southend Women’s White team – confusing when they were wearing green. Southend started strong and got a corner but nothing came of it and it was Orient who then picked up the pace. A strong, low, slow ball towards goal from Kavanagh was deflected and beat the wrong footed keeper. Some brilliant blocks from Kavanagh prevented any comeback from Southend and a well worked second goal from Kavanagh, after a superb piece of play from Baker who assisted, meant Orient finished with a two goal lead. Final score: Southend Whites 0 v 2 Leyton Orient (Kavanagh 2).

The fifth game against Paringdon Pirates Blue was end to end. A shot from Baker, following a great pass from Matthews, went wide. Selner also shot wide and it was Paringdon who scored the first goal after their initial strike was saved by the Orient keeper but was too strong to keep hold of and the rebound out of the box was reached first by Paringdon who placed the ball past Williams. There were further shots by both teams in the first half but at the change Orient were still a goal down. Some tactical substitutions created more opportunities and the Paringdon keeper was kept busy with shots from Kavanagh, Handley and Selner. Finally a lovely goal from Handley levelled the score. Final score: Paringdon Blues 1 v 1 Leyton Orient (Handley).

Game six was against Colchester Eagles and both keepers were called into action. But it was a brilliant turn and shot from Handley that decided the game. Final score: Colchester Phoenix 0 v 1 Leyton Orient (Handley).

The final game was against Southend Women’s Green team. Despite a brilliant team performance, with many shots on goal, Orient were unable to find the back of the net and Williams kept another clean sheet with the teams sharing the points. Final score: Leyton Orient 0 v 0 Southend Green.

After play manager of the day Debbie Lewqzy enthused, “A great afternoon of football for Orient in sunny Chelmsford with only two goals conceded. Orient won three of their games, drew four and lost none, gaining 13 points from the final day. Overall finishing mid-table but strengthening their position and widening the substantial gap with the teams below. Great team spirit and performance with everyone playing their part well, no matter what position they were asked to cover.”

Leyton Orient Womens squad: Chris Williams (Gk) Andree Selner (Cpt), Sally Jones, Sarah Grint, Clare Kavanagh, Sam Baker, Frances Handley, Ann Matthews and Alison Kay. Manager for the day was Debbie Lewzey.

Goalscorers: Kavanagh 3, Handley 2, Grint.

© Copyright 2024 Leyton Orient Walking FC
Image used © 2024 Alison Kay

Location

Court Rd, Broomfield, Chelmsford CM1 7ER, UK