On Sunday 8th September Leyton Orient Walking FC women set off to Colchester to take part in a friendly tournament. The idea of the tournament was to introduce three new teams, who will be joining Essex Women’s Walking Football League next season, to the joys of competitive walking football. The three new teams are Romford Randoms, Valley Green from Witham and Beacon Hill Rovers from Maldon.

First up for Leyton Orient were Southend Women. The first half was an even affair which ended goalless with very few chances for either side. The second half was slightly more eventful with an early corner for the Os and a shot wide from Southend. Ahlstrom had a good shot saved by the Southend keeper but she could not get the rebound on target. With time ticking on, Williams’s clearance was intercepted by the opposition who shot and scored. Orient worked really hard but Ahlstrom’s shot which hit the post was the closest they got to an equalizer. Final Score: Southend Women 1 v 0 Leyton Orient.

The next match was against Romford Randoms. An early not walking offence led to a free kick and then a corner for the Os but they were unable to capitalize on it. At the other end of the pitch Romford earned a corner. Unfortunately, an Os player strayed into the goal area and a penalty was awarded. The penalty was taken well giving Williams no chance. Handley equalised straight after half time receiving an excellent pass from Ahlstrom. Final Score: Romford Randoms 1 v 1 Leyton Orient (Handley).

The third match was against Billericay Town. This was a very even game – very much end to end. There was some very pleasing passing play from Leyton Orient but no goals. The Billericay keeper made some good saves from both Ahlstrom and Baker. Final Score: Billericay Town 0 v 0 Leyton Orient.

The penultimate match was against Valley Green. It was a fairly even affair but Leyton Orient showed their experience with good pass and move football. Kavanagh passed to Handley who laid the ball on to Ahlstrom. Ahlstrom’s firm shot sailed into the net. Final Score: Valley Green 0 v 1 Leyton Orient (Ahlstrom).

The final match was against Beacon Hill Rovers. Despite being a new team, Rovers were very well organized and again this was a very close match with very few shots. The Essex Women’s League have now adopted the F.A. rule which means that a penalty is awarded to the opposition on the fourth not walking offence committed by a team. At the start of the second half Orient had three not walking offences so were being very careful not to give away a penalty. Near the end of the match a Rovers player picked up a loose ball and shot from a distance. Williams was unsighted and the ball flew into the net. Unfortunately the Os were unable to equalize. Final Score: Leyton Orient 0 v 1 Beacon Hill Rovers.

Orient spokesperson on the day, Alison Kay said after play, “This was an enjoyable afternoon of walking football. The weather stayed dry and it was good to meet the new teams we will be playing next season.”

Leyton Orient squad: Sam Baker (Cpt), Chris Williams (Gk), Jo Ahlstrom, Clare Kavanagh, Frances Handley, Ann Matthews, Sherrille Hyatt, Alison Kay, Sally Jones, Mary Kau.

Goalscorers: Ahlstrom, Handley.

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Image used © 2024 Trevor Ridley

Location

Cuckoo Farm Way, Colchester CO4 5YX, UK