The Leyton Orient Walking FC women faced Beacon Hill in a friendly played in the bright sunshine at Wadham Lodge on Sunday 2nd February. Beacon Hill are a new team in the Essex Women’s League.

Late withdrawals reduced the Orient squad to seven players and they faced three 20-minute games. Simon Baker had kindly volunteered to referee the games. Orient lined up with Williams in goal, defensive duties shared between Kay, Dowling and Jones. Kavanagh and Ahlstrom in midfield and Baker up front.

The first game started with a sleepy Orient nearly conceding in the first minute. The game settled into a more regular pattern with Beacon Hill strong on the break but meeting an excellent Orient defence with Jones and Williams outstanding. The opening goal came from an excellent passing movement from the Orient keeper, four passes later Baker put the Orient ahead. The game continued with Orient gradually squeezing Beacon Hill out of the game with Kavanagh seizing on a defensive error to put Orient two ahead. Final score: Beacon Hill 0 v 2 Leyton Orient (Baker. Kavanagh).

The second game opened with Orient on top. Kavanagh hit the post and then disaster as the Orient defence became statuesque allowing Beacon Hill to take the lead. Orient came back strongly with Kay hitting the post and Kavanagh drawing an excellent double save from the Beacon Hill keeper. A long through ball exposed the Orient defence and they found themselves two down. Another good move led to Kavanagh pulling one back but it was too little to late for a late rally. A game of missed chances for Orient. Final score: Beacon Hill 2 v 1 Leyton Orient (Kavanagh).

The final game was settled by a penalty converted by Baker after Beacon Hill committed four non-walking offences. Final score: Beacon Hill 0 v 1 Leyton Orient (Baker).

Captain Baker said, “Well played everyone. We all worked really hard and had some great build up play and defended as a team.” Chairman Cheston observed the first two games and observed “Work needs to take place in training in getting round the aggressive press. I also noted some excellent defending especially players holding their ground when an opponent tried to walk through them looking for a foul”.

The game was excellently refereed by Simon Baker with his rugby style timer/hooter.

The Club thanks Beacon Hill for venturing down the A12 to visit Wadham Lodge.

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

Goalscorers: Baker 2, Kavanagh 2.

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Image used © 2025 Trevor Ridley