Leyton Orient FC Women (6) – QPR FC Women Reserves (0) 

Capital Women’s Cup – Intermediate 

Team: Crosby, Sibbick, Randall, Hampshire, Sheikh, Reid, Mahmoud, Lee-Walsh, Bass, El-Bergui, Habbal 

Subs: Fernandes, McNeilly, O’Donoghue, Carter, Monaghan 

Up for grabs was a place in the quarter-finals of the Capital Cup – intermediate level. The competition consists of Tier 6 and 7 sides from across London and the Home Counties. 

It was still raining heavily when we arrived outside Brisbane Road, but it began to subside by the time we took our places in the Main Stand. 

The home side provided the first attempt on goal, when their No.5 headed just wide of the post, following a corner. 

For the R’s, a breakaway down the left-flank resulted in Domique Hampshire shooting just wide of the target. 

Then, the Orient No.9 had the ball in the net, but it was ruled out for offside. 

At the other end, Sofia Sheikh made a good block in the box before clearing the ball to safety.  

The O’s took the lead in the 24th minute. After a back-heel, Annabelle Crosby made an excellent save, but Poppy Binding was following up to finish. 

 They then doubled their lead. Despite Sofia Sheikh managing to clear the ball off the line, Poppy Binding was well-placed to fire it home. 

The first of numerous changes throughout the game, saw Libby Monaghan and Adonia McNeilly introduced. 

Orient went 3-0 up on 40 minutes following another dangerous corner, which Lucy Porter forcefully headed into the back of the net. 

It became 4-0 within two minutes, when Georgia Griffin found the inside of the upright. 

Irene Fernandes was brought on just before the interval. Half-time: 0-4. 

Rangers started the second-half on the front foot, and a good opportunity saw Lola Durojaiye making a very good save. 

Sofia Sheikh made way for Molly Carter, before Lexi Reid’s attempt from distance flashed wide of the far post. 

Orient went close to increasing their lead when, following a swift counter-attack, the No.9 screwed the ball wide of the upright. 

After a move down the left-flank, the Orient keeper got down to grab Libby Monaghan’s shot at goal. 

Around the hour-mark, Steph McCaffrey was brought down in the box. Lucy Porter stepped up and sent the R‘s keeper the wrong way. 

The Orient No.27’s shot came off the post before going behind.                                                       

Later, Chloe O’Donoghue replaced Desa Bass. 

The home side made four changes, and this trend continued with players leaving and returning throughout the half.  

After being grounded, Adonia McNeilly limped off. 

On 75 minutes, Wiktoria Kiszkis made it six from close range, following Poppy Binding’s cross. 

Five minutes later, Annabelle Crosby made a superb point-blank save from their No.10. 

Despite it finishing 0-6 to the home side, the Rangers players gave their all throughout. 

Orient were then drawn against Ashmount Leigh in the semi-finals.  

Steve Russell 

(Thanks to Simon Staal for the above photo)