On Saturday 22nd March, two car loads, courtesy of Messrs Jones and Baker, headed off from East London to meet other team members, travelling within Essex, at Melbourne Park in Chelmsford to start Leyton Orient Walking Fc women’s Essex league season. The team were able to wear new Leyton Orient Women’s red hoodies courtesy of team member Francis Handley, so looked professional as they lined up before kick off.

This year the Essex League has been split, due to the growing numbers of teams, into Premiership and Championship divisions; Leyton Orient are in the former division, along with Billericay Town Blues, Paringdon Pirates Reds, Beacon Hill Rovers, Romford Randoms Blue and Valley Green Rovers Diamonds. Games were only 15 minutes in length with a quick switch of ends but no formal break.

The squad for the day consisted of eight players. Manager Lewzey was mindful that some players were nursing injuries and that many of the squad were also playing again in the Herts League the next day, so decided to rotate players where possible or necessary.

First up, Orient were the home team and faced Beacon Hill Rovers. An early shot from Beacon Hill, which went wide, was their only shot on goal. Some lovely passing movements from Orient followed and Kavanagh missed a beautiful connection from Matthews. Selner tried an overhead shot but at half time it was goalless. With a quick turnaround of ends and no changes in players, the second half continued with Orient pressing and saw a couple of shots from Matthews, and others from Handley, Kavanagh and Selner all either being saved or just wide of the mark. Final score: Leyton Orient 0 v 0 Beacon Hill Rovers.

Next up Orient played Paringdon Pirates Reds (last year’s league winners) who continue to be a strong team. In the first half keeper Williams made a couple of good saves and there were some amazing blocks from Kavanagh, Selner and Grint. After the change of ends, Paringdon continued to press and forced a double-save from Williams. Another second half substitution failed to change the score line. Whilst this was another nil nil draw, both manager and captain were happy with such a solid defensive performance. Final score: Leyton Orient 0 v 0 Paringdon Reds.

Orient were drawn as the away team again in our third game against Billericay Town Blues who finished second in the league last year. This was a fairly even match which could have gone either way, with chances at both ends. Unfortunately the only goal was scored by Billericay despite some tactical substitutions. Final score: Billericay Town Blue 1 v 0 Leyton Orient.

Next Orient played Romford Randoms Blue in the fourth match (again Orient were drawn as the away team). An early goal from Kavanagh which their keeper had managed to get a hand to but failed to keep out set the pace for this game. Matthews then shot wide but a well-worked move, with Matthews and Baker being instrumental in the build up, saw a second Kavanagh goal hit the back of the net. A substitution at the ‘switch-ends’ saw further chances. A lovely lay-off ball from Baker to Selner resulted in a powerful overhead shot dipping just below the cross-bar, giving Orient their third goal. A fourth non-walking offence gave the Randoms a chance to pull one back but keeper Williams saved from the spot kick. Final score: Romford Randoms Blues 0 v 3 Leyton Orient (Kavanagh 2, Selner).

The final ‘away’ game of the day for Orient was against Valley Green Rovers Diamonds – who are new to the Essex league but had some recognised players. The Valley Green keeper was kept busy with shots from Selner and Kavanagh including a double-shot that was double saved; and the second half delivered more of the same with further shots from Selner and Kavanagh. Unfortunately a fluke shot from a Valley Green player who had managed to turn our defence was parried by Williams but still crossed the line. Williams was annoyed with herself due to having made previous excellent saves and on another day would most likely have kept this one out too. Final score: Valley Green Rovers Diamonds 1 v 0 Leyton Orient.

After the game Captain Selner said “Drawing with Paringdon was a highlight and we know we can beat Billericay and Valley Green. All close games, but a solid start."

Manager Lewzey added “All players did well, great effort, some good blocks and we win, draw or lose as a team”.

Leyton Orient squad: Chris Williams (Gk), Sally Jones, Sarah Grint, Clare Kavanagh, Andree Selner (Cpt), Ann Matthews, Frances Handley, Sam Baker (Vice-Cpt).

Manager: Debbie Lewzey

Goalscorers: Kavanagh 2, Selner.

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Image used © 2025 Debbie Lewzey