LOWFC PREVIEW: Crawley Wasps (H)

Sadly, the hosts were narrowly beaten in the Capital Cup final against Actonians on Thursday, as Jessica Byrne’s late strike proved the only difference between the teams on the night.

Orient go into the final day of their league campaign sitting fifth in South East Division One with 32 points having won nine, drawn five and lost seven of their 21 matches.

The O’s trail Actonians Ladies and Enfield Town Ladies, who sit third and fourth respectively, by a single point and will be fighting for a top four finish on the last day.

In their previous league outing, Chris Brayford’s side played out a six-goal thriller against Actonians as the sides shared the spoils in a 3-3 draw at Rectory Park.

Our Opponents

League champions Crawley Wasps arrive in east-London having enjoyed a thoroughly successful season.

Wasps claimed the league title after winning 18 of their 21 matches, accumulating a mammoth goal difference of 76.

They also reached the final of the FA Women’s National League Cup where they finished runners-up after a 3-0 defeat to Blackburn Rovers Ladies.

Crawley will be looking to finish the season strongly ahead of their promotion to the FA Women’s National League Southern Premier Division.

Key Players

Orient skipper Danielle Griffiths will need to lift the group’s spirits after their cup final disappointment, while central defensive partner Hannah Porter never fails to provide reassurance with her quality.

In attack, striker Suaila Cardoso Queni was named ‘Opposition Player of the Match’ the last time these sides met. She possesses a tireless work ethic, blistering pace and will be hoping to show case her talent in front of goal too.

Kemina Webber netted two goals in four league games for Crawley Wasps during the month of February. She scored the opening goal against the O’s when the teams met for the reverse league fixture back in January and will be keen to strike again this weekend.

A Look at the Stats

• Orient have taken eight points from the previous 15 available with two wins, two draws and one defeat.
• During this time, the O’s have scored a total of 11 goals while conceding ten in the process.
• They will be looking to clinch their first clean sheet in the league since the 3-0 victory over Luton Town Ladies at Mile End on January 13^th.

• Crawley have suffered just one league defeat this season, which came against Billericay Town on 31^st
• Since then, Wasps are unbeaten in four league games taking ten points from 12 available. (W3 D1)
• However, the league champions are without a clean sheet from their previous three matches in league and cup competition.

Previous Encounters

Orient travelled to table toppers Crawley Wasps on 27^th January who were yet to drop points in the league at that time.

After a goalless first half, Kemina Webber’s early second half strike was quickly cancelled out by Lisa Holmback with a fine finish.

The O’s pushed their opponents all the way, but three goals in the final eight minutes helped Crawley to a 4-1 victory which continued their 100% winning streak.

Top Four Fight

Orient, Actonians and Enfield Town are battling for a top four finish and have all been handed home matches on the final day:

Orient vs. Crawley Wasps Ladies

Actonians vs. AFC Wimbledon Ladies

Enfield Town vs. Denham United Ladies

Coming to the Game?

If you can, please come down and show your support for the O’s in their final game of the season. The match takes place this Sunday 5^th May at St. Paul’s Sports Ground, Salter Road, Rotherhithe, SE16 5EF with kick-off at 14:00.