A hat trick from Orient youngster Josh Koroma and a goal from Steven Alzate saw Leyton Orient travel home from Wales with all three points. In a week where the HMRC set a date for the club to be wound up after an unpaid tax bill, the O’s squad let the football do the talking.
A starting 11 which included seven academy products raced into a 2-0 lead with Alzate tapping in at the back post on his first team debut while Josh Koroma slotted home minutes later. With the troublesome pitch Newport grew slightly in proceedings but on the stroke of half time Sam Dalby slid in Koroma for his second.
With Newport looking for a route back into the game, Orient held firm into the second half and after wonderful work from Alzate saw the youngster win a penalty. Koroma stepped up and slotted home from the spot to become the youngest O’s player to score a hat trick in 132 years.
A troubling week of off field problems came to an end with a team showing heart, bottle and desire. A manager who wants to be in charge of the club, and the fan base which is united on the fight to keep Leyton Orient in business.
A side which had been decimated through injuries, suspensions and we all know what else. The youngsters have been the bright sparks in a troubling season with Alzate slotting home at the back post in the opening ten minutes. Orient had experience bodies which were helping the young lads through it.
In Josh Koroma, Orient had an outlet and a man who was a threat. The youngster created the first for Alzate before slotting home for number two after a fantastic through ball from strike partner Sam Dalby. The wind and horrendous playing conditions were providing a tricky obstacle but Newport failed to create too much in attacking areas.
Newport tried to rally but Grainger was only forced into a save from Marlon Jackson. 395 travelling fans made the journey to Wales hoping that the players, management and fans can continue to pull together despite problems out of their control. The players obliged with a third in first half stoppage time after a break from Dalby who squared unselfishly to Koroma who tapped home.
Orient were out early in the second half looking to adjust to the conditions once more with Newport undoubtedly getting a rocket from manager Graham Westley. Koroma should have won a penalty for the O’s after breaking through the Newport defence but referee Gavin Ward booked Koroma for simulation.
However, Orient were not to be denied a fourth goal and what a moment for Josh Koroma who grabbed his hat trick which sealed a wonderful win for the East Londerers.
The full reality of the situation that Orient are in finally hit home on Thursday night with the discussion of administration and liquation but at a time like this, Orient will always make you smile.
A club which has been with my family since the mid 60’s with my Dad starting following the O’s as a teen. 50 years down the line, I am in my 16th season supporting the O’s and would not like to think of a situation where there is no Orient on a Saturday. A situation which is similar to nearly every Orient fan, a family traditional where father’s take their sons, granddad’s take their grand children.
The football community has finally woken up to the state of unrest at Brisbane Road but just look around on Twitter or Facebook to what the club means to so many people. I for one know that Orient will always be in Bristow household, no matter what. Because Once an O, always an O…..
The Magpies started with a fast tempo with Yoan Gouffran next to test Smithies in the Rangers goal but his tame shot was easily gathered by the former Huddersfield keeper. Rangers set up in a 5-3-2 formation looking to hit their hosts on the break at every opportunity and nearly drew level on seven minutes. Jake Bidwell found Massimo Luonga on the left hand side and the former Swindon man cut back on to his right food and curled a shot agonisingly wide of the far post.
Newcastle were finding it difficult to create going forward with Shelvey and Hayden dropping short to receive possession. However the nervousness around St James Park was easily to feel especially when Rangers countered. Midfielder Pawel Wszolek wasted a wonderful chance when Connor Washington’s through ball found him but he delayed too long allowing Jamal Lascelles to clear the danger.
With the sides level at the break, the home crowd were restless with the amount of poor mistakes through lack of concentration. Matt Ritchie swapped flanks in the second half looking to combine with Paul Dummett down the left. But it was Ciaran Clark who wasted the first chance of the half, heading over a Shelvey corner.
Holloway threw on his deadline day signing Sean Goss in place of Darnell Furlong as he searched for an equaliser at St James. The move allowed his side to play 4-3-3 with Lua Lua moved to a left wing berth, allowing him to cut in. The mood on Tyneside was of nervousness which grew with every minute.
Football Analyst 