LOWFC PREVIEW: Ashford Town Ladies

This will be the first of two trophies Orient will compete for having booked their place in the Capital Cup final on May 2^nd.

Chris Brayford’s side are taking part in the Isthmian Cup for the first time this season, providing their first true shot at silverware since being promoted to the National League.

Orient sealed their place in the final with a 1-0 semi-final win away to Enfield Town Ladies on Wednesday February 27^th.

After a goalless 75 minutes, Hayley Barton’s pin-point free kick found the unmarked Sophie Le Marchand who headed home what proved to be the decisive goal.

It promises to be a great occasion where the O’s will look to take inspiration from the treble winning 2016/17 campaign, hoping to engrave their name on the coveted trophy.

Our Opponents

Ashford Town (Middlesex) Ladies compete in the Greater London Women’s Football League Premier Division.

They currently occupy first place with 38 points, just one ahead of second spot, having won 12 and drawn two of their 14 league games.

Last time out, the Middlesex club defeated Godalming Town 3-1 in cup competition thanks to a brace from Lavana Neufville and one from Phoebe Head.

Town have suffered just two defeats this season, both of which have come in cup competition, and will prove a very stern test for the O’s this Wednesday night.

Key Players

Leyre Bastyr has made a welcome return to the O’s starting eleven at left-back, providing pace and tenacity in attack with determination in defence. Bastyr has a great work rate, working up and down the left flank to provide attacking options and defensive cover.

Based on recent form, Ashford’s Lavana Neufville will be a huge threat and one for the O’s to watch closely. Neufville has scored a staggering 13 goals in her last four matches and will be eager to continue this form into the final.

A Look at the Stats

• Orient have won six of their eight matches in cup competition this season.
• The O’s netted 27 goals while conceding 15 during this time.
• They have kept only one clean sheet from those games.

• Ashford have played three more cup games than Orient this season (11)
• Town have scored double figures in six of their matches in all competitions.
• However, they have gone eight straight games without a clean sheet.

Cup Journey

On their way to the final, Orient began with a 6-1 victory away to Worthing Town Ladies which took them straight through to the semi-final stage.

Here, they travelled to fellow South East Division One outfit Enfield Town Ladies emerging 1-0 victors to secure their place in this week’s final.

Pre-Match Thoughts

Skipper Danielle Griffiths is feeling positive ahead of the match:

“Cup finals are always exciting occasions and as this is our first of the season we want to come away with the silverware! We know Ashford will be strong opposition, but we are confident, morale is high, and we have been playing well. Let’s hope for a good evening of football and bring a trophy back to east-London!”

Coming to the Game?

It doesn’t get much better than a cup final and the O’s will be counting on your support if they are to get their hands on some silverware.

The match takes place this Wednesday 17^th April at Parkside, Park Lane, Aveley, South Ockendon, RM15 4PX with kick off at 19:30.