Norwich City Ladies got off to the worst possible start as they lost 4-1 to Leyton Orient Women at the Mile End Stadium in east London.

Eastern Daily Press: Leyton Orient keeper Ogunde saves an inswinging free-kick from Aimee Durrant. Picture: Brian CoombesLeyton Orient keeper Ogunde saves an inswinging free-kick from Aimee Durrant. Picture: Brian Coombes (Image: Archant)

Straight from the kick-off Norwich were put under pressure and Orient took the lead with just a minute on the clock, when Sophie Le Marchand beat keeper Eilish Brogan at her near post.

Encouraged by the goal, Orient continued to press the Norwich defence and on 12 minutes the visitors conceded a penalty after a late challenge in the box, which Orient converted.

With just 20 minutes left in the half, Norwich began to exert themselves more in the Orient half with increased possession and were unlucky with two long-range efforts, both saved by keeper Naomi Ogunde.

Norwich continued to apply pressure, but were hit on the break, Le Marchand scoring her second goal to make it 3-0 at the break.

Eastern Daily Press: Norwich scorer Millie Daviss in possession. Picture: Brian CoombesNorwich scorer Millie Daviss in possession. Picture: Brian Coombes (Image: Archant)

The second half began with a double substitution for Norwich, Hope Armstrong replacing Brogan in goal and debutant Tigi Robson on for Summer Ward.

A reinvigorated Norwich side found their rhythm and after eight minutes pulled a goal back through Millie Daviss.

But hopes of a comeback were dashed when Orient scored again on the hour mark, through Hayley Barton.

Soon after Orient made two substitutions, with Lisa Fulgence on for Sarka Stryhalova and Rebecca Hirst for Kate Bradley. Norwich were forced into a final change on 83 minutes when Durrant was helped from the pitch, replaced by another debutant, Hannah Artis.

Eastern Daily Press: Norwich keeper Eilish Brogan saves a certain goal durign the game against Leyton Orient. Picture: Brian CoombesNorwich keeper Eilish Brogan saves a certain goal durign the game against Leyton Orient. Picture: Brian Coombes (Image: Archant)

The final few minutes were fairly even, with neither team looking likely to score.

One positive for Norwich was that four of their young ACC players got minutes in the game and all did well, with debutant Natasha Young playing a full game.

Norwich will now focus on their final away game this season at MK Dons Ladies, on April 8.

Norwich: Brogan (Armstrong 46), Osborne, Ward (Robson 46), Diston, Parker, Thacker, McDonald, Durrant (Artis 83), Daviss, Snelling, Drake, Youngs, Subs not used: Kennett.

Ref: Thomas Brooke. Att: 30.