Match Report - Essex Women’s Walking Football League - 16 May 2026

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On Saturday 16th May, in advance of Eurovision (EV), Leyton Orient Walking FC Women travelled to Great Baddow High School for the third Essex League tournament of the season. The weather was mixed and we hoped that we would be ‘Heroes’ (EV 2015) and would not come away with ‘Only Teardrops’ (EV 2013) but would leave our opponents ‘Running Scared’ (EV 2011).



The opening game was against Hawkwell. An early shot from Hawkwell was easily saved by Williams and Kavanagh responded with a shot at the other end which was batted away by their keeper. The resultant corner was blocked and Hawkwell broke away but Williams was alert and made a double save. There was some good passing play from Orient but Hawkwell, who were promoted last year from the Championship winning 18 or their 25 games, were tough to break down. Their fourth running offence however led to a penalty for Orient, but Baker’s high shot was saved by their keeper. Result: 0-0.

Our second game was against Beacon Hill who were stronger and more physical than the previous encounter. Marking was very tight and whilst Orient had the majority of play, we were unable to break through the Beacon Hill defence who remained pretty solid throughout the game and made it very difficult to find space. Orient's passing in the second half of the game became a bit more erratic than usual, possibly born by frustration and many passes didn’t reach the intended target, with Beacon Hill getting to ricochets and second balls more quickly than us. Two goals were scored in very quick succession by them and the only Orient shot from Nwofor was saved. Result: 2-0 Beacon Hill.

Next up, Orient faced Harlow Town. Despite some good defensive blocks from Orient, and a great stretching save from Williams, Harlow managed a well-worked goal - as pointed out by the referee who was giving them encouraging comments throughout the game and didn't really feel impartial. Result: 1-0 Harlow.

Game four was against Valley Green Diamonds. A positive start from Orient and whilst a Valley Green defender wandered into their ‘D’ this was missed and not penalised by the ref. The verbal goal keeper did however get pulled up later for trying to sway the referee with her commentary. Orient had more shots in this game than in the prior matches - Matthews was wide of the post with her shot following a corner. The surface of the pitch meant the ball passed very quickly and often this was just too fast for Baker or Kavanagh to get on the end of. However Kavanagh did manage to score following a great team passing movement. There were further shots from Jones and Nwofor and some good defending, leaving one player injured. Result: 1-0 Orient (Kavanagh).

The final game of the day was against Billericay who were topping the table. The first attack from Billericay was intercepted by Grint and Jones also made good blocks throughout the game. Jones also had a couple of shots on goal, which were saved, whilst Grint shot high over the bar. It was a tough game with some blocks deemed to be tackles, resulting in a few personal warnings being given. Keeper Williams was given a breather and hardly troubled in this game as Orient held their ground well to earn a well deserved draw, which lifted the spirits a little. Result: 0-0 Orient.

Orient gained five points from the day’s games and kept three clean sheets - that’s 1,2,3, - or as ‘Look mum no computer’ is saying tonight - Eins, Zwei, Drei.

The squad for the day was:
Chris Williams (GK), Sally Jones, Sarah Grint, Debbie Lewzey (Manager), Clare Kavanagh, Clare Nwofor, Sam Baker (Captain), Alison Kay and Ann Matthews.
Full results -
Hawkwell 0-0 Leyton Orient
Beacon Hill 2-0 Leyton Orient
Harlow Town 1-0
Valley Green 0-1 Leyton Orient
Billericay 0-0 Leyton Orient.
Goalscorers: Kavanagh 1
Match report -Debbie Lewzey