Orient Finish 3rd in Premiership

On Saturday 19th July, Leyton Orient Walking FC Women were back in action at Chelmer Valley high school for the last league tournament of the season. It was also the last time of playing at this venue as a new location – Great Baddow – is set for next year. From playing the previous week in 30 degrees baking sunshine, torrential rain was forecast and the met office were right!

In game one, Orient faced league leaders Harlow Town Pirates Red, who wore white bibs as they were drawn as the away team. Orient newcomer to this league Guedella had the first shot which was saved, before Williams had to make a save from Harlow Town. It was evenly matched with Harlow finding it difficult to penetrate the Orient defence in the first half. It was only in the closing minutes of the second half when one of their England players managed to see the sight of goal and shot from distance that changed the score. On another day Williams would have saved the shot but despite playing so well, Orient again lost to this team. Final score: Leyton Orient 0 v 1 Harlow Town.

The second game was against Romford Randoms Blue. Orient had most of the first half with a few of chances, one from Grint where she hit the post and a high shot from Kavanagh and a wide shot by Selner off a Handley free kick. At half time a boot check was requested and those wearing astro’s were immediately asked to change to the permitted moulded footwear. This forced a substitution as one player was not ready to begin play. In the second half Guedella’s shot was saved and Kavanagh hit the crossbar but the game remained goalless. Final score: Leyton Orient 0 v 0 Romford Randoms.

Next up, Orient played Beacon Hill Rovers. Handley had a shot saved but was then successful with her next strike. Williams then saved a shot from Beacon Hill. In the second half Kavanagh shot wide and finally Orient won their first game. Beacon Hill Rovers 0 v 1 Leyton Orient (Handley).

In game four, Orient were drawn away to Valley Green Diamonds. Handley and Guedella both shot wide before Kavanagh scored again. The second half saw a shot saved off off Guedella, and two wide shots from Grint. Final score: Valley Green Diamonds 0 v 1 Leyton Orient (Kavanagh).
Result: 0-1 (Kavanagh)

The final game of the day was against Billericay Town Blues who were second in the league. Whilst it was mathematically possible to catch this team, Orient would have needed to win a minimum of four games and Billericay would have had to lose their games. However we heard them saying just before kick-off that they had won three out of their four games on the day so knew it was not possible to reach them. In the first half Grint had two shots saved and Handley also had a shot, before Billericay scored. In the second half Handley shot wide but Orient were starting to look under pressure, however there were no further goals. Final score: Leyton Orient 0 v 1 Billericay Town Blues.

Manager Lewzey summed up the day and the season, “Orient gained seven points from the day’s games which meant their lead over the fourth placed team was extended. The previous season Orient had finished fourth, so the trajectory is going in the right direction. Having lost one of our forward players early in the season to a three-month injury, and another potentially unlikely to return any time soon (both goal scorers), this was a good result. Our defence has been very solid with Jones (who was unable to play today) having a great season. Next year, hopefully we can manage to score more goals and improve our league position further as nearly every game played has been close and every team could be beaten.”

Leyton Orient Women’s squad: Chris Williams (Gk and interim vice-cpt), Andree Selner (Cpt), Alison Kay, Ann Matthews, Clare Kavanagh, Ellie Guedalla, Frances Handley, Sarah Grint.

Goalscorers: Kavanagh, Handley.

Manager: Debbie Lewzey.

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Image used © 2025 Trevor Ridley