Football Analyst

Leyton Orient manager Andy Hessenthaler is hoping his side can replicate their away form when they face Yeovil Town at Brisbane Road tomorrow afternoon. The O’s are unbeaten on their travels so far this season after a 2-2 draw away at Carlisle last weekend but have struggled in front of their home fans.

• League form – P7 W3 D2 L2 F11 A8
• Unbeaten in their last three, winning two, drawing one

Orient twice took the lead at Brunton Park last weekend but conceded an 87th minute penalty preventing them from making it back to back away wins. Hessenthaler hinted that there was slight frustration that they couldn’t see the game out post match however speaking to leytonorient.com he credited the passion, work ethic and desire that his side showed in the game.

• Seven of Orient’s eight goals conceded have been in the second half
• 50% of the goals conceded have been in the final 15 minutes of matches
• If games ended after 75 minutes, Orient would sit 1st after dropping five points from winning positions in the final 15 minute period

After back to back trips north to Morecambe and Carlisle; Orient will look forward to some home comforts this weekend. Hessenthaler’s men took four points from the two games away but acknowledges that his side need to take the form into their home games. Speaking post match to leytonorient.com “we are starting to take our chances if we keep creating chances we have to take them. We need to stop conceding silly goals and get it right for Saturday”.

• Home record this season – P5 W2 D0 L3
• Home form (most recent first) – WLWLL
• Last home game – Leyton Orient 3-2 Stevenage – EFL Trophy

Paul McCallum and Harry Cornick both netted last weekend setting Orient up for the win before Liam Kelly handled in the box late on. Hessenthaler understands that his side will need to show use game management if they are to challenge this season. Speaking ahead of the Yeovil game tomorrow to leytonorient.com “we spoke on Monday about managing the game at certain periods and perhaps we didn’t do it as well as we should off”.

For the second game in succession, the O’s conceded within the first five minutes of the second half which defender Tom Parkes acknowledges needs to stop. Speaking to leytonorient.com earlier today “We said at half time, don’t concede early doors and we did just that but we got back in front with a great finish from Harry”

The lack of clean sheets have not gone unnoticed by Hessenthaler and Parkes who both highlighted that the team have be keen on improving that this week, “we have spoken about clean sheets, we need to start getting a few, I believe we will get goals in the team from all positions. If we can keep clean sheets, we will definitely score. We have talked and worked on it this week” Hessenthaler added “the more clean sheets you keep, the more you are going to win games, it is certainly what we have got to do”.

• Orient have only kept one clean sheet in nine games this season – 3-0 win over Stevenage
• Kept two clean sheets in their nine home games
• Have conceded in four of their five home games this season
• Nine of Orient 11 goals scored have been from midfielders
• Orient have only failed to score in two of their last 14 matches in all competitions

Parkes who joined from Bristol Rovers in the summer has been an integral part of the defence in the early weeks of the season. The defender has settled well to life in London and with his team mates “we have a great bunch of lads here, we need to keep working hard, we jelled well and have a decent squad”. Parkes achieved back to back promotions with Bristol Rovers in the last two season and a key point for him to build on is their home form “normally teams are stronger at home and you try and nick things away from home. At the moment we are the opposite, we need to start turning it around on Saturday to try and build a platform”.

• Orient have won 18 of their last 20 games when scoring first
• Have only lost 1 of their last 26 games scoring first (Exeter 3-1 16/01/16)
• All 11 of their points this season have come scoring first
• In fact, 42 of Orient 44 points in 2016 have come when scoring first
• Without a win in their last 13 conceding first – W0 D2 L11
• Have just one win in their last 27 conceding first – Portsmouth 3-2 26/12/2015
• W1 D9 L17

Orient faced Yeovil on the final day of last season but a lot has changed at both clubs over the summer. Despite tomorrow’s visitors sitting in the bottom two, the Orient boss is still expecting a tough test, “they are on a bit of a sticky run, they will come and sit and make it difficult for us. Darren is a young manager who is just coming into management, they have a small budget and a few injuries so it has been difficult for them”. He continued “He will have them set up right, we know what we’ve got to do, be patient, play with a good tempo and hopefully get the three points”.

Yeovil arrive in E10 on the back of a 2-1 home to defeat to Hartlepool last weekend; their fifth consecutive league defeat. Two late goals from Pool at Huish Park leaves Yeovil in 23rd place with just four points. The Glovers started the season well with two wins in their first three games in all competitions but since mid August they have lost six of their last seven games.

• Have won only 1 of their last 8 games in all competitions – F2 A11 (4-3 vs Portsmouth , EFL Trophy)
• League Record – P7 W1 D1 L5 F5 A12
• Away record this season (all competitions) – P5 W1 D1 L3
• Last away games (most recent first) – LLLDWDLDLW

Despite the home defeat last weekend, manager Darren Way didn’t think his side deserved to lose. Speaking post match to ytfc.net “it is disappointing, I don’t think the players deserved to lose that 2-1. The first goal was very costly, it feels that way at the moment. The players are getting deflated when one goal goes in, that game should have never been two goals”. Way added “I have to make sure as a manager to work hard with the players and stop the goals going in, it was our base last year; if you don’t let goals in, you don’t lose games”

• Have conceded at least 2 goals in their last 5 games  – 16 in total
• Only kept two clean sheets in 10 games this season
• Only one in their last 8 games
• Kept just three in their last 15 games in all competitions
• However, they kept 14 clean sheets last season, only Wycombe (17), Portsmouth (16), Oxford (16) and Northampton (15) kept more

Way was appointed at the turn of the year with the aim of keeping the Glovers in League Two, which he achieved however it is now a testing time for the 36 year old. Post match Way stated “obviously it is my first spell as a manager with the run of defeats like we’ve had. I have to make sure I respond and react to stay strong and make sure the players see through this faze”

• Away League record last season – P23 W5 D6 L12 F20 A32
• Only York scored less than them away last season
• Only scored 48 goals in their last 53 leagues games since start of 2015/2016 season
• Failed to score in 21 of their last 53 league games – including three of their last six

Way doesn’t mind how his side find their much needed win, “a win is a win, we have got to do whatever we can to get it soon”. With injuries to some of his experienced players, Way knows that it is important to keep the younger player believing in what he is trying to do, “it has been difficult at times, we have lost a bit of experience which means relying on a lot of younger players that haven’t had that pressure of dealing with league two football on a regular basis”

• Four of Yeovil’s starting 11 against Hartlepool were aged 21 or under
• Seven of Yeovil’s 11 wins last season were by a 1-0 scoreline

With just six points separating Yeovil in 23rd and Stevenage in 12th, Way acknowledges that there is not a great gap at the moment and a couple of wins you are right back in amongst the middle of the table. However the difference in the majority for the Glovers boss has been “in both boxes”. Speaking ahead of tomorrow’s game in Leyton, “we have had a lot of final third entry but not the end product. We have been asking the strikers to be confident and positive with the midfielders looking to shoot. We feel it is a matter of time with a little bit of luck that our fortunes will change”.

• Have only won one of their last 11 conceding first – W1 D1 L9
• Have only lost one of their last 11 scoring first – W7 D3 L1

Defender Alex Lacey returned in last week’s defeat from a broken arm and was delighted to back involved within the side. Speaking on tomorrow’s opposition Leyton Orient to ytfc.net “we have watched clips on them, they seem a direct side with quite a few long balls forward to the back four. It will be a tough test especially at the back to keep a clean sheet”

A familiar face for Lacey and Way will be facing former teammate Harry Cornick who spent last season on loan at Huish Park. Lacey is excited to see Cornick again however knows that both sides have some inside information on each other, “he knows how we play and the manager’s style of play, but we know how he likes to work”.

Way  pulled no punches of what he expects from Orient tomorrow afternoon, “we don’t know how physical Orient will play but we will have to deal with the long diagnol ball which we have always had to deal with when coming to play Orient. We know both Gav (Massey) and Harry who were both here, the threat in wide areas we will have to deal with especially Massey who is very positive 1 vs 1. Harry was here last year and we all saw what he was about, we have to make sure we stop it at source and get there early”.

Team News

Jay Simpson and Nigel Atangana could both be back in contention after takig part in training this week after missing the last couple of games with back and groin injuries  respectively. Harry Cornick and Gavin Massey look set to face one of their former clubs with Jordan Bowery set to continue partnering Paul McCallum in attack.

Alex Lacey looks set to keep his place in defence after completing his comeback from a broken arm last weekend while Ollie Bassett will not be included having joined non league Dorchester Town this week. Josh Ezewele and Darren Ward will be both be available after recovering from knee injuries while the only doubt for the Glovers will be Ryan Dickson and Francois Zoko

Head to Head – Leyton Orient 10, Draw 7, Yeovil 8

Last meeting 07/05/2016 – Yeovil 0-1 Leyton Orient

• Leyton Orient are unbeaten in the last four meetings, winning three to nil
• Orient are unbeaten in their last five games at home, winning three and drawing two – including 1-1 draw last season
• In only one of the last seven games have both teams scored
• Yeovil last won at Brisbane road in 2011, with a 5-1 victory

Prediction – Leyton Orient 2-0 Yeovil Town

Jordan Bowery first Leyton Orient goal helped topple league leaders Morecambe. Bowery’s deflected effort nine minutes into the second half ensured Orient maintained their unbeaten away record. Liam Kelly netted his third in three games after his curling effort deceived Barry Roche in the Shrimps goal. Kevin Ellison restored parity early in the second half before Bowery’s first goal in a O’s shirt sealed victory.

Top of the table Morecambe made five changes from their side that lost 4-1 to Bury in the EFL trophy in midweek. Barry Roche returned in goal in place of Daniel Nizic who dropped down to the bench. Tom Barkhuizen, Jack Dunn, Cole Stockton and Michael Rose all returned to the starting 11 to welcome the visit of Orient.

Orient who beat Stevenage 3-1 on Tuesday night made four changes from that side. Alex Cisak returned in goal with Sam Sargeant dropping to the bench. Gavin Massey and Liam Kelly returned in midfield with Nigel Atangana missing through injury and Sandro Semedo dropping to the bench. While Yvan Erichot starting in place of Aron Pollock in defence.

Orient who were unbeaten on their travels began the game well, pressing their hosts high to prevent them from passing their way out. Robbie Weir and Liam Kelly were leading the pressing in the O’s midfield with the rest of the team joining. However it was the hosts who had the first shot of the match when Cole Stockton found space in the area but the on loan Tranmere man dragged his shot wide.

Both sides were struggling to find space to pass the ball around in the midfield but the freedom of Morecambe attacking quartet was asking questions of the O’s backline. Kevin Ellison and Tom Barkhuizen were making runs from outside to in allowing space for their full backs to advance with left back Aaron McGowan free on many occasions.

Cisak was called into action after 18 minutes when Kevin Ellison’s run to the right channel and shot caused Cisak to punch the ball away with O’s right back Nicky Hunt forced to clear away under pressure from Morecambe. The O’s did start to bring the ball down with Jordan Bowery seeing an effort deflected for a corner after a good move down the right for the away side.

As Orient grew into the game they took the lead just before the half hour mark with Liam Kelly grabbing his third in as many games. After bringing the ball down outside the penalty area, the former Oldham captain curled an effort towards goal which bounced over the hands of Barry Roche and into the net.

Gaining confidence from his scoring streak, Kelly then volleyed over after linking well with Harry Cornick down the right. Morecambe were struggling to create going forward with both Orient full backs: Nicky Hunt and Callum Kennedy looking very comfortable.

Leading at the break, Orient looked to push for a second right at the start of the second half but found Roche in inspired form. Three minutes after the interval, Roche saved brilliantly down to his right after a Robbie Weir effort was deflected on goal.

However, the hosts responded well drawing level just a minute later, indecision between Tom Parkes and Yvan Erichot in the O’s backline saw Ellison pounce. The wide man coming in from his left wing berth picked the ball up just outside the area and his deflected effort flew past Cisak to level proceedings.

But it was the away side who were the livelier after the equaliser with Bowery nearly restoring Orient’s one goal lead almost immediately. Following an exquisite through ball from captain Robbie Weir, Bowery advanced on goal but his low shot was tipped behind by Roche.

The away side did grab a deserved second, after a ball forward, striker Paul McCallum pounced on a second ball. His touch fell to Bowery inside the box, the former Oxford man pushed the ball to the side with his shot deflected beyond Roche to put Orient back ahead.

Orient continued with their attack on the home sides goal with Liam Kelly seeing an effort saved from point blank range before Paul McCallum’s effort from a Cornick cross when inches wide. Michael Rose fired wide from distance before Orient should have had a penalty when it appeared McCallum was hauled down at the back post. Great work from French centre back, Yvan Erichot who advanced forward and played the ball back to Cornick who crossed for McCallum.

With Orient continuing to see chances come and go with Parkes seeing a header saved whilst a well worked corner saw Yvan Erichot back post header tipped away, Orient fans were still nervous in the away end. Home manager Jim Bentley threw on Rhys Turner and Alex Kenyon to look for a response however Orient appeared comfortable.

Roche continued thwarting Orient’s attempt for a third when McCallum wondered what he had to do to score. After clever work down the right from Cornick saw his header find McCallum who’s volley from close range was pushed away by Roche’s legs.

Massey and Bowery saw late efforts saved and blocked respectively however with only a one goal lead, Orient nerves remained in evidence. With Morecambe throwing everything forward in the dying minutes, the away side held strong once more gaining three valuable points in their search for promotion.

Another crazy week in the life of Leyton Orient football club, how many of them have we had recently? But times move on, in a week where long serving winger Dean Cox was released a day after the transfer window and a injured French defender was signed on a three year contract.

Times move on, and what a professional performance from every Orient player today. From keeper to striker, every player knew their roles and responsibilities including from set pieces. Callum Kennedy continued at left back after his performance in midweek, with the former Wimbledon showing exactly the quality his has to offer. Comfortable, confident and solid in defence and the ability to get forward, putting in great crosses.

The centre half partnership of Erichot and Parkes is continuing to grow and develop as they play more games together. Massey and Cornick showed their attacking intent and the thrat that they cause opposition defences throughout. Bowery netted his first goal for Orient and how pivotable could it prove to be. He has struggled at the start of his O’s career but his confidence was given an instant boost after he opened his account.

Paul McCallum looked after for the game highlighting his credentials for being first choice striker with Liam Kelly continuing his great work in the O’s midfield. Breaking up play and pitching in with another goal to give Orient a foothold in proceeding.

However the two standout performances were from Birthday boy, Nicky Hunt and captain Robbie Weir. People may have looked surprisingly at the decision to release Sean Clohessy earlier in the week but on today’s evidence Hunt showed the quality and experience he has to help the team. Game management from Hunt was evident throughout which breeds confidence in the O’s side.

But Weir who would be first to say he struggled in the opening weeks of the season showed why he was brought in. Following his arrival he would have thought his position as first choice central midfielder was nailed on however the early season form of Nigel Atangana seems to have kicked him into gear. Weir’s vision in the second half helped Orient push forward with his game management and experience of League Two providing a solid base in defence.

Three points against the league leaders gives everyone a smile especially with the performance of the whole team. A tough place to go but with Orient unbeaten in their first three away games, they highlighted that they can go anywhere and pick a result up. The home form will be next on the agenda to improve but it is clear to see that Orient have the ability to be a great side away from home providing that they defend well. The quality they have in attack should do the rest.

Carlisle away next weekend up is next up, a long journey north on the train but after a tough week, everyone needs to finally move on and look to the future. No-one knows where the journey will take us, but all I know is Brunton Park is next up and I’ll be there.

Leyton Orient face a tricky trip to early League leaders Morecambe tomorrow with the O’s boss knowing that his side must be hard to play against in order to get a result. Orient bounced back from a disappointing 2-1 defeat to Mansfield last weekend with a 3-1 win in the EFL trophy in midweek.

Hessenthaler rotated his squad giving some of his squad players a chance to impress with plenty doing just that. Speaking ahead of the trip north tomorrow to leytonorient.com “Tuesday was the perfect opportunity for people to play who hadn’t been playing in the team and it has given me plenty of food for thought ahead of Morecambe”.

Paul McCallum bagged a brace against Stevenage to make his season tally to four goals after scoring twice vs Fulham earlier in the campaign. The striker who is showing the form of last season before his injury, with Hessenthaler pleased for the former West Ham trainee. Speaking after Tuesday’s win, Hessenthaler stated to leytonorient.com “it was great for Paul, his fitness levels are getting better and better, he needed that 90 minutes. He worked his socks off, with Paul we need to get the balls in the box, he will head them in and be in the right place”

Along with McCallum, Semedo was pushed into a more attacking position after starting the season at left back. Both Semedo and Harry Cornick caused Stevenage all kinds of problems down the flanks with all three goals scored from crosses into the box. Cornick who has been in impressive form since his loan move from Bournemouth in the summer revealed that Hessenthaler asked them to put crosses in and the strikers would do the rest.

Cornick who can play on either wing was pleased with the overall team performance which gave them their first home win of the season. Speaking post match to leytonorient.com “it was a much better performance, we kept the ball a lot better, we had better shape off the ball and once we had the ball we can play teams off the park”.

Club captain Nicky Hunt also gave high praise to Orient’s attacking players ahead of tomorrow game, speaking to leytonorient.com earlier today “we have got wingers who have got real pace, power, good delivery and the ability to score goals. They are starting to terrorize defenders and there are not a lot of full backs in the league that will want to face them”.

Hunt missed the start of the campaign after suffering an ankle injury at the end of pre season but is happy to have regained his place in the side. Hunt stated that his side needed the result on Tuesday to put the defeat to the back of their mind but knows that it will e a tough test tomorrow. “It is a massive game against top of the table Morecambe. They have started the past 4/5 season well well but we have a lot of quality in the squad to go anywhere to get results. We showed that at Grimsby, the squad is more than capable of getting the win but we will take it one game at a time”.

Morecambe’s last five seasons record and positions after six games

One man that Hessenthaler will not be able to call upon is winger Dean Cox who left the club on Thursday after his contract was cancelled. Sean Clohessy and Scott Kashket also left the club in midweek.

Morecambe head into tomorrow’s clash sitting two points clear at the top of League two after four consecutive wins. Last weekend they fought back from 2-0 down away at Accrington to win 3-2 to cement their place at the top. In midweek they suffered a 4-1 defeat at Bury in the EFL trophy where manager Jim Bentley rotated his squad.

• Sit two points above second placed Luton Town
• Five different scorers with Kevin Ellison (2) and Cole Stockton (2) top scorers

Despite the EFl trophy having a mixed reception with its new format amongst clubs, managers and players, Bentley stated that their changes were enforced on them. Speaking post match to morecambefc.com “If you look at it, I work with the players every day and we had a few changes enforced on us, Cole Stockton (tight groin), Conlon (International duty), Barry Roche (dead leg)”.

• Two home league games so far this season – Portsmouth (2-0 W), Blackpool (2-1)
• Five of their Eight games this seasons have seen both teams scored
• Scored 8, Conceded 5

Bentley felt that Tuesday result was bound to come at some point with how much effort his side had put in during recent weeks, “sometimes you find a game where you hit a brick wall. We put in a mammoth amount of energy, commitment against Bournemouth. We went into Accrington afterwards which was a massive ask, with the local derby and the psychology around it” .

• Last home games (most recent first) – LWWDLLW
• Failed to keep a clean sheet in 12 of their last 16 games

However the defeat has not dampened his mood “there have been plenty of positives for us, we don’t want people to be doom and gloom. We have been fantastic in the month of August and we are confident and positive going into Saturday’s game”. He added “Tonight they shared us in all departments, they were sharper, stronger and fresher. They are a league above but credit to them they deserved to win the game”.

After back to back away wins in the league over Accrington and Yeovil, Bentley is hoping the town of Morecambe come and support his top of the table side. Speaking ahead of tomorrow’s clash to morecambefc.com “Hopefully they can come out and support us, we are top of the table. A great month first but now we want to start the new month in fine fashion”.

Team News

Leyton Orient could give Callum Kennedy is league debut after winger Sandro Semedo impressed in a more attacking role on Tuesday. Jay Simpson could return to the squad after his recent back injury while Yvan Erichot looks to have recovered from a thigh injury Orient’s major doubt comes with French midfielder Nigel Atangana after he was forced off through injury against Stevenage. Recent siginng Ulrich Nnomo is waiting on International clearance.

Hessenthaler on Morecambe “they have had an excellent start, Jim has been there a while now. His coaching staff have done an excellent job on a tight budget. He is a good man and knows the game, he will have them organised. They have good player here and it will certainly be a tough test”.

Morecame’s deadline day signings Ntumba Massanka and James Jennings are set to be included in the matchday squad after their loan moves from Burnley and Cheltenham. Cole Stockton and Barry Roche looked to have shaken off knocks but Luke Conlon is away on International duty with Northern Ireland U21’s. Midfielder Peter Murphy will be in the squad after coming through unscathed from Tuesday’s defeat at Bury.

Head to Head – Morecambe 0, Draw 0, Leyton Orient 2

Last meeting – Leyton Orient 1-0 Morecame – 19/03/2016

There have only been two meetings between the sides, both last season and finished 1-0 to Leyton Orient

Prediction – Morecambe 2-2 Leyton Orient

Second half goals from Liam Kelly and Ollie Palmer sealed back to back victories for Leyton Orient. The O’s weathered a first half storm from Grimsby where visiting keeper Alex Cisak pulled off three fine saves to prevent the home side from taking the lead.

Orient took the lead against the run of play when home keeper James McKeown presented Liam Kelly with an easy finish 10 minutes into the second half. Grimsby began to leave spaces at the back in search for an equaliser however another mistake from centre half Josh Gowling presented Ollie Palmer with a one on one which he duly tucked away.

With time epping away second half substitute Dominic Vose’s deflected strike pulled one back in injury time but Orient hung on to move up to fourth.

On the back of their 3-0 win against Tuesday against Stevenage, Orient made one change with Jordan Bowery coming in for the injured Jay Simpson who missed out with a back injury.

Grimsby who were on a run of three successive away defeats made two changes from their defeat to Colchester on Tuesday. Returning Craig Disley came in for Tom Bolarinwa who dropped to the bench while Shaun Pearson came in at centre back for Andrew Boyce.

Following a slow start from the visitors the home side seized the initiative and were pressing on the front foot. Indecision in the O’s backline saw the ball fall to Omar Bogle who saw his effort smothered by Alex Cisak.

Grimsby continued their search for an opening goal when James Berrett seized on a miss placed pass from Sandro Semedo but the Grimsby winger saw his effort saved. From the resulting corner midfielder Craig Disley glanced his free header wide as Orient continued to look shaky at the back.

As the game began to settle down, the O’s still looked second best to the home side where penalty appeals were waved away after Omar Bogle tumbled under a Sandro Semedo.

Orient were second best all over the pitch and were thankful for Alex Cisak in their goal. Bogle wriggled free inside the box with his goal bound shot seemingly destined for the top corner but Cisak tipped the effort wide.

Orient struggled to create going forward with a mistake nearly presenting them with the opening goal. After Nigel Atangana found Jordan Bowery in the right channel who’s cross was deflected off two Grimsby defenders over the bar.

The Mariners continued to create going forward when left back Danny Andrew produced a wonderful cross from the left but striker Kayden Jackson could only fire wide at the near post. Ex Orient midfielder Luke Summerfield was next to test Alex Cisak but the Australian shot stopper kept the midfielder at bay.

Half time came at the right time for the away side however Grimsby still remained in the ascendancy at the start of the second half. Cisak continued to be in fine form in the Orient goal saving from Jackson at his near post before James Berrett wasted a glorious chance at the back post. Following a good move down the left by the hosts, Ashley Chambers cut in from the left whipping in a delicious ball to the back post where James Berrett glanced his header wide.

Orient moved midfielder Harry Cornick into more of a central role in the second half with the move almost having the desired effect 9 minutes after the interval. Collecting the ball midway inside the Grimsby half, Cornick released Gavin Massey down the right who saw his teasing cross deflected agonizingly wide of the far post.

Orient took the lead just a minute later and there was more than an element of fortune with the goal. After Jordan Bowery skipped clear down the right, as he reached the by line he crossed to the centre. Home keeper Jordan McKeown looked to have claimed the cross however the ball went loose to the on rushing Liam Kelly who touched home from one yard out.

After scoring against the run of play, the goal seemed to push the away side on more with Bowery nearly scampering clear but a last ditch challenge prevented the O’s striker from getting a shot away. Orient wasted a glorious chance when Dean Cox’s drilled corner found an unmarked Tom Parkes who glanced wide from six yards out.

Bogle still provided a threat for the home side and should have drew level when the ball fell loose in the box but the front man fired wide from inside the six yard box. As the game entered the final 20 minutes, Andy Hessenthaler threw on Ollie Palmer in place of Dean Cox to try and stretch Grimsby’s back line.

With the home side pushing for an equaliser, spaces were left at the back which resulted in Palmer wrapping up the points sending them back to East London. A hopeful ball forward to Palmer was misjudged by Josh Gowling at the back which presented the O’s front man with the chance. The former Grimsby striker broke free, finishing low beyond James McKeown and celebrating with the O’s away fans behind the goal.

The second goal seemed to kill off the home side who saw Ashley Chambers’s effort smothered by Cisak in the Orient goal before the traditional “Orient are making hard work for themselves”. As the game entered added time, substitute Dominic Vose’s deflected shot looped over Cisak, pulling one back for the home side. However the O’s saw out the remaining minutes to seal back to back wins, moving them up to fourth.

Don’t let the score fool you, a win is a win and you will take one any day of the week but Orient had to be very thankful of keeper Alex Cisak. Orient’s no 1 produced a string of fine saves in the first half to keep his side in the game. Orient were second best for all of the first half, losing ball in midfield and looking lost for ideas in attack. The attacking trio of Massey, Cornick and Cox, looked ineffective when attacking however attacking was very limited.

However the fact remained that the score remained 0-0 with Grimsby wondering whether they would rue their miss chances. Indeed they did in the second half where two mistakes were punished by the away side. I don’t think Orient will be presented with two easier goals all season but who cares; you will take them all day long. The first a cross dropped on the goal line to Liam Kelly to tap home then a defender missing the ball gifting the ball to Palmer who slotted home.

The Simpson saga continues with the front man missing with a “back injury” but was at the ground to watch the game. With Gnanduillet gone to Blackpool and McCallum’s absence from match day squads still a mystery to everyone in attendance, what will the next episode bring?

Two wins from two this week with two performances at the opposite end of the spectrum. Tuesday’s performance was very encouraging on the eye with the today’s vastly opposite but a win is a win. But how many times has it happened to Orient in recent seasons, have countless chances in a game then two mistakes cost them the game. Orient were clinical with the two chances that were gifted to them.

Fourth in the table before Mansfield at home next weekend, the question remains will Simpson be available, fit, still at the club or gone? With only Ollie Palmer and Jordan Bowery named strikers in the squad, will we see some movement in attacking areas before the window shuts?

Who knows when it comes to Leyton Orient, all I know is away days are made so much better when you grab an undeserved victory. Onwards and upwards to Mansfield next weekend.