On Sunday 15 March, the women’s team travelled to Cheshunt for the first fixture of the Herts season. It was quite windy and cold, but were we hopeful that the rain would stay away.
Herts have a mini competition this year to award Golden Boot and Golden glove at the end of the season.
We were full of hope, and were feeling positive about getting a good start to the season. Unfortunately, two of our regular team members, Frances and Lynda, were not available to play due to injury and illness.
We were scheduled to play on the same pitch throughout the day, which also meant we would have the same ref for each game (this could be good or bad). The games were 14 minutes straight through, but because of the strong winds, it was decided that we would change ends after seven minutes, to make it fair. We were responsible for setting up and putting away our pitch for the day.
First up was Southend Greens, who were promoted to the Premiership League last season.
We were confident we could get a win in this game. We were fielding a strong team, and we beat Southend in the February Cup. However, we are fully aware that we are sometimes slow to get our game going in our first games. The O’s started well, and had some good play. Southend had a couple of shots on goal, but nothing to worry our keeper too much. The game ended a goalless draw. But at least we had a point on the board.
Result – Orient 0 – 0 Southend
Next to go was Cheshunt Eagles, the stronger of their two teams. Cheshunt Hawks were demoted to the Championship league last season.
This was going to be a more challenging game.
We started strong and were not giving Cheshunt too much of the play. At the end of seven minutes, it was still 0 – 0. After a change of ends, this continued, and it was back and forth until their main striker, who has a wicked strike, got hold of the ball and managed to get her shot away, which ended up into the back of our net. However, she had been backing into our defender a lot, which hadn’t been pulled up by our ref. This was frustrating for us.
Result - Orient 0 – 1 Cheshunt Eagles
Our third game was against the mighty Chesham, who have won the league for the past two years, they were fielding a strong team. We are never intimidated by any team and are capable of giving them all a run for their money on the day.
We played well against them, and it was quite evenly matched. Saying that, there was a lot of running going on which again wasn’t pulled up by the ref. As a result of this they were able to run onto the ball and strike two good shots which beat our keeper. Not surprising given the power they could get by being able to strike at pace.
Result – Orient 0 – 2 Chesham
Our fourth game was against our friends, North London. They were promoted to the Premiership League last season. Again, we were hopeful we could get a result. We gave a couple of our key players a rest in this game, but they were replaced by strong subs.
This was very back and forth, with the background noise mainly being filled by the North London coach!
Unfortunately, we couldn’t find the back of their net, and this ended in another goalless draw. But at least it was another point.
Result – Orient 0 – 0 North London
Now we came to our last game of the day against Luton Town. We had seen them score against Chesham, and they had a very good side, they looked very strong.
There was a bit of a delay with us starting this game. By this time, it had started raining and it had turned icy cold. Due to the delay, this meant that we were standing around longer than was ideal. We all got very cold and wet, and it was going to be a challenge to play in these conditions.
But play we did! We were managing Luton well, and we were first to score. A good assist by Sam, resulted in a strike from Clare K. At last, we had a goal. The play continued and Luton were getting more determined not to be beaten. Then, another good assist by Sam, resulted in our up and coming super striker Sally, getting a shot on goal, and with the help of a slight deflection, found the back of Luton’s goal. Two goals to the good, this must be Orient’s game for the taking. Then, with Luton’s determination only increasing, in what was now terrible weather conditions, they managed to get a good strike on goal which beat the O’s keeper. Don’t panic, we’re still a goal up. We just need to ride it out. Then disaster, a misjudged kick out from goal by the O’s keeper was latched on to by a Luton player, and before there was a chance for the O’s keeper to punish herself, the Luton player did it for her by putting the ball past her into the net. With not much time left, we just needed to hold on. The Luton team then seemed to multiply, like Gremlins do when they get wet. They were determined to get a win. They had more shots on goal, which the Orient keeper managed to save, and our poor defender Debbie was just soaking up the shots with all parts of her body. Unfortunately, in the dying minute, Luton found the target and got a third goal.
This was the most challenging game of the day. And the most disappointing, given we had been two goals up. But this also showed what guts and determination the O’s are capable of.
Although we were disappointed with only getting two points on the day, we have lots of positives to take forward to our next fixtures, and we know we can do better. This was only the start, and we have plenty of time to improve. The team stuck together as always and put in 100% of effort and determination.
The referee we had for the day, was not consistent with pulling up offences, there was lots of running and tackling going unpunished. He seemed to bow under pressure when teams were calling for him to give free kicks, something our team doesn’t do. We try to play fair at all times, and with a weak ref like we had, this can go against us.
We have the start of the Essex season coming up, and we will be ready to go again, with the same determination, team spirit and support for each other. Here’s hoping for better results to report next time.
Team –
Chris Williams (GK)
Debbie Lewzey
Sally Jones
Clare Kavanagh
Andree Selner
Sam Baker (C)
Ann Matthews
Clare Nwofor

Manager – Chris Williams