This month’s Essex Women’s Walking Football League fixtures were held at the superb Colchester Sports Park facilities. Orient turned up with a squad of eight players. Manager Lewzey adopted a 1-3-1 formation in front of the goalkeeper, having agreed beforehand with the team captain to only use subs as needed and not to rotate players fairly, to try and improve on the results for each game and Orient’s league position.

Orient were ‘drawn’ as the away team for each of their five matches, which were fourteen minutes long with a straight turn-around on the half. Each game was quickly followed by the next with only a short break between.

First up, Orient faced Romford Randoms Blues. There was an early chance for Handley, but the ball ran away too fast for her to be able to fully capitalise on the opportunity. Two non-walking offences were handed out in quick succession to Orient, who then settled into the game and the Orient keeper was hardly troubled. A great lay-off ball from Handley to Selner saw the ball powerfully pass the Randoms keeper and hit the back of the net, and Orient went ahead. Unfortunately, the Blues keeper was able to save the next shot from Selner that followed some beautiful link-up play between Handley, Kavanagh to Selner. Final score: Romford Randoms 0 v 1 Leyton Orient (Selner).

The second game was against Valley Green Rovers Diamonds. An early shot by Baker went wide, and then a free kick awarded to Orient, resulted in a block then corner. Valley Green however broke quickly to the other end following the interception, but Kavanagh blocked the resultant shot. Baker had two further attempts – one which went high and the next that was saved. However, another free kick was awarded to Orient when Valley Green was judged to have been running and Selner scored from the lay-off. Final score: Valley Green Diamonds 0 v 1 Leyton Orient (Selner).

Game Three was against Harlow Town Pirates (previously Paringdon Pirates), who were leading the league. Williams saved two early shots on goal. Orient then fired twice – one wide, one saved. Williams then pushed a direct shot onto the crossbar, and despite some protestations from Harlow’s supporters, it didn’t cross the line. Orient were the first to score with a superb pass from Kavanagh to Handley whose shot was on target. Subs were called into play on this game which was very paced, and Matthews had a shot saved. However, it was a sub from Harlow that changed the game as an England player who wasn’t with the team in Morocco, came on and her shot on goal was too hard for Williams to keep out. In the penultimate minute of the game Harlow intercepted a pass out from Orient’s goal area and there was no time to level up the scores. Final score Harlow Town Pirates 2 v 1 Leyton Orient (Handley).

Orient’s fourth game was against Beacon Hill. This was full of opportunities, with at least five Orient shots on goal, either going wide, over, or saved by their keeper but none resulted in the win that Orient so richly deserved. Keeper Williams was not challenged. Final score: Leyton Orient 0 v 0 Beacon Hill Rovers.

The final game was against Billericay Town Blues who were sitting second in the table. An early shot on goal was saved by Williams in this evenly matched game. Unfortunately, an Orient player was judged to have stepped into our goal area and Billericay scored from the penalty awarded. The lead was short-lived as the same thing happened at the opposite end, although Billericay suggested their defender had been pushed into the area. Kavanagh scored from the penalty spot to level the score. Billericay were then able to score in free-play as they were able to get round our player and volley past Williams. Despite having an opportunity to level the scores again after being awarded a free kick at the other end, the ball was kicked too high and over the crossbar. Final score: Billericay Tow Blue 2 v 1 Leyton Orient (Kavanagh).

Manager Lewzey said that “Seven points were gained from the two wins, a draw and two losses and this has elevated Orient to third place in the table so the aim of improving our league position appears to have been met. Whilst important that we learn from any mistakes made, it is important that wins, draws or losses are not down to one individual as this is a team game. However, in every game played today one player stood out as player of the tournament this week – Jones, threw herself into blocking everything fired in her direction and I’m sure will have some ‘well-earned’ bruises”.

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

Manager: Debbie Lewzey

Goalscorers: Selner 2, Handley, Kavanagh.

© Copyright 2025 Leyton Orient Walking FC
Image used © 2025 Trevor Ridley