Leyton Orient Women

Orient vs Chelmsford City

Match Preview
To be played 15th November, 2026

The first of two back-to-back matches against second placed Chelmsford City. This is an unfortunate piece of scheduling, probably due to Chelmsford’s success in the FA Cup, because it could mean that the division title is decided over the next two weeks, although Enfield Town would beg to differ. Chelmsford are the oldest women’s team in Essex, going back to 1986 although they only became one club in 2025 merging with the men, who can trace their lineage to 1872.

📷 CCWFC

Since they have been in the division, they have never finished lower than second. For Chelmsford the goals are provided by Zoe Rushen, thirteen in twelve games, and Rebecca Ingielewicz with eight in ten. These numbers are boosted by both Rebecca and Zoe scoring five each in a 12-0 defeat of Hutton. Abi Woolvin adds firepower but can only manage one every two games (six in twelve)! Even if you think the offensive statistics have benefitted from some flat-track bullying, it’s difficult to ignore a defence which has only conceded three times in six games – by some distance the best in the division. The mainstays here are goalkeeper Amy House supported by Naomi Sheffield, Lauren Butcher and Gaby Freeman. Emma Rushen, Zoe’s sister I guess, also turns up regularly as a defender. Rosie Coe is a midfield stalwart, usually supported by Ewelina Przybylek (more vowels Rachel).

📷 Roy Warner

Orient were missing quite a few of the girls last Sunday, for one reason or another, so it will be interesting to see what group Jody Buckley has to select from. Freya Faulkner returned in goal so maybe she gets another go this weekend. Everyone was very pleased to see Macie Windsor back at left back who, in tandem with equally diminutive right back Liv McGregor, jointly terrorised the Greater London premier league last season. Macie will be joined by the ever-present Gracie Hickman. Stef Paci and Lily Aungier will continue in midfield. The welcome return of Brittany Maldonado and new additions, Megan McAniskey, Katy O'Donnell and Molly Rose Sherrin will be keen to show what they can contribute.

📷 Roy Warner

Up front represents a conundrum, as the attack has not been prolific, although the team is creating chances. Amy Yeldham will seek to add to her four, while there are exciting young talents in Aleena Anwar and top scorer Libby Keeler. Beth Brogan and Sam Read both have a knack for being in the right place at the right time.

This is an important match for both teams. I don’t envy Jody Buckley who is trying to build an airplane while flying it as opposed to Chelmsford who have a more settled team who’ve played together more over the years. Chelmsford have the best attack in the division, which means that the Orient defence, which isn’t bad in the league, will need to step up. Chelmsford also have the best defence, so our attack will need to find another gear as well. These are the sort of games you want to play in and test yourself against the best. It will be a fascinating encounter.

Details about the ground at Cheshunt including transport links are available HERE.

Audio report

The chap who did the video and interview work for the Jammers last season is now doing similarly for Orient women, he's very good at it. He interviewed Freya Faulkner and Danielle Hindley after the Colchester game on Sunday and also recorded head coach Jody Buckley's post-match thoughts. You can see his work on Instagram HERE.

If you don't use Instagram, here's a 2m 50s audio recording of those interviews. click HERE or on the image below to listen in.

LOFCwomen.com - LIVE-TEXT Coverage: As it happens

Next Sunday's live-Text show will cover the season's first real crunch match where the top two clubs will clash. Live-text events can be a bit frantic but it's a lot of fun bringing you minute-by-minute updates as the game progresses. Not knowing the outcome adds some spice to the mix. We have Larry Peterson and Ben James (plus friends and the LOFCwomen.com air-horn) at the games, they send in reports every couple of minutes and we post them, live! straight onto our website. There are no adverts, no cookies, no tracking, no sponsors (No PHP code either) and there's no need to keep refreshing the page to see the latest update - we do all that - every game.

To watch Sunday's coverage, just click the graphic below:

Sunday's fixtures round-up

This Sunday, 15th November, there will only be two Division One South league games (D1S), another five of the clubs in our league (shown with *) are involved in the Capital Cup. As both us and Chelmsford have already fallen in the Capital Cup to the Premier division side Harpenden Town, we have brought forward our league game.

⚽  Looking at the league table (below), We can't lose top spot this weekend but if Chelmsford take the points, they'll be one point behind us with two games in hand and a much superior GD. No pressure ladies! Actually, of course there's pressure.... These are the games people are in competitive football for!

Current League table.

Eastern Regional Women's Football League (ERWFL)
Division One (South)

We'll be back on duty on Sunday with our regular LIVE-TEXT programme (see above) and again on Monday with a full review and round-up of Sunday's action.