On Saturday 16th November Leyton Orient women were invited to a series of friendlies at Billericay Town FC. There were two Billericay teams plus Beacon Hill – a new team joining the Essex League next season. Orient played each team twice with the matches being thirteen minutes long. The Orient squad was ably captained by Sam Baker who made sure that each player received plenty of time on the pitch.

The first game for Orient was against Billericay Town Blues. The Blues had an early shot saved by the Os keeper Williams and a shot that hit the post. Orient also had an early shot from Ahlstrom that went wide. James came on for Baker and had an early shot at goal which was saved. There was a period of good passing by the O’s but they also needed to be solid in defence as the Blues are a strong side. Final score: Leyton Orient 0 v 0 Billericay Town Blues.

The second game was against Billericay Town Whites. The Os started brightly with a series of shots from James and Jones which were saved by the Whites’ keeper. Then the Whites’ keeper threw out a ball which James intercepted and promptly put into the back of the net. The Whites’ keeper remained busy with shots from James and Kavanagh. Williams was not very busy in the Orient goal but did have one save to make near the end of the game. James also had a shot which hit the inside of the post but deflected out. Final score: Billericay Town Whites 0 v 1 Leyton Orient (James).

Next up was Beacon Hill who had beaten Orient at their last meeting. Orient started with good pass and move football. Ahlstrom had a high shot at goal and Kavanagh had a shot that required a great save from the Beacon Hill keeper. Baker had a shot which hit the cross bar and Ahlstrom’s shot again stretched the keeper. There was considerable pressure from Beacon Hill towards the end of the match but the Orient defence stood firm. Final score: Leyton Orient 0 v 0 Beacon Hill.

Orient then moved on to play Billericay Blues for the second time. This was a tight game again. Kavanagh had an early shot saved. In defence, both Lewzey and Kavanagh blocked shots from the Blues. There was some fancy footwork from Matthews enabling her to keep the ball. Williams was busier in this match and came up with a super save to keep the Os in the game. Near the end of the game, Kay passed to Baker who provided a great chance for Matthews which just went wide. Final score: Leyton Orient 0 v 0 Billericay Town Blues.

The penultimate game was with Billericay Whites. This was a frustrating game for Orient. James and Dowling combined well but any shots were not on target. Lewzey had a long range shot well saved by the keeper. James and Dowling had further shots but none found the back of the net. Final score: Leyton Orient 0 v 0 Billericay Town Whites.

The final match was Orient’s second match against Beacon Hill. Beacon Hill started well and won a corner early on. The Orient defence dealt well with the corner and broke away. Baker’s resulting shot was well saved by the Beacon Hill keeper. Ahlstrom also stretched the keeper with a fine shot. The Os continued to pass and move well. There was a kick in for the Os which went to Kavanagh who set off and scored with a lovely solo effort. Leyton Orient began to frustrate Beacon Hill who began to be a bit more physical. There was a penalty for Orient after a Beacon Hill player stepped into the area but this was well saved by the Beacon Hill keeper. Several free kicks for Orient followed leading to several shots from the Os that were well saved by the keeper. Final score: Beacon Hill 0 v 1 Leyton Orient (Kavanagh).

After the matches captain Baker commented, “Well played everyone today, brilliant team spirit and great performances from everyone.”

Alison Kay, roving reporter, said after play “I would like to thank the players who stepped in to make notes when I was on the pitch!”

Leyton Orient squad: Sam Baker (Cpt), Chris Williams (Gk), Sally Jones, Debbie Lewzey, Alison Kay, Lynda Dowling, Jo Ahlstrom, Ann Matthews, Clare Kavanagh, Glenys James.

Goalscorers: James, Kavanagh.

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Image used © 2024 Billericay Town FC

Location

New Lodge, Blunts Wall Rd, Billericay CM12 9SA, UK