On Sunday 27th July, Leyton Orient Walking FC women travelled down to Gloucester to compete in the WFA National over 50s Women’s Cup. The team had been set a high bar by the Orient Over 60s women’s over-performance the previous day, so an unintended challenge was seen to have been set. Due to unavailability of Orient’s own age qualifying players, there is gratitude to our footballing colleagues from Steppers & North London teams, which allowed this participation.

Two groups of five teams in each, played each other in games of twelve minutes each way (with a one minute break). Leyton Orient faced highly rated opposition and were in Group A.

First up were Birmingham (eventual competition winners). Two minutes in and a controversial goal was scored by the opposition only then to be overturned by the referee who decided the ball had gone through a side netting gap. Understandably maybe, this was met with derision by the opposition. Orient held the attack off but eight minutes in and the O’s conceded their second goal. Lots of walking offences by Birmingham and players substituted but at half time the one goal deficit remained. Resumption saw important blocks by the O’s defence and two high saves from keeper Williams, but alas good team passing saw Birmingham score again – the last being twenty eight seconds from the end. Final score: Leyton Orient 0 v 3 Birmingham.

Straight away Orient’s second game was against Oxford. A muddle at the back saw the ball dribble past Orient’s keeper almost in slow motion putting Oxford one up. Under pressure Carty’s defensive mis-kick luckily went wide. An Oxford goal was then disallowed due to their No 9’s running offence – this player was often running yet not penalised consistently: only 2 warnings & with a lot of dissent shown by her. The player in question was marshalled well by Lewis most of the time but a second Oxford goal went in just before half time. The resumption saw the O’s hard working Kavanagh’s goal disallowed for running. Then an opportunity free kick near Oxford’s goal but not taken advantage of. Misunderstandings at back and frustrated passing allowed Oxford a third goal. Kavanagh was unlucky with a shot that went wide in the final minutes. Final score: Leyton Orient 0 v 3 Oxford.

A short break for the Orient players before their third game against Bristol Badgers. This turned out to be a surprise loss as although Orient had much more possession in this game five goals were conceded. One of which seemed unfair as Orient had stopped due to a player being down (usually the game is halted in such occurrences). The lack of defensive cohesion became too much for keeper Williams, who requested substitution after the third goal went in. Thomas replaced Williams in goal and Lewzey was replaced by Kau due to an unrewarded kick injury. Williams came back on as outfield player and had two shots, one was a great save by the keeper and one was blocked. At the other end Thomas made a fine save just as whistle blew for full time. Orient were both shocked and dismayed at the final score. Final score: Leyton Orient 0 v 5 Bristol Badgers.

Orient’s fourth and final game was against a strong British All Sorts (BAS). Williams continued to play in the outfield and put in a strong performance, with Thomas remaining in goal and making some fine diving saves. The games first shot came from the O’s Kavanagh with no reward. Then another O’s attack gave Kavanagh another chance however this led to a breakaway pass to an unmarked player who scored the All Sorts first goal. Only one down at half time and Orient hoped they still had a chance. Change of players for BAS side to recommence. Orient still managed to pressure All Stars. Lewis hit the post. Then a Kavanagh shot went wide. Kavanagh was relentless in her efforts and covered so much ground throughout she deserved a goal but it didn’t come. Matias didn’t get a chance to release the hard shots she’s known for. Then All Stars second goal went in off post. Orient’s free kicks just couldn’t be converted. Hyatt received a warning just outside the area but at final whistle score stood as another defeat. Final score: Leyton Orient 0 v 2 British All Stars.

After play Lynda Dowling summed up the day, “Overall a very difficult day for the O’s team. four defeats with the frustration of knowing they could have done better. Unfamiliarity of playing together, small squad and tough games led to the outcome and players needed consolation after as were so disappointed. On reflection it was obvious that such competitions need a full squad available to allow individual recovery and effective substituting. Later in the evening, and after a drink, players had recovered enough to be more philosophical about the experience- ie. Win some lose some! Overall the weekend was enjoyed very much. Thanks go to Leyton Orient Walking FC for part funding, to Chris. Williams for co-ordinating and organising everyone and to Club Captain Andree Selner for her non playing attendance and support.”

Leyton Orient squad: Chris Williams, Clare Kavanagh, Debbie Lewzey, Lynda Dowling, Mary Kau, Linda Thomas, Gweneth Carty, Sherrille Haytt, Lewis, Matias.

Goalscorers: .

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