Football Analyst

The introduction of second half substitute Jack Payne provided the spark Leyton Orient needed to fight back to earn a 2-2 draw against Oxford. The East London side were well off the pace in the first half with Kemar Roofe and a deflected John Lundstram strike putting Oxford into a deserved 2-0 lead. The U’s were in complete control until Ian Hendon threw on midfielder Jack Payne and striker Ollie Palmer.

Both player made an instant impact with Orient looking to dictate play, as Orient looked more up for the challenge. The two subs combined with 25 minutes left as Jay Simpson halved the deficit before one of the major turning point. U’s midfielder Jordan Graham received a second caution after kicking the ball away which gave Orient the initiative to kick on. However it took until added time when a Palmer knock was laid off by Sammy Moore to the feet of O’s academy product, Scott Kashket, to fire home for his first league goal.

Orient boss Ian Hendon made three changes from the side that lost 3-2 at Crawley last weekend: Mathieu Baudry returned from injury in place of Alan Dunne who served his suspension whilst Jack Payne and Ollie Palmer dropped out for Blair Turgott and John Marquis.

Oxford who were on the back of four straight wins in all competitions, made only 1 change as they welcomed back Callum O’Dowda in place of Danny Hylton with in form midfielder Kemar Roofe moving further forward.

With both sides keen for a result, the game started at a fast pace with a good tempo, alongside the fierce atmosphere created with sides playing each other for the first time since the infamous game back in 2006. Orient were struggling to link through the midfield with Ian Hendon adopting a flat midfield four than his preferred midfielder diamond: a decision he would later regret. Oxford were playing the ball around nicely but it was Orient who had the first half chance when Cox’s shot was blocked for a corner whilst Blair Turgott and John Marquis saw efforts seen out for corners.

Despite the few half chances for the O’s, the U’s were soon in to their passing rhythm and flow which has seen the rise to third in the division. It appeared Hendon had changed his system to prevent Oxford wingers Jordan Graham and Callum O’Dowda from advancing forward. However, this was far from the outcome with both wingers looking lively and dangerous with their crossing into the box.

Jordan Graham was continuing to find space down the right and it was Graham that set up the visitors opener just after the quarter hour. A right wing corner was cleared out to Graham, he had several chances to cross the ball but his first attempts were cleared straight back out to him. But you can’t give him so many opportunities to pick out a ball as he last cross was only cleared by Mathieu Baudry to the feet of Roofe who side footed home; more than the away side deserved.

The home crowd were getting frustrated with the lack of ambition shown from their side with them failing to string passes together through out the half. Oxford sensed the mood inside the ground and continued to press forward as Orient continually gave possession away. The U’s did double their lead 12 minutes before the break, a move down the left saw the ball fall to Liam Sercombe. With John Lundstram left in acres of space on the edge of the box, Sercombe laid off to Lundstram who fired a low shot which took a wicked deflection off Connor Essam, above Alex Ciask and into the net.

Orient were second best all over the pitch with Oxford far hungrier to regain possession. With Pritchard and Moore in central midfield, the two struggled to deal with the movement and aerial challenges with Lundstram and Sercombe. Orient had created chances in every game this season were missing the invention of Jack Payne who unlucky to be dropped before the game.

Hendon saw what could be called “poor team selection” but reverted back to the midfield diamond introducing Jack Payne and Ollie Palmer for Dean Cox and Blair Turgott who both struggled in the first half. It was an immediate change in proceedings from the off with Payne clearly sent out with instructions to dictate play in the midfield and indeed he did.

 The half time team talk along with substitutions had completely changed the format of the game. With Orient looking to force their way back into the contest, Oxford sat back more looking to hit Orient on the counter utilizing their pace on the break. Jack Payne was at the heart of everything in the second half for the O’s but apart from headers over from Connor Essam and Mathieu Baudry from corner were the only sighters the home side had.

Orient did halve the deficit with 26 minutes left, a wonderful pass from deep from Jack Payne saw Ollie Palmer head into the path of Jay Simpson who’s shot was too hot to handle for Sam Slocombe and crept inside the post. The atmosphere and mood had completely turned round with Orient fully in the ascendancy and nearly equalised a minute later when John Marquis header was saved by Slocombe.

Then one of two major turning points, Jordan Graham who had already been booked in the first half for a challenge on Adam Chicksen was flagged offside. The young midfielder kicked the ball away after the decision was made leaving the referee with no option to produce a second yellow and a red. The numerical advantage gave Orient even more impetus to strike level but Oxford were defending well dealing with the increasing amount of balls into their box.

Then the second turning point, a mazy run from Liam Sercombe saw the Oxford midfielder thwarted by Orient keeper Alex Cisak. The resulting corner fell out to the U’s skipper who volleyed first time but it took a wonderful finger tip save from the Australian shot stopper to keep Orient in the game. Orient chucked on Scott Kashket in place of John Marquis while Oxford had resorted to 4-4-1 after the sending off with Kemar Roofe moving to a deep role.

As the minutes ticking down, Orient kept knocking on the yellow door but to no avail until the 4 minutes of stoppage time. A long ball into the Oxford box fell to Kashket, who fired low and hard into the bottom corner to score his first league goal in an Orient shirt; an important one at that. Orient could have even won the game but Jay Simpson’s shot was saved by Slocombe but both sides had to settle for a point.

Ian Hendon stated post match to leytonorient.com “it was a game of two halves and we changed our shape before kick off but it didn’t work”. The O’s boss is exactly right, Oxford took their foot of their pedal in the second half after a brilliant first half display. A first half which you struggle to see Orient play as bad as that, no ambition, poor decision making and second to the ball. The system change did not work but I think Hendon’s decision to not play either Jack Payne or Lloyd James was the major talking point.

The second half highlighted the importance that Jack Payne gives to the side, calmness on the ball and the ability to pick a defense splitting pass. Hendon realised his mistake in personal and shape at the break and credit Hendon for having the bottle to change it. In the past managers may not have subbed Dean Cox but he had a poor game; today showed that Hendon has the bottle to change a game when it is needed.

The worrying point for Hendon and his backroom staff remains the defensively lapses throughout games. The ninth game in succession Orient have failed to keep a clean sheet; Orient look vulnerable in every match currently with no leader at the back in the team. But despite a poor mistake last weekend, Alex Cisak showed today just how good he is at League 2 level, that saved was good as he equaliser.

2 tough away games await for Ian Hendon’s men who travel to Luton on Tuesday night before a trip to Morecame on Saturday. It is clear that Orient cannot play the same as the first half yesterday and expect to pick up points. It is still work in progress but the more the season continues, the ups and downs look here to stay. Once again Ollie Palmer highlighted his importance with his impact off the bench, the annoying think for fans is he needs to do that when he starts games.

A deserved point? or a games we got away with one? You know as an Orient fan, anything is possible with our club, I just hope the side that turned up second half plays on Tuesday and Saturday. All I know is what would you do without Orient? We never do anything easy

Leyton Orient manager Ian Hendon is hoping is side find their ruthless streak as they host Oxford United tomorrow. The U’s sit third in the table ahead of the clash tomorrow with Hendon keen to pick up the three points. Orient lost 3-2 away at Crawley last weekend despite going 1-0 ahead in the opening 10 minutes.

Despite recent form, Hendon stated to leytonorient.com earlier today that “The results haven’t been there but I think the performances have still been good on the whole”. It has been the same old story for the East London club in recent weeks with them dominating periods in games but failing to put their chances away.

Hendon understands the importance of being good at both ends of the pitch, “we will keep creating chances, but we can’t give teams three goals and expect to win. They didn’t have to really work that hard to break us down and it is something we must stop”

• Orient are without a clean sheet since August, a run of eight games
• Orient have only picked up 6 points from the last 21 available

Orient striker Jay Simpson netted another 2 on Saturday taking his tally to 9 in 12 for the campaign, a ratio he is keen to continue. Speaking to leytonorient.com today he stated “we want games to come thick and fast, after a loss you want to play another game to put it right”. But despite their recent indifference form Simpson highlighted that “the league is really tight, even though we are only 12 games in, we are only 2 points off the top 3 which is not a bad position to be in. Everybody would love top 3 and hopefully Saturday we can get a win and be back up there”

Hendon will be hoping his side build on their very good home form which has seen them pick up 13 points from a possible 18, losing only once but face an Oxford side who come in the game on the back of 4 wins in all competitions. Hendon stated “Oxford are a good side, well organised and play 4-4-2 which they have been very good at. We are in for another tough game but we are at home and have a good record so we’re looking forward to it”.

Oxford manager Michael Appleton is hoping his side come through two tough away trips to keep pushing on in League 2. The former Pompey manager has seen his side only lose once in the league this term and have won their last 4 in all competitions. Oxford beat Wimbledon last weekend thanks to a goal from George Baldock to complete a fine week for the U’s who beat fierce rivals Swindon in the Johnstone Paint Trophy.

Oxford face Leyton Orient tomorrow before a trip south to face League Leaders Plymouth Argyle on Tuesday night. Appleton knows the importance of taking points off of teams around you. Speaking U’s Player yesterday he stated “If you do get the win, it is good think as the teams around you can’t take the three points aswell”.

Tomorrow’s meeting between the sides will be the first clash since the famous 2006 last game of the season showdown where Orient sealed promotion in turn relegating Oxford to the fifth tier. Oxford have already sold out their allocation for the meeting with Appleton stating “there is a positive vibe around the place, momentum is building, it will be a tough tough game, against a side who obviously started the season well as well as we have, but one we are looking forward to”.

• Oxford taken 11 points from last 15 available
• Only lost 2 games all season – only league defeat came in a 1-0 defeat away at Northampton
• Have won 3 of their last 4 away from home
• All 3 away games they have scored first, they have won
• Taken 11 points on their travels this term
• Man to Watch – Kemar Roofe – top scorer with 5 league goals

Oxford midfielder Callum O’Dowda recently arrived back from International duty with Ireland and understands the importance of the coming week for his side. Speaking to U’s player yesterday, “it is a massive game, it’s a long weekend, Plymouth on Tuesday, think if we can get two results there we will show people in this division what we are really contending for”. He added “Obviously 6 points would send a message to all teams in League 2″. 

Despite traveling away from home, Appleton sees this suiting his side, “With them being at home aswell, think that will suit us, after a tough period of games the fact we have the opportunity to go away the opposition have got to come at us”. However, Appleton is still mindful of the threat the Orient possess, “they have kept a good nucleus of the group they had last year, they are a dangerous side, they have a lot of players that have played at a higher level, we are aware they are going to be very difficult to beat”.

Team News

Orient will be without Alan Dunne who serves a one match suspension after he sending off last weekend at Crawley. The only long term absentee remains Paul McCallum while the O’s are set to welcome back captain Mathieu Baudry who missed the defeat at Crawley due to a head injury. John Marquis is pushing for  a starting berth after impressing at Crawley off the bench.

Oxford can welcome back Danny Hylton from suspension and Callum O’Dowda from international duty as Appleton looks set to face a selection dilemma.

Head to Head – Leyton Orient 10, Draw 13, Oxford 13

Last Meeting – 06/05/06 – Oxford 2-3 Leyton Orient

• Orient have only lost 1  of last 6 meetings between sides
• Oxford last won at Brisbane Road in 2002, in a 2-1 win

Prediction – Leyton Orient 2-2 Oxford United

There will be goals tomorrow, with Orient failing to keep clean sheets, the U’s will score at Brisbane Road tomorrow. The question is will Orient take their chances this week or will they be left to rue them once more?

It was the feeling of same old story for Leyton Orient fans who saw their side lose 3-2 away at Crawley yesterday. The home side were without a home win all season scoring once prior to yesterday’s  fixture. Jay Simpson did give Orient a great start slotting home after Ollie Palmer’s header had clipped the post. The away side were in complete control of the encounter but failed to kill of the game.

Roarie Deacon equalised for the home side as he cut in from the right with his shot going in of the post. The leveller gave Crawley impetus going forward and they took the lead when visiting keeper, Alex Ciask was caught out at his near post by Mitch Hancox. It then got worse for the away side when Rhys Murphy tumbled in the box after a clumsy Alan Dunne challenge. Dunne was dismissed with Simon Walton slotting home the penalty. Orient rallied in the second half and pulled a goal back through Simpson but couldn’t grab an equalizer, giving Crawley their first home win of the season.

Crawley manager Mark Yates made 3 changes to his side that lost 3-0 in midweek to Southend in the Johnstone Paint Trophy. Matt Harrold and Rhys Murphy returned in attack with Lewis Young slotting in at right back. Orient who picked up their first win in six games last week against Notts County made only 1 change with Mathieu Baudry missing out with injury, Alan Dunne filled in at center half.

Orient First Half Formationat center half.

Crawley Formation

Orient started the brighter of the sides in the opening minutes, keen to put the home side under pressure with them failing to win any of their opening 6 home fixtures of the season. Dean Cox flashed a free kick from distance wide of the mark before Orient took the lead. A period of possession saw Cox pick the ball up in some space, his ball into the left channel for advancing left back Adam Chicksen was good. Chicksen’s cross was headed onto the post by Ollie Palmer, Callum Preston looked to knock the ball to safety but only found Simpson who had the easy task of slotting home.

The visitors were enjoying large spells of possession with Crawley rarely threatening Alex Ciask in the away goal. Bradley Pritchard had a volley well saved by Callum Preston before heading over at the back post from a Dean Cox center. Ian Hendon’s side have failed to kill of teams this season and it was beginning to have the same ring to it when Jay Simpson missed a glorious chance to double his sides lead. Ollie Palmer flicked a ball forward, there was a mix up at the back between Preston and Sonny Bradley. Simpson nipped in but his lob over Preston went wide of the mark.

Then the game changed within an 18 minute spell at the end of the first half. A long ball forward was won by Matt Harrold, Rhys Murphy picked up the loose ball and picked out Roarie Deacon on the right hand side. The former Stevenage midfielder cut in onto his left foot and struck a low shot which went in of the post to draw the home side level. Hendon’s men were shell shocked, in complete control for 25 minutes but were pegged back with Crawley’s first attempt on goal.

The equaliser had galvanized the home side who were exploiting the space left behind by Sean Clohessy on the right hand side. Only a last ditch from Connor Essam prevented Rhys Murphy from putting his side ahead. Gwion Edwards had broke down the left, his low cross found Murphy but Essam’s block prevented Murphy. The away side struggled to keep hold of possession as Crawley sensed their chance to go ahead. Mitch Hancox was linking up well down the left with Gwion Edwards, much to the space allowed by Orient. Hancox brilliant left foot cross was just too far ahead of Matt Harrold to tap home.

The inevitable did arrive for the away fans 8 minutes before the break. Hancox’s right wing corner was cleared back out to the left back. Hancox looked up and whipped in a shot towards Alex Ciask’s near post. Ciask could only palm the ball into the net putting Crawley ahead. Despite the home side in the ascendancy, Orient really should have levelled a minute after Crawley went ahead. It was a carbon copy of their first, Chicksen broke down the left crossing for Palmer, but the former Mansfield striker could only head over at the back post.

Hendon’s men were at sixes and sevens at the back seeming to be avoid of a leader in defence but it only got worse for them. Hancox who was an attacking threat going forward, caught Sean Clohessy up field, his ball in the left channel found Rhys Murphy. Murphy took one touch and with Alan Dunne running back, Dunne apparently clipped the forward. Referee Kevin Wright wasted little time pointing to the spot and pulling out a red card for Dunne. Simon Walton stepped up and slotted the penalty home to give Crawley a two goal cushion. An uphill battle  awaited for Hendon’s men who had capitulated in an 18 minute spell. To look so comfortable for 25 minutes, the story of the last 7 games came to the fore. Fail to kill a team off and punished for your mistakes.

Hendon reacted after the break bringing on John Marquis for Ollie Palmer as Marquis  make his debut for Orient after joining on loan from Millwall yesterday. Hendon went to a 3-4-2 formation as he was seeking a response from his side in the second half.

Orient 2nd Half Formaion

Despite the change, it was what you would expect with 11 vs 10, Crawley were seeing a lot of possession as they seeked a killer fourth. Orient were struggling to keep hold of the ball but John Marquis did look lively in attack for the visitors. The home side were inches away from grabbing their fourth, Rhys Murphy picked the ball up on the right flank, he crossed for his strike partner Matt Harrold, but Harrold’s header was pushed away by Alex Ciask.

Orient were showing attacking ambition and despite being one man down began to grow into the second half. Only a Callum Preston save preventing Orient from halving the deficit, Bradley Pritchard was finding space on the right flank, his cross found Marquis who headed down only to see Preston save well with his feet. The impetus was now with the O’s, Hendon replaced Dean Cox with Blair Turgott as Hendon looked to add some energy and athleticism in the midfield.

Sammy Moore struck twice last week and nearly grabbed Orient a second just after the hour mark. A move down the center saw Pricthard lay back to Moore on the edge of the box, Moore’s first time shot was curling into the far corner until Preston tipped over. Crawley were looking to slow the game down as much as possible and referee Kevin Wright was doing nothing to stop them in their path.

It appeared that Crawley had weathered the Orient storm but as the game reached the 80 minute mark; the O’s had a second wind. Marquis who was a bright spark for the away side in the second half battled well down the right. His cross found an unmarked Simpson who volleyed home to halve the deficit. Orient threw everything at Crawley in the dying stages however were unable to draw level as they slumped to their second defeat in three matches.

Hendon stated in his post match about how poor defensively his side were yesterday, I think every O’s fan there yesterday saw that. The capitulation of Orient is a major worry for Hendon and the fans who saw their side concede 3 goals in 18 first half minutes. Down to 10 men through a dubious red card, you may think I am being biased but I still don’t think that is first a pen and second a red card. The referee was terrible yesterday, not preventing time wasting throughout the game however he was not responsible for our defeat, the horrendous defending was.

Signs of a collapse were seen away at Newport, where Orient conceded two goals in a minute, at the moment it appears that visiting managers seem to have the tactical upper hand on Hendon. Mark Yates looked to exploit the space left by Sean Clohessy as he looked to push forward, Hendon was fuming with Crawley’s third and even turned his back when Clohessy was caught out of position.

Everybody will say it “The size of our Squad” yes it is good to have a tight knitted group however the issue will be raised once more with Dunne’s red card. If Mathieu Baudry remains injured Orient only have one fit center half ahead of next weeks clash with Oxford, I have always said Orient is work in progress but it appears there appears to be a hell of a lot of work to do.

The same old story, and how are we losing to this lot at rung around at half time? Well when you don’t kill off teams you will get punished, chances are being created but unless you show a ruthless streak, you will always be vulnerable. Orient have failed to keep a clean sheet since August, a run of 8 games something which has to change if Orient are to challenge come the end of the season.

Fans will be fickle after defeats but if you go to every game and you are entitled to your opinion. I think Hendon will have to change tact in the coming weeks, whether it be a change of formation (which everybody seems to be urging for) or a different type of tactics. The O’s appeared to be found out by some teams but Crawley will not be in the top half come the end of the season and to lose in such a way is poor. Hendon will need to pick his side up with Oxford providing a real test next week.

Leyton Orient manager Ian Hendon insists that his side are ready to overcome their “away day hoodo” at Crawley ahead of their meeting tomorrow. The O’s have failed to win all of their trips to the Broadfield Stadium and have only beaten Crawley once in 6 meetings . Speaking to leytonorient.com earlier today Hendon stated “I have been told we haven’t got a good record against them but records are there to be broken”.

Hendon’s side picked up their first win in six games with a 3-1 victory over Notts County last weekend and Hendon stated”if we perform anywhere near to where we have been I am sure we will get a positive result”. The former West Ham coach was happy to see the back of September as his side went the whole month without a win but was pleased how his side battled last weekend.

Midfielder Sammy Moore netted a brace in the win over Notts County including a screamer to wrap up the game and described it as “probably the best goal I have scored in my career”. Moore has been an integral part since his arrival from AFC Wimbledon in the summer and is enjoying his time in E10. Speaking to leytonorient.com he added “I want to play as many games as I can, I have really enjoyed my start here, the club deserves to be back in League 1 and I will do my upmost to get us there”.

Despite being part of a small squad, Moore stated that “the squad might be small but a very good squad, probably the best I have been involved in during my career”. However with competition for places in the middle of midfield, Moore knows that “whoever gets the shirt on a Saturday has got to make sure they keep it otherwise you don’t want to be sitting on the bench”.

Moore is looking forward to tomorrow’s clash with Crawley, “We are really looking forward to Saturday now, away from home, we need to keep it tight and get the 3 points”. Hendon understands that “Crawley will be a tough game, every game in this division is tough and we have done our work on them and we are looking forward to the game”.

Crawley go into tomorrow’s clash with only one win in their last 8 games in all competitions, seeing them drop to 21st in the division. The Red Devils were relegated alongside Orient last season but have found it tough to adapt to life in the fourth tier. Manager Mark Yates spoke to crawleytownfc.com earlier today urging his side “to give more of the same from Tuesday night, it was probably our best performance at home but the scoreline did not reflect that”.

Crawley lost 3-0 to Southend in the Johnstone Paint Trophy on Tuesday, but highlighted that mistakes are costing his side. “We were up against a decent side who punished us 3 times we made mistakes, we have to try and eliminate those mistakes”. Yates has found little home comfort since his appointment in the summer as his side still look for their elusive first home win of the season.

• Crawley are without a win in their last 7 games at home – drawing 2 and losing 5
• Crawley have failed to score in last 5 games at home in all competitions – last home goal came on 15th August
• Crawley have conceded 7 goals in last 3 games

Despite struggling in recent weeks, Crawley did suffer only 1 defeat in their opening 6 fixtures of the season picking up draws against Oxford, Portsmouth, Wycombe. Returning striker Gavin Tomlin ensures that his side know that “we have done well against better sides, so we need to pick up some performances and some wins at home, this is the bread and butter; hopefully we can pick some wins up”.

• Taken only 3 points from the last 18 available 
• Scored 10 league goals – only 1 at home

With his side in poor form, Yates insisted that his side do not fear an Orient side which sits third in the division. Speaking earlier today to crawleytownfc.com he stated “we are not fearing Orient, we have heard they have some good players, they started the season fantastically well but have only one win in 6. We are mindful not fearful and we are desperate to get our 1st home win”

Orient had conceded first in 6 games on the spin before last weekend’s win over Notts County and Yates understands that he side must start fast tomorrow. “We will try and put in a performance that gets the crowd excited, gets the fans on board and makes them sing generating an atmosphere”

Team News

Orient added forward John Marquis today on loan from Millwall for 93 days to boost their attacking options. Marquis stated “It has been frustrating and chances have been limited, is an opportunity to come and play in a team that is doing well; an opportunity that I couldn’t turn down”.

Adam Chicksen looks set to continue in defence ahead of Frazer Shaw and Alex Ciask should continue in goal after returning from International duty with Austraila. The only doubt for Hendon is midfielder Sammy Moore who picked up a knock last weekend. Hendon stated to leytonorient.com today that “Sammy hasn’t trained all week and there are one or two others that have missed a couple of days here and there but we have come together now and it is all positive for Saturday”

Crawley are without the trio of Freddie Woodman, Liam Donnelly and Josh Yorwerth who are all away on international duty while the only doubt for Mark Yates in his selection is Lanre Oyebanjo.

Head to Head – Orient 1, Draw 0, Crawley 5

Last Meeting – 21/03/15 – Crawley 1-0 Leyton Orient

• Orient’s only win came in a 4-1 win on Boxing Day 2014

Prediction – Crawley 0-2 Leyton Orient

With Crawley struggling to score at home, I think it will be a cagey start but once Orient get the goal they will be in control and wrap up victory with a debut goal from John Marquis.

How do you like it? How do you like it? Well I think everybody loved Sammy Moore’s wonderful second goal which wrapped up Leyton Orient’s first victory in 6 league matches. Moore who has been a constant in the O’s side seen his summer move from Wimbledon set the O’s on their way after 16 minutes, volleying home a Bradley Pritchard through ball.

County struggled to attack in the first half but the introduction of Izale McCleod and Adam Campbell had the desired effect straight after the restart with Campbell setting up Jon Stead to slot home. County were the better side with Alex Ciask preventing Campbell putting them ahead. Orient rallied as the game reached the final 11 minutes and pushed ahead when Jay Simpson tapped in after Sean Clohessy’s shot was parried by Scott Loach. But it was Sammy Moore who rounded off the victory in style with a stunning 30 yard strike to move Orient back to third.

Ian Hendon made 1 change to the side that lost 2-1 to Carlisle on Tuesday night with new loan signing Adam Chicksen coming in for Frazer Shaw, who dropped to the bench. A surprise was the inclusion of Alex Cisak who looked set to miss the game but was given permission to play by Austraila.

Notts County who drew away at Dagenham 1-1 on Tuesday night made 9 changes to their side with only midfielder Alan Smith and defender Alan Sheehan the only men to keep their places.

Orient 1st half Formation

County 1st Half Formation

County who took 7 points from the previous 3 games started bright with Civard Sprockel heading wide from a corner.

With County looking to attack, the game was fairly open in the early exchanges. Orient had a handball appeal waved away by referee, Darren England.

The O’s had dominated recent matches and were growing into the game with Loach saving well to his right from a Sammy Moore volley. Good interchange down the right saw Ollie Palmer lay off to Sean Clohessy who crossed for Moore but Loach was up to the task. Mathieu Baudry headed wide from the resulting corner, however Orient continued to look dangerous from set plays. The home side scored from a corner against Carlisle and had another penalty appeal waved away when Baudry’s header fell to Connor Essam at the abck post. Essam appeared to be held but Darren England was not interested.

Ian Hendon’s side continued to press for the opening goal and were rewarded after 16 minutes, a period of possession saw the ball fall to Bradley Pritchard. Pritchard’s through ball went over the County defence, Moore latched on to the ball and volleyed beyond Loach to open the scoring. Only the fifth goal Orient have scored in the first half of matches and the first time they have scored first since 29th August.

County looked poor in attacking areas, showing the amount of changes that manager Ricardo Moniz made to his side. After a promising start, the tempo of the game dropped with the home side taking more touches on the ball but Dean Cox did drill a shot wide of the mark. Both Baudry and Hendon had asked for ruthlessness in front of goal from their side and they really should have doubled their lead just before the half hour. Sean Clohessy’s cross was headed by Gill Swerts into the path of Jay Simpson but Orient’s top scorer saw his point blank header saved by Loach. A big chance for Orient who had failed to take their chances in recent weeks, would they be made to pay?

The O’s continued to link well in spells with Palmer winning more aerial balls than in recent weeks. New loan signing Adam Chicksen was solid at left back while Jack Payne was constant in the center of midfield. County had little threat going forward but showed one glimpse when Jimmy Spencer turned Sean Clohessy on the edge of the box but saw his effort go across the face of the goal. Alan Sheehan had to be replaced by Adam Campbell who was on the substitute bench even after scoring on Tuesday night.

County replaced Jimmy Spencer at half time for Izale McCleod as they looked to respond quickly in the second half. The change had the desired effect as County equalised within seconds of the restart. Following a quick free kick the ball found Adam Campbell who cut in from the left flank, he beat one man then fed Jon Stead who had space on the right edge of the six yard box. Stead made no mistake to fire underneath Alex Cisak to draw County level.

After the break there was only one team making all the running, Moniz’s side had upped the tempo and pace of their play which was causing Orient problems. Only a brilliant block from  Connor Essam prevented Jon Stead connecting a Julian Jenner right wing cross.

With Orient failing to keep hold of possession in midfield, County continued to press with Izale McCleod and Jon Stead linking up well in attack. With the link up good between the front men and Adam Campbell impressing after his introduction made it even more baffling that they started on the bench.

Orient had Alex Cisak to thank just before the hour when Adam Campbell thought he had put his side ahead. With McCleod finding Stead in the right channel, he crossed for Campbell who had run to the near post. Campbell connected with the cross, with his effort looked certain to rustle the back of the net, Cisak saved with his legs to keep the scores level.

Ollie Palmer headed over a Jack Payne cross before Blair Turgott replaced Payne as O’s went with two wingers for the final 25 minutes. County continued to look a threat on the break with McCleod’s pace and physical presence was causing the home side problems. However Badury and Essam were dealing with the threat well and started to have a second wind in the game. Cox crossed for Turgott but the winger tapped wide at the back post.

Orient were certainly pushing forward looking for their first win since August and Ollie Palmer went close with an effort from distance. But Orient did edge ahead just a minute later, a fine move down the right saw Cox play in Turgott on the right wing. Turgott played in Sean Clohessy who had made a run in the inside right channel of the box, his shot was parried by Scott Loach but only into the path of Jay Simpson who tapped home.

With Orient ahead, Hendon was looking for his side to see the game out but it got even better for Orient and Moore. Moore netted his first in an Orient shirt earlier in the game but he wrapped up victory with “the best goal he has ever scored” with a stunning 30 yarder giving Scott Loach no chance in the County goal. Moore was found in space and unleashed a fine effort, almost a carbon copy of his shot at Cambridge in the dying minutes but this time it flew wonderfully into the top corner. Moore was as surprised as everyone that it went in but surely another goal of the season contender… Which I may add include some real crackers already.

3 points is 3 points no matter how you look at it, the performance was good in periods but poor in others however unlike other recent games Orient gained the 3 points. The defensive frailties will concern Hendon once more with his side seemingly asleep at the start of the second half to allow County to level. Orient did take more chances than they have recently but the same missing ruthlessness nearly came back to bite them in the second period.

However, the phrase you don’t care how you get the win and the key to a good side is to win when you are not at your best come to mind. Well today goes into that bracket, with Orient bouncing back from their defeat in midweek. Sammy Moore was once again great in midfield alongside Jack Payne and Bradley Pritchard. Adam Chicksen was solid in defence while Connor Essam continues to impress every week and develop his partnership with Mathieu Baudry.

Hendon revealed post match to leytonorient.com that he is looking to bring 2 new players in this week. One of them is certain to be a striker with Orient limited in attacking options currently with Paul McCallum’s injury. Let’s make no mistake that when Orient are at full strength they can beat anyone in the league and hopefully the result today kicks them on again.

“A battle” described the game in Hendon’s opinion who will be delighted his side grinded out victory and will need that in abundance when they travel to their bogey side Crawley next week. It was in fact a good day for Orient with Portsmouth drawing, Wycombe and Acrrington losing; it moved Orient to third in the table just 2 points off the top of the table.

Onwards to next Saturday, where it is imperative another positive result is picked up to keep Orient on the way forward.

Leyton Orient captain Mathieu Baudry insists his side are still in the mix at the top of League despite going the whole of September without a win. Orient suffered their first home defeat of the season to Carlisle on Tuesday night but Baudry remained upbeat on his side.

Antony Sweeney netted the winner for Carlisle in a game where Orient were the dominant side once more but failed to pick up the desired result. Speaking to leytonorient.com post match, Baudry stated “We controlled the game, it was a bit one sided really, we got a lot of chances and don’t score then we get done at the back so it is hard to take but just need to keeping playing how we are”

With Orient only picking up 3 points from the last 15 available, they have dropped to fifth in the table but Baudry knows there is no need to worry, “We are still only 3 points of the top, it is going to be a long season with ups and downs”. With Notts County arriving in E10 tomorrow, Baudry added “it is encouraging, we’ve got chances, need a bit of luck and be more ruthless and the win is going to come”.

O’s manager Ian Hendon has revealed his relief that September is out of the way, after 5 wins from 5, the former West Ham coach picked up August’s manager of the month award but since then, his side are without a win. Speaking to leytonorient.com on the eve of the County game he stated “September wasn’t a good month in terms of results but performance have been solid and could easily come away with 3 points in games we have drawn”.

A worry for Hendon, will be the defensively lapses his side seem to be having, the Carlisle game was the sixth game in a row Orient conceded the first goal. Hendon was disappointed with the manner of the Carlisle goals on Tuesday “the lads at the back switched off for the first one then the second one there was a bit of sustained pressure and it dropped to them”.

With Orient chasing the game after conceding, Baudry has urged his side to “keep it locked at the back, in both boxes we need to be more clinical”. It is no coincident to Baudry that in the games they have netted first they have won but Hendon is aware that his side need to “make sure they make the most of the chances they create”.

Notts County arrive in E10 on the back of a 1-1 draw in Dagenham on Tuesday night, their 7th point out of a possible 9. Hendon is aware of threat that County possess ahead of tomorrow “they are on a good run of late, they have a very large and strong squad and are a team that should expect to up towards the promotion shake up”.

County were relegated alongside Orient in May and with a summer of change at Meadow Lane over 20 new players were recruited by manager Ricardo Moniz. Moniz’s side sit 13th just 2 points outside of the play offs, highlighting the tightness of the division. Moniz was very critical after his side dropped 2 points in his eyes on Tuesday evening at Dagenham, “It’s a disgrace, we have regular mistakes in discipline, there is no consistency, we don’t deserve the win”.

County missed a second half penalty at Victoria Road taken by Izale McCleod, something which angered Moniz, who revealed that 3 players were battling for the ball. Despite County beingunbeaten in their last three games, Moniz is aware that his side appear to take the foot of the pedal to early in games “we are inconsistent, we have two faces, last week after 30 minutes we stopped playing football, today second half we had nothing, it is like they are afraid to take initiative “

10 of County’s 12 points have been collected at Meadow Lane something that has been noted by County. Without a win in their last 5 away matches, Moniz is urging his side to replicate the away performance which saw them push Aston Villa all the way in the Carling Cup earlier in the season. Speaking to nottscountyfc.co.uk Moniz stated about Orient, “we can be afraid, we respect them, they lost again to Carlisle but we heard that were the better team. We need to play the same as Villa but need to be better defensively”

• County only picked up 2 wins in last 13 away games in all competitions, only 1 of them in the league – 2-0 win at Stevenage on the Opening day
• 1 clean sheet in last 10 away games – conceding 22
• 12 out of the 16 goals conceded have been in the second half

It is clear that despite results, Moniz is unhappy with his sides performance and commented “We have to dominate for 90 minutes, we have to be eager to get more goals, it appears we are too easily satisfied which is unbelievable, a habit which has too change” He added “we are coming now, we have to go for the win at Orient, we need to do it for 90 minutes we can’t go for the draw”

Team News

Orient remain without long term absentee Paul McCallum who is out for at least 6 months after suffered cruciate ligament damage in is knee against Northampton last week. Orient have added Adam Chicksen to their squad with the defender joining on loan from Brighton today and is available for selection tomorrow. Alex Ciask is away on International Duty with Austraila so Charlie Grainger is set to start in goal for the O’s.

County are still without Rob Milson and Kyle de Silva who remain sidelined with injuries however Adam Campbell is set to continue after netting in midweek. Jon Stead is pushing for a start after impressing coming off the bench at Dagenham.

Head to Head – Leyton Orient 26, Draw 19, Notts County 30

Last Meeting – 10/02/15 – Leyton Orient 0-1 Notts County

• Orient have not won in their previous 3 meetings between the sides
• Last win came in 2013 in a 5-1 home win over County

Prediction – Leyton Orient 2-2 Notts County

County have only failed to score in one of their 13 games so far this season and have netted in every game away. Orient will look to bounce back from defeat on Tuesday but County will get off to a fast start. Orient will equalize in the second half but fail to capitalise on their dominance.

Key bets

• Both Teams to Score, County to score first and highest scoring second half.

Antony Sweeney’s strike 18 minutes from time helped move Carlisle up to eighth after a 2-1 win at Leyton Orient last night. Derek Asamoah opened the scoring just after the hour mark after latching on to Gary Dicker’s through ball and slotting home. Mathieu Baudry headed the O’s level 2 minutes later but Sweeney struck home in the 72nd minute to leave Orient without a win in September.

Orient remained unchanged from their 1-1 draw away at Northampton with Ollie Palmer continuing to partner Jay Simpson in attack with Paul McCallum awaiting news on his knee injury suffered at Sixfields.

Carlisle who suffered a surprising 1-0 defeat at home to Newport on Saturday made 7 changes with only Michael Raynes, Mark Gillespie, Luke Joyce and Macaulay Gillesphey keeping their places. Derek Asamoah led the line for the away side in the absence of Jabo Ibehre.

Orient Formation

Carlisle Formation

Carlisle started the brighter of the two sides, playing the ball around neatly in the opening stages. With their 3-4-1-1 system, Danny Grainger and Alexander McQueen were providing width for the away side as Carlisle looked to exploit Orient down the wings. Visiting center half Michael Raynes was urging his side to step up, squeezing play to prevent space for Orient to play in.

The O’s were playing a narrow 4-4-2 system with Jack Payne looking to set the tempo for the home side in the heart of the midfield. Sammy Moore had the first effort of the night but his volley went safely into the arms of Mark Gillespie. Carlisle were looking to play out from the back and looked comfortable in possession whilst growing in confidence in the opening stages.

Orient’s passing and tempo was slow and predictable allowing Carlisle to set up defensively and become hard to break down. Danny Grainger saw a free kick saved by Alex Cisak from an acute angle before Orient started to grow in the game. Ollie Palmer who is without a goal for Orient since 18th August should have opened the scoring on 20 minutes. Following a quick throw on the left, Fraser Shaw crossed for Palmer who had got across his man but his weak effort was easily saved by Gillespie.

Sean Clohessy was once again providing an outlet down the right for the O’s but his final ball along with Orient’s in general was poor. The home side  were looking for their first win since the end of August, were looking to create the opener and nearly took the lead on the half hour mark. Clohessy crossed from the right to the back post where Dean Cox headed into the path of Jay Simpson but Michael Raynes blocked Simpson’s effort on goal.

Derek Asamoah was leading the line on his own for the away side but was providing a real outlet, utilising his pace in the channels. Asamoah’s run and shot created an opening but grazed the side netting of Cisak’s goal. With Orient continuing to have the lion share of possession, Keith Curle’s side were looking to hit the home side on the break with Orient shown a glimpse of the threat the away side possessed on 34 minutes. After a poor clearance from Mathieu Baudry, Sweeney fed Alexander McQueen on the right but his cross was put out for a corner.

It was clear that Hendon had instructed his side much like Saturday to put a lot of crosses into the box however the majority of the them over hit or not to their intended target. But 8 minutes before the break Cox’s cross looked destined for the head of Simpson but Luke Joyce glanced the ball away from the frontman.

The O’s were huffing and puffing in front of goal but late hero Dean Cox nearly provided another moment of magic 3 minutes before the interval. After good interchange down the left by the home side, the ball fell to Cox 30 yards out, Cox unleashed a fizzing swerving shot which left Gillespie beaten but cannoned of the bar.

Orient started the brighter at the start of the second half and Cox nearly replicated his wonderful free kick on Saturday however this time his effort struck the bar. Hendon’s team talk seemed to do the desired job with Orient upping the tempo in possession and taking less touches on the ball. Moore saw an effort skip past the post after Simpson played in the former Wimbledon man.

The O’s were well on top in the game and struck the woodwork for the third time, Jack Payne’s cross was headed towards goal by Palmer but his effort bounced off the post and to safety. Carlisle were beginning to sit deeper and deeper with Jack Payne dictating the play for the hosts as they searched for the opener.

Simpson was next to go close for the hosts but he headed over a Sean Clohessy cross from the right. Despite being under the cosh, Carlisle still had the threat of Asamoah and his pace in attack and struck against the run of play just after the hour. Gary Dicker played a ball in the inside left channel, Asamoah had rolled Connor Essam creating space to allow him to slot beyond Cisak to open the scoring. Asamoah’s opener was the sixth game in a row Orient had conceded the first goal.

Orient reacted well and responded 2 minutes later, following a training ground routine, 3 Orient men ran past the near post creating space behind them. Cox’s ball went over them and straight on to the head of skipper Mathieu Baudry who headed beyond Mark Gillespie to draw Orient level.

With Orient look to push on from their equaliser, Carlisle manager Keith Curle and Orient’s assistant manager Andy Hessenhaler were sent to the stands following a tussle on the touchline. It appeared to distract the hosts more than the visitors, Carlisle saw the opportunity and struck again. Danny Grainger was allowed acres of space on the left hand side, his cross fell out to Antony Sweeney who saw his first effort blocked by Connor Essam. Essam’s block fell back to Sweeney who volleyed beyond Cisak to give Carlisle the lead once more.

Blair Turgott was introduced after the goal for Sammy Moore as Orient searched for a second equaliser. Carlisle defended resolutely with Orient struggling to create any clear openings in the final 10 minutes. Orient’s last chance fell to Turgott who fired over from inside the box in stoppage time.

Keith Curle had set up his side up well to contain Orient throughout the match however, it was another game where Orient should have taken the initiative to take all 3 points. The result leaves Orient without a win in their last 5 league games, picking up just 3 points from a possible 15. 

Is it time to worry? After a final start to the season with 5 wins from 5, expectation was going to be high, Orient were allowed space to play and create chances, something which visiting managers have since stopped. A problem which has seen Hendon have to change system from his preferred 4-4-2 diamond to a more conventional 4-4-2. It is important to say that Orient have only lost 2 out of 10 games but the worrying trend in recent weeks has been the failure to take chances when they have been created.

“Goals change games”, “you have to take your chances”, “you create your own luck”, “poor defending will cost you” are all phrases which can be pinned to recent matches. Hendon stated post match to leytonorient.com “we are just not getting the rub of the green at the moment” perhaps you could suggest that from 1 or 2 matches but is it just bad luck for our results in September…. I think not, Hendon has his principles but Orient get into promising positions but lack the final ball or cutting edge at the moment.

Taken from my post after the Exeter defeat ”

“on another day Hendon might have changed earlier with the diamond not working. I think we have seen a glimpse of what awaits Orient in a lot of games this year.

Tisdale was tactically on point today, squeeze the ball when Orient are in possession. Prevent the space Orient have to work with in between the lines and hit the them on the break. Exeter were organised and limited Orient to few chances, when they had their own chances they took them which is key in any game of football.”

Teams will look to sit deep when playing Orient especially when visiting Brisbane Road and currently Hendon’s side appear to unable to break down a resolute defense. It is clear that Hendon has changed tact from the opening games of the season but could we see a 4-4-2 with 2 wingers from the start of Saturday… A worry remains in the forward department, with McCallum set to be out for a long period of time, Orient only have 2 senior strikers in their squad in Simpson and Palmer. I think the importance for Hendon is to dip into the loan market to find a striker.

One positive is the performances of Jack Payne who dictates play well for the O’s and looks to set the tempo when in possession. Orient will need to react well on Saturday against Notts County and it will once again not be an easy game. County will fancy their chances with Orient’s poor form and Orient’s defensive lapses will need to subside if they are to achieve a result at home.

Orient are work in progress and the question to ask yourself is would you have taken 5th position after the first 10 games? Many will say, our form has dipped after the first 5 games but I think the quality of opposition has dramatically changed since the Bristol Rovers match. County will provide a real test but all we know is no matter how frustrating last night was, we all know we will back at Brisbane Road come 3 o clock Saturday afternoon.

Leyton Orient midfielder Dean Cox insists his side are raring to go again tomorrow night as they host Carlisle United. The East London side salvaged a draw away at Northampton on Saturday thanks to a stunning 97th minute free kick from Cox. The draw sees Orient without a win in September and in their last 4 league matches.

Cox was disappointed with the end result as he felt his side did more than enough for the three points on Saturday. Speaking to leytonorient.com he stated “we are disappointed, we dominated from start to finish if I am honest, we created chances throughout the game but unlucky for us their keeper has an absolute worldie“. The O’s were frustrated especially in the second half at Sixfields with Cobblers keeper, Adam Smith preventing Orient grabbing three points but Cox highlighted that “it had to be something special to beat him today and fortunate for me my free kick flew into the top corner”

The O’s face back to back fixtures at Brisbane Road with Carlisle and Notts County the visitors to Brisbane road with Cox hoping for maximum points from the two games. Cox praised the travelling away contingent at Sixfields stating that “at every away game we have got a great following, this year they have gone the extra mile and are like the 12th man”.

Paul McCallum suffered what looked like a serious injury on Saturday but Cox is hoping that it is not as serious as first thought. Cox has been a pinnacle player for Orient since the start of the season and insisted that “I just want to play games, I am itching to play, I can’t wait, go home and recover, come in Monday and ready to go Tuesday”.

Despite snatching the late point, Orient boss Ian Hendon said it felt more like a defeat, speaking to leytonorient.com post match he stated “the way we played throughout the game, their goalkeeper and the saves he makes, we are disappointed to come away with just a point”. However with Orient winless since he picked up the Manager of the Month award for August, Hendon doesn’t see any reason to worry. “I am not worried at all, we keep performing like we are, we will win more games than we lose, we shouldn’t have drew today”.

Hendon’s side face Carlisle tomorrow and the former Hammers coach is aware of the threat that the Cumbrians pose. “They are free flowing, scoring lots of goals but also conceding lots, we had someone watching them today so we will do our work and be ready for Tuesday evening”. With Orient averaging 3 goals a game earlier in the season Hendon knows his side need to be more clinical in front of goal “the game should have been wrapped up long before we got the equaliser in the last minute”.

Carlisle arrive in E10 following a shock defeat to league 2 strugglers Newport County on Saturday. The Cumbrians pushed Liverpool all the way last week in the Carling Cup, finally losing out on penalties to the Merseyside club. Carlisle’s manager Keith Curle rotated his squad due to the cup game in midweek but stated to carlisleunited.co.uk that “we gave an opportunity to see how strong our squad was, players had the opportunity but I don’t think they quite grasped it”. 

Curle added that he felt that “there was a massive effort on Wednesday night and the tank was emptied as a collective which is why I needed to freshen it up today”. Despite the number of changes, United still had a strong enough side to beat Newport according to Curle. But the former Notts County manager felt that a massive turning point in the game was when top scorer Jabo Ibehre went off injured:

“We started the right way but Jabo coming off injured was a big turning point and a big plus for them, I think we lost our cutting edge. We slightly lost our direction not having a focal point, we looked a bit toothless today but tried to play without any real end product”.

Carlisle have started the season well and their defeat to Newport was only their second of the league campaign. United sit 12th in the table but defender Michael Raynes insists his side “win together and lose together” Speaking to carlisleunited.co.uk he stated “ we never get too high, we never get too low, we’ve done well Wednesday but took a kick in the teeth today. Football is a very cruel mistress at times, sometimes you have to take it on the dish and move on Tuesday”. 

Raynes thought his side started well but highlighted that “football at times you don’t get what you deserve, it is one of them, we can’t sit here and cry about it. We move on to Tuesday, there a still a lot of points to play for”. United will look to build on their performance against Liverpool with Raynes insisting that “we have found out more about each other and more about each other’s character”. 

Raynes stated that “Tuesday is another game, going to Orient will be tough, it is not an easy place to go but if anyone can go there and get one; it is us.”. The defender added “every game is funny in League 2, everyone has got the chance to beat everyone, 11 vs 11 and see how good we are”. Carlisle will hope to bounce back from defeat quick with Leyton Orient and Stevenage next up for the North West side.

Team News

Leyton Orient are set to be without Paul McCallum who was stretchered off in their draw on Saturday, it is unclear what the damage is but McCallum went for a scan today. Cox stated that “there are a few knocks and we will assess before Tuesday”. Ollie Palmer looks set to continue in attack with Orient only having 2 fit senior strikers in their squad.

Cumbrian’s top scorer Jabo Ibehre will miss a return to his old side after injuring his hamstring on Saturday whilst Charlie Wyke also continues on the sidelines.

Head to Head – Leyton Orient 20, Draw 11, Carlisle United 20

Last Meeting – 11/01/2014 – Leyton Orient 4-0 Carlisle

• Orient have won the last 4 meetings between the sides
• The O’s have scored at least 4 goals in each of those matches averaging 4.25 goals – Scoring 17 and conceding only 3
• Carlisle last won at Brisbane Road in 2011  in a 2-1 win but that is their only win in their last 6 trips to Orient

Key Statistics

• Orient have only conceded once at home this season in 4 games
• Carlisle are the league highest scorers with 17 but also have the worse defence conceding 18
• 10 of the 18 conceded have been away from home – they have also failed to keep a clean sheet on the road this season and are without one in their last 11 games in all competition on the road.
• Orient have conceded first in their last 5 – drawing 3 and losing 2
• Jay Simpson has netted in all 4 home league games for the Orient

Prediction – Leyton Orient 2-0 Carlisle

With Orient back at home and building on their performance on Saturday, they should get back to winning ways. They have a good record against Carlisle in recent games with Ollie Palmer looking to net his second of the season. Carlisle will struggle to cope with the absent Jabo Ibehre which will be a big miss for them.

Final thoughts from Cox “the draw at Northampton put us third, which hurts us a bit, we want to keep at the top, looking to Tuesday and Saturday to get maximum points. But we have to be more clinical” 

Dean Cox struck a 97 minute injury time free kick to snatch a deserved point for Leyton Orient at Northampton yesterday. The East London side found home keeper Adam Smith in fine form in the second half with the former Leicester keeper saving well from Jay Simpson, Connor Essam and Ollie Palmer.

Northampton struggled to create going forward and with the game looking set for a stalemate it burst into life in added time. Former Orient loanee Nicky Adams whipped in a corner for the unmarked Dominic Calvert-Lewin to nod home via the bar. The home side thought they had snatched victory but O’s playmaker Dean Cox thought otherwise. After a free-kick was awarded 25 yards out, Cox curled an exquisite effort into the top corner to send 800 Orient fan wild. (Well apart from the ones that left early….)

The Cobblers came into the clash after back to back wins over Oxford and Morecambe making only 1 change for the visit of Orient. Zander Diamond replaced Ryan Cresswell who missed out due to injury.

The O’s who were without a win in September made 2 changes from the side that drew 1-1 with Wycombe last weekend. Ollie Palmer replaced Paul McCallum in attack while Lloyd James missed out in midfielder with the O’s welcoming back Bradley Pritchard who sat out last weekend.

Northampton Formation

Orient Formation

Northampton started on the front foot, immediately forcing a corner but failed to convert. The game began to settle down with neither side allowed much space to pass the ball around.

The Cobblers were pressing high when Orient were in possession to force them to hit long.

Sean Clohessy who has been a threat down the right all season for the visitors was given the freedom of Sixfields down the right at times. It was the former Colchester man who crossed for Ollie Palmer but the forward could only head over. The game was really tight with possession changing hands quickly much to the compact, tight nature of the game with Northampton squeezing the game high.

The away side were playing a more traditional 4-4-2 but Cox was given a free role to roam across the pitch to try and make an impact on proceedings. Cox popped up on the left to latch onto a Jack Payne pass but the chance was sniffed out. Orient were the side searching for the opener with Simpson, Pritchard and Cox all seeing efforts blocked.

Despite their attacking intentions, Orient had to be weary of Northampton’s attacking threat which saw the hit 4 goals away at Morecambe last weekend. The home side best chance to open the scoring was coming from crossing into the box but Calvert-Lewin could only glance wide a Nicky Adams center.

Cox continued to roam around the pitch with Orient seeming to switch between a flat midfield 4 and the midfield diamond. Cox nearly created the opener 5 minutes before the break but Jay Simpson could only volley over from Cox’s cross. The Cobblers could have gone into half time ahead but Zander Diamond could only head wide an Adams free kick wide of the mark when the center half really should have done better.

The Cobblers were forced into a half time change with David Buchanan forced off with an injury to be replaced by John Joe O’Toole. Joel Byrom moved to left back with O’Toole partnering Watson in central midfield.

Northampton started the second half brightly but failed to force visiting keeper Alex Cisak into a save. Then began the story of the second half with Orient in the ascendancy trying to open the scoring. Jay Simpson took too many touches 5 minutes after the break allowing Shaun Brisley to snuff out the danger.

Orient were finding Adam Smith in fine form with the former Leicester man pulling off two good saves in the space of a minute. First after a free kick on the right, the ball found it’s way to Jack Payne, the former Peterborough man whipped in a ball to the back post. Ollie Palmer connected but his goal bound header was touched over by Smith. As the visitors put the pressure on, Smith got down well to his left to prevent Connor Essam’s header going in.

The home side looked to prevent the siege on their goal with manager Chris Wilder making a double change. Alfie Potter and Marc Richards came on for Lawson D’Ath and Sam Hoskins. With the changes, the game opened up with more space being provided in attacking areas.

Blair Turgott replaced Sammy Moore as Orient pushed for the opening goal and it was Turgott who nearly provided an instant impact. The former West Ham man broke down the right, the loose ball fell to captain Mathieu Baudry but his effort was smothered by Smith before the keeper saving well from Bradley Pritchard’s follow up effort.

Simpson who had struck 6 goals in the first 8 league games, knew it was going to be a frustrated afternoon when Smith pulled off two great saves in a minute to keep the home sides goal in tact. Despite Orient’s attacking intentions, Alex Cisak had to be on guard as Alfie Potter was found in the left channel but Cisak’s left hand prevented the home side from taking the lead.

Hendon threw on Paul McCallum in place of Ollie Palmer as Hendon was wondering how his side were not in front. McCallum headed straight at Smith in his first and last attempt after an serious looking injury cut his afternoon short. With the game seemingly ending for a draw with the home announcer giving home keeper Adam Smith MOTM, the home side struck  for what looked liked an unlikely winner.

Nicky Adams who was on loan at Orient in 2010, whipped in a corner to Dominic Calvert-Lewin who was left unmarked to head home via the bar. The home crowd were in elation after seeing their side under pressure for most of the second half. With some of the away fans leaving after the goal going against the statement of “You Never Leave Early”.  A statement which would have seen the leaving Orient fans kicking themselves in the 97th minute.

After the referee awarded Orient a free-kick 25 yards out, Dean Cox stepped up and curled in a delicious effort to send the remaining Orient fans into raptures behind the goal. Orient will still be ruing missed chances in the game, with most fans and Hendon saying they found a keeper in inspired form. But apart from the Cox effort, Smith’s saves were routine with the keeper not forced into a great save. I know he has to be there to make the saves but with chances created Orient should have netted more than one goal.

Orient looked the best going forward in their recent games but looked a lot better when the tempo was faster. The O’s played more of a flatter midfield 4 and created more than in recent weeks. Jack Payne was impressive once more in the middle of midfield breaking up play and spreading play to the left and right. Hendon looks set to play Payne in central midfielder with Moore and Pritchard. James looks set to miss out but as stated by the three of us yesterday it has been more of a case of James playing his way out”

A a pessimistic Orient fan I wrote in my notes after 78 minutes “Same old Orient, killed by the sucker punch”. When the corner was awarded most Orient fans in the ground feared the worst but in the end we picked up what could be a vital point come the end of the season. Orient deserved more than a point but the age old saying “you have to take your chances to win games” something which Orient need to improve on in the coming weeks.

A worry for Hendon will be the injury to Paul McCallum with the front man stretchered off in the second half. The injury will certainly see Hendon move in the loan market for a striker, if McCallum is out the O’s then only have 2 senior strikers in the squad. The O’s will have to regroup quickly ahead of Tuesday’s clash at home to Carlisle but the signs still remain good under Hendon.

I know that the question remains “why leave early from a came”  I know that the calf strain sustained running down the stair was worth it to see Cox’s effort and reaction after the goal. The desire and passion is well an truly there at Orient a continued delight after last season.