On Saturday 13th September, the women’s team travelled to Great Baddow, Chelmsford, to compete in a Essex Women’s Walking Football League ‘Taster Day’. As the name suggest, this was an opportunity for players new to the game or who don’t normally play in league matches to get some experience. It was also a chance to try out the Great Baddow High School site which will be the venue for all Essex Women’s League games next season.

Orient travelled with a team of eight players including newcomer Emma Philpott and with Sam Baker returning to the squad for the first time since her nasty ankle injury in May.

Six teams competed in a round-robin format with each game ten minutes each way. Most teams were a mix of new and more experienced players, with one new team – Foxash. First up for Orient were Billericay Reds. Orient started well, with an excellent typical Handley goal where she turned her opponent and shot cleanly into the corner. Billericay got one back on the stroke of half time. Second half saw plenty of chances, but few on target before Orient accrued the dreaded four non-walking offences. Billericay duly converted the penalty. Final score: Billericay 2 v 1 Leyton Orient (Handley).

Next came Foxash. The story was much the same as the first game where Orient had lots of chances but little to really worry the Foxash keeper. Again Orient accumulated four non-walking offences, which was a surprise to us as the referee had not made this clear. Justice was served, with Williams saving brilliantly. Unfortunately, Foxash managed to score against the run of play. Baker and Grint combined in two well executed free kicks, but Orient couldn’t convert. Final score: Foxash 1 v 0 Leyton Orient.

Game three was against Beacon Hill Rovers. The O’s stepped up a gear in this game, really peppering the away goal with attempts by Matthews, Jones, Handley, Baker and Grint – all the outfield players! The stalemate was broken by a brilliant long distance shot by Grint. Final score: Beacon Hill Rovers 0 v 1 Leyton Orient (Grint).

Next up was Valley Green Emeralds. Again Orient had lots of chances with good passing moves up, down and across the pitch with all players linking up well, but yet again it was Orient’s opponents who found the back of the net following a very soft penalty. Final score: Valley Green Emeralds 1 v 0 Leyton Orient.

The final game of the day was against Billericay Whites, where Orient really hit their stride – despite only having six fit players left. The opener was another Handley special just before half time. In the second half Baker crowned her comeback with a great goal before Handley added a third after an inspired back healed assist from Kay. Billericay scored a well taken consolation goal just before the end. Final score: Billericay Whites 1 v 3 Leyton Orient (Handley 2, Baker).

Alison Kay summed things up, “All in all a good day, somewhat marred by injuries to Matthews and Philpott. Luckily the rain stayed away till right on the final whistle. This was a good warm up before the Herts League resumes next weekend. The pitches and facilities at Great Baddow were excellent and should be a great base for next season. It was nice to have some supporters with us and thanks to Clare Kavanagh for writing this report (apart from this bit!)”

Leyton Orient squad: Chris Williams (Gk),Sally Jones, Sarah Grint, Sam Baker (Cpt), Ann Matthews, Alison Kay, Emma Philpott, Frances Handley.

Goalscorers: Handley 3, Grint, Baker..

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