On Saturday 12th October the Leyton Orient Walking FC women’s team travelled to north London to take part in the FA Women’s Walking Football National Cup (South Region), The team were drawn in a mini league of four teams, with the winners going through to a final knockout phase.

It was a fairly chilly, overcast afternoon with the risk of sharp showers. The FA presented this competition as an all bells and whistles affair with questionable 70s rock and 80s pop playing through speakers between matches and a countdown followed by a klaxon before each kick off! Each match was twenty minutes straight through.

First up for Orient were Walton & Hersham. The starting lineup were Baker, Selner, Grint, Wiliams, Kavagnah and Ahlstrom. Orient quickly got into their stride with good possession football. Shots from Selner, and two from Ahlstrom reflected their early dominance of play. Then against the run of play the opposition’s tricky forward wriggled through the Orient defence and scored with a fine cross shot into the bottom left hand corner of the net. Orient fought back strongly and peppered the Walton & Hersham goal with shots from Ahlstrom, Baker and Grint as well as a cheeky back heel from Baker. It was apparent that their goalkeeper was in fine form with a string of saves. What followed beggars belief with further shots from Grint (3), Selner, Baker (3) and Ahlstrom – all either off target or saved by the excellent opposition keeper. The final whistle arrived with Orient losing the game despite an impressive fourteen shots on the Walton & Hersham goal! A frustrating start. Final score: Leyton Orient 0 v 1 Walton & Hersham.

Next up were the England national team … well Chesham actually, but all their players have represented England. Needless to say they were a young athletic team who dominated possession with one touch pass and move football. From the very start Orient were under siege with powerful shots over the bar and past the post before inevitably our goal was breached twice in quick succession despite the valiant efforts of Williams in goal. A rare foray upfield resulted in Orient’s first shot on the Chesham goal but alas Selner hit the side netting. Kavanagh came on as sub and immediately had a shot on goal saved by the Chesham keeper. Orient were starting to get some foothold in the game when Chesham broke free and scored again. This was followed by further shots bravely kept out by Williams. Finally, as the match was reaching its conclusion, Ahmstrom broke free and scored a fine consolation goal. Final score: Chesham 3 v 1 Leyton Orient (Ahlstrom).

The third match was against Thames Women. This was a tightly fought contest between two closely matched sides. A double save from Williams after a poor cross pass that was intercepted by the Thames striker, set Orient on the backfoot. However they quickly gained composure and Kavanagh took a shot that whistled just past the Thames post. Grint followed this up with a fine dribble and finish that sadly was ruled out for running. Thames fought back and after an unfortunate step back into the area a penalty was awarded. No need to panic though as Williams guessed correctly and saved the incoming shot. Orient now took the initiative after that close shave and a great passing move resulted in a fine shot by Kavanagh that was saved by the opposition keeper. Now it was tit for tat with Williams saving a Thames shot, quickly followed by a Baker shot just past the post at the other end. Selner then had two long distance shots with one hitting the bar. Thames fought back and scored after a defensive mix up but thankfully it was ruled out for an encroachment into the area. Another double save by Williams was quickly followed by shots from Lewzey and Grint. Then disaster! Grint tackled a Thames player just as she was about to shoot. A goal scoring opportunity was denied resulting in a penalty and a Grint sending off. No need to worry though as Williams once again pulled off a great save to deny Thames the lead. It was backs against the wall for the remaining minutes with a player down but Orient resolutely defended to see out the game. Final score: Thames Women 0 v 0 Leyton Orient.

The final game in the group was against Bournemouth. Orient women went on all out attack as they had nothing to lose. There were early shots from Selner and Ahlstrom, who hit the post. Grint replaced Lewzy after a nasty foot injury, and immediately had a shot on goal. Kavanagh then wriggled free resulting in a foul and a free kick. Grint struck the ball hard and low and with a deflection it landed in the Bournemouth net. Now the O’s were dominating with a shot from Ahlstrom quickly followed by a great passing move resulting in a Kavanagh goal. Baker quickly followed with a shot of her own before Ahlstrom dribbled and scored. Unfortunately it was disallowed for running. Orient continued to play on the front foot with further shots from Grint, Baker, Ahlstrom and Kavanagh. Finally another great passing move and Ahlstrom finally got the goal she deserved. A fine performance to finish with. Final score: Bournemouth 0 v 3 Leyton Orient (Grint, Kavanagh, Ahlstrom).

Orient ended up third in the group with four points which could easily have been seven if the O’s had taken their chances in the first game. Chesham unsurprisingly won the group winning all their three games – they also won the final play-off game and will represent the South at the National Finals at St George’s Park.

Leyton Orient squad: Chris Williams (Gk), Andre Selner (Cpt), Sam Baker, Debbie Lewzey, Sally Jones, Sarah Grint, Jo Ahlstrom, Clare Kavanagh.

Goalscorers: Ahlstrom (2), Grint, Kavanagh.

© Copyright 2024 Leyton Orient Walking FC
Image used © 2024 Simon Baker

Location

Market Rd, London N7 9PL, UK