An inspired first half display from Spurs loanee, Tommy Carroll helped move Orient to 10th. Carroll’s movement and composure on the ball was a pleasure to watch, not something you expect from an 18 year old, he dominated the midfield along with Spring to control the Orient attacks.

Orient first was pure class from Carroll, a neat turn to get away from a County attacker, his vision and wait of ball was perfect for Stephen Dawson to get in behind the right back. Dawson turned back inside to find Carroll in space, Cox made a run in behind the defense, creating the opportunity for Carroll to pass. Carroll’s pass was inch perfect, taking in his stride, Cox delicately finished into the bottom corner rightly giving Carroll credit that he fully deserved.

Orient were in complete control dominating the whole game with Cox, Revell, Daniels, Carroll and Dawson all having chances to get the second. Carroll and Spring were picking passes at will letting both full backs: Daniels and Whing to break down the wing creating more chances. The only thing missing was a second Orient goal for a complete first half display. But Orient were nearly made to rue the missed opportunities just before the break, a cross into the box fell kindly for Westcarr who scuffed his shot straight at Jamie Jones, better contact and he would have scored.

The second half started off slow but nine minutes after the interval is where the game came into another light. A cute through ball from Carroll set Revell away, who took it round the onrushing Nelson and shot at goal. The defender slid back where he brilliantly kept the ball out, the linesman flagged for a very harsh penalty which infuriated both County players and the management team. The ref seeks to speak to his assistant whilst Ince on the touchline decides to throw his half time cuppa over Kevin Dearden. No-one knew where to look, 5 minutes it took for the Ref to get a grip on the game sending both Ince and his assistant off where Ince preceded to tell Dearden ‘I will see you outside’. After the 5 minutes Nelson and Westcarr were putting Revell off which inevitably meant he would have his penalty saved. About a minute afterwards, a corner was whipped in by Cox, Revell rose at the back post his header was cleared off the line, it wasn’t going to be his day.

This encouraged County to attack, they came close with Westcarr’s header going just wide and a goal line clearance from Daniels kept the score at 1-0. Orient needed to get the second to be comfortable and that came with 11 minutes to go. Carroll was caught after a great turn, Cox proceeded to take the free kick and Whing was left unmarked 9 yards out to glance Cox’s ball into the bottom corner. What would Orient do without Cox? This made the result comfortable with introduction of skillful Mpoku, meant he would run the clock down showing off his skills

A comfortable win in the end for the Orient, the defense was solid, Daniels was superb going forward and defending, Whing timing every tackle, capping his fine performance with a goal, Forbes solid as usual and a special mention to Omozusi who had a very comfortable display at center half. The midfield quartet played very well but drifted in and out in the second half; Spring and Carroll a pleasure to watch in composure and passing, youth and experience combining very well. With the industrious Dawson and Cox on either side giving Orient further options to attack. Lastly, the front two, Kane had a better game today dropping off from Revell to receive the ball early or get behind with a ball over the top. Good display from Kane and Revell but Revell knew it wouldn’t be his day.

Slade inspired the players after the 5-0 defeat in the week, the league is more important and that was shown with the first half dominance. MOTM  was hard with special mentions to Carroll, Cox, Spring, Daniels, Omozusi and Whing. Daniels is  very good outlet and Carroll run the show in the first half  his performance dipped in the second half but showed he had the real quality throughout. A thoroughly deserved three points for the O’s today, push on against Walsall on Tuesday night where the Orient look to push on to the play-offs.