Leyton Orient Women emerged victorious after a goal filled match against Actonians Ladies at Mile End Stadium on Sunday in their bid to climb up the table.
It was a highly anticipated game with the O’s having faced Actonians three times previously, winning once in the Capital Cup and losing twice in the league.
These previous two defeats did not seem to deter the O’s however, as they managed to grab the win in the sunshine on their home turf.
Bizarre Beginning
Ahead of the face-off against Actonians Ladies, one change was made to the team from the previous week with Avril Kilkelly making her debut replacing captain Danielle Griffiths.
It was far from an ordinary start to this encounter with kick off delayed by 30 minutes, as Actonians Ladies arrived at the venue without kit! Nevertheless, the O’s started the game with general neat and tidy play as several good crosses by Hayley Barton resulted in some near misses.
Just after the ten-minute mark, Orient’s best chance arrived with an agonisingly close shot from Sophie Le Marchand despite the off-side flag being raised. The O’s had most of the possession in the first quarter, but this began to balance out as the game progressed.
All Square
After a succession of crosses for her teammates, Barton finally found herself with an opportunity to score just after the fifteen-minute mark and found the back of the net after linking up nicely with Sophie Le Marchand.
Following that tremendous goal from Barton, visiting defender Catherine Murphy received the game’s first yellow card after catching Le Marchand just on the half way line.
Orient continued play with a series of near misses and an offside opportunity. Unfortunately for the O’s, Actonians levelled thanks to a goal from Carla Williams five minutes before half time, after a messy tussle on the goal line which Orient were unable to clear.
Falling Behind
The second half began with a good chance for Actonians striker, Jennifer Laidlaw, when she fired straight at Orient goalkeeper, Naomi Ogunde who managed to save the shot.
In the 51st minute, the second half saw its first goal courtesy of Laidlaw, as Orient conceded another close-range shot having failed to defend – bringing the score to 2-1.
Orient had their fair share of chances in the second half, with a shot from Lisa Holmbӓck saved by Actonians goalkeeper Paige Horsnell after some good combination play.
Debutant Kilkelly, who had an impressive performance, was soon subbed for Chloe McNee.
Comeback Complete
A chain of smooth, accurate passes between Le Marchand and Tara O’Halloran, who had replaced Egle Trezzi, resulted in a second goal for Barton who levelled the score at 2-2 which encouraged the O’s to push for the win.
A missed shot by Belen Ripoll Douton, who replaced Lisa Fulgence, as well as a miss-timed effort from winger Le Marchand resulted in a corner. Barton’s delivery was turned into the near post by O’Halloran to edge the O’s 3-2 ahead.
Orient’s performance means that they move up to fourth in the table.
What’s Next?
Leyton Orient Women’s next match is away at Cambridge United Women in the FA Women’s National League Cup Second Round on Sunday 14th October. The O’s will be hoping for greater success away from home following their league defeat to Cambridge at Mile End in August.
