On Saturday 7th June Leyton Orient Walking FC Women travelled to Chelmer Valley High School in Chelmsford with a weather warning of thunder and lightning mid-games, which fortunately didn’t come true.

The squad for the day consisted of eight players: Chris Williams (GK and interim vice-captain), Sally Jones, Sarah Grint, Clare Kavanagh, Clare Nwofor, Frances Handley, Ann Matthews and Alison Kay. With Jones nursing a thigh injury, Manager Debbie Lewzey was in reserve but fortunately was not needed to play. The starting line up of Williams in goal, Jones in defence with midfielders of Kavanagh, Grint, Nwofor and striker Handley. As usual games were fourteen minutes long with a swift turnaround at seven minutes and the two top teams of the league were the first two games of the day.

First up, the O’s were drawn away against Billericay Town Blues. The Orient keeper was not tested at all during this game. But after a save off an early excellent shot from Handley, Billericay’s keeper saved another four reasonable shots from Handley and Grint and the game ended goalless. Orient had three non-walking offences against them but managed to keep their heads and not give away a penalty before the final whistle. Final score: Leyton Orient 0 v 0 Billericay Town Blues.

Orient then faced Harlow Town Pirates Reds. Orient played really well defensively in shutting down many of the attempts, but were not able to trouble the Pirates keeper at all in attack. Williams managed to get fingers to the two goals that Pirates did manage to score but they were too strong to keep out of the net. The score line was flattering to Harlow on this occasion. Harlow Town Pirates 2 v 0 Leyton Orient.

Next up Orient played Romford Random Blues. Orient started quickly and played attacking football with an early shot from Grint and a further three from Matthews. Despite fourteen shots in total from Matthews, Nwofor, Kavanagh, Handley, Grint and even Jones, with four of these on target and saved, this was another goalless game, more frustrating due to being totally in control of the game. Williams had no shots to save. Final score: Leyton Orient 0 v 0 Romford Randoms.

In game four, Orient faced Beacon Hill Rovers. For some unknown reason, Orient didn’t work out who they were marking early in the game and a sloppy defensive error led to an early goal from the opposition. This was nearly doubled before Orient settled. A free kick was then brilliantly taken and Grint shot hard past the Rovers keeper to level the score. Orient were then in command of the game and there were further shots from Grint and Nwofor but the game ended before Orient could get on top. Final score: Beacon Hill Rovers 1 v 1 Leyton Orient (Grint).

In the final game, Orient were drawn away against Valley Green Diamonds. This was another game where Orient played well as a team and were in total control. Orient knew that Valley Green’s keeper was pretty good so expected some saved attempts – like those from Kavanagh and Handley. But a really well worked team goal that Handley converted was pleasing to watch. The second Handley goal was an assist from Nwofor, who had not played for the O’s in the Essex league previously. At the end of the match, the win reflected the effort applied. Final score: Valley Green 0 v 2 Leyton Orient (Handley 2).

After the tournament, Manager Lewzey said “Orient played well as a team, and it was a shame that the results did not truly reflect this. In the main the defence was superb and Jones protected keeper Williams. Great attacking play too. The support from the sidelines by team members when not playing was second-to-none and we maintained our third place in the league” Interim Vice-Captain Williams added “We had lots of scoring opportunities that we didn’t manage to convert, but have still managed to maintain our 3rd spot in the table so well done. Thanks also to those who gave lifts today.”

Leyton Orient squad: Chris Williams (Gk & interim vice-cpt), Sally Jones, Sarah Grint, Clare Kavanagh, Clare Nwofor, Frances Handley, Ann Matthews, Alison Kay.

Manager: Debbie Lewzey.

Goalscorers: Handley 2, Grint.

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Image used © 2025 Trevor Ridley