Football Analyst

Well, it appears no matter how many games we lose by basic errors, another one can just go with the list. In a poor game of  football, a simple set piece was the difference. For the umpteenth time this season Leyton Orient appeared unable to defend properly from dead balls leaving 6 ft 7 center half Rob Jones to have an unchallenged run in the box to head home the 56th minutes winner sealing the 3 points.

The O’s once again had chances to take the lead through Andrea Dossena and Darius Henderson but the attempts came and went. With Rovers showing rare ambition to go forward in their 4-5-1 system, the inaugural ” They are here for the taking”. Just like Crewe were at Gresty Road on Saturday but basic, simple errors cost the O’s dearly once more as they still somehow sit above the relegation zone on goal difference.

Not enough in the attacking third with an inability to have a plan B after falling behind. Long balls to Henderson and Dagnall was never going to work against a 6ft 7 and 6ft center back pairing. At times the O’s looked lost for ideas with the only option being: hit the ball long and see what happens. The fact of the matter is, you put your chances away when you have them, Rovers did that and got the points. Results like this could cost Orient their place in League 1 but they only have themselves to blame.

O’s boss Fabio Liverani made only 1 change from the side that drew 1-1 at Crewe on Saturday with Andrea Dossena preferred over Shane Lowry who dropped to the bench. Rovers boss Paul Dickov called for a strong end to the season prior to kick off and made 3 changes to his side that drew 1-1 with Rochdale on Saturday. Rob Jones, Cedric Evina and Harry Middleton were welcomed back in the side with Jamie McCombe, Enda Stevens and Nathan Tyson dropping to the bench.

Despite the O’s knowing a win could move them clear of the relegation places, the tempo was slow which wasn’t helped by Rovers’s reluctance to go forward. Neither side could grab a foothold in the game much to slowness and miss placing of passes. Ryan Hedges was drifting off of his right flank berth for the home side but was causing his own side more problems than the opposition. The O’s looked to use the left hand side earlier on through Dossena and Jobi McAnuff who were combining well but with no real end product. With Hedges inside, the home side were playing very narrow with a reliance on their full backs pushing on to provide the width.

Rovers who had only 2 wins in their last 8 before kick off had a game plan from the get go with Curtis Main up front on his own. Dickov brought in Middleton to his midfield to play 4-5-1 with Dean Furman the man asked to support Main but the away side were struggling to create much, living much of scraps.

In a dull, slow game, it was there for Orient to take the initiative as they needed the result to enhance their survival prospects. Dossena should have put the home side ahead after 21 minutes, Scott Cuthbert’s teasing right wing cross found Dossena unmarked at the back post but his first time shot went wide of the mark. It may be have been a tough chance from the Italian but he needed to force Bywater into action.

With Orient dominating possession, Henderson had the golden chance to have made it 3 in 3. After play down the right found Hedges, his ball round the corner found Marvin Bartley who had progressed forward. Bartley’s cross to the far post found Henderson who struck his first time effort straight at Bywater. Either side of the former West Ham keeper it would have been 1-0 but with chances going begging, was that Orient’s chance gone?

The home fans looked on as the inevitable was happening once more, not scoring when on top in matches: a problem all season. Hedges’s continued movement inside was not having the desired effect with the 19 year old not having his best game in an Orient shirt. Rovers didn’t trouble O’s keeper Alex Ciask until the 38th minute when good play down the left saw the ball played back to Richie Wellens, his shot was easily gathered by Ciask.

Despite Rovers sitting deep, they could have taken the lead just before the break, Bennett found Wellens in attack after an Orient corner had been cleared. The former Leicester man crossed for Curtis Main who arrowed his shot wide of the mark. The 3 points were there for Orient, Rovers looked poor and wanting the season to end. With a bit more belief, Orient could win the game.

However, it was Dickov who changed the game in favour of his side, he brought on Jonson Clarke-Harris for Harry Middleton as the away side went 4-4-2. Rovers had immediately changed their approach with Main given support in attack, it seemed as Dickov had seen what all Orient fans had seen that the points were well and truely there for the taking. Kyle Bennett forced Ciask into a smart save after creating space on the edge of the box.

The pace of the game had increased since the interval with the away side looking dangerous especially from set pieces. With Orient’s vulnerability from dead balls there for everyone to see, every O’s fan knew what was coming. After Enda Stevens replaced Cedric Evina, Main should have headed in a curling Bennett free kick but missed a free header. The warning signs were there for Orient but once again did we listen?

After McAnuff gave away a cheap foul on the right, Bennett whipped in a free kick which Rob Jones headed beyond Ciask. Poor poor marking from the O’s who left a 6ft 7, yes a 6ft 7 center half a free run in the box to head home his first goal of the season. Despair for everyone Orient fan who sensed the inevitable but picking up just 4 points from a possible 36 when conceding first at Brisbane Road it was a long way back.

Liverani brought in Shane Lowry and Jay Simpson for Dossena and Ryan Hedges to try and give some impetus in attack. But the home side just hit long ball after long ball as they lacked a cutting edge. Rovers were sitting pretty, 1-0 ahead and not being troubled. Shane Lowry had the best chance for the O’s but his header from a corner was blocked by goal scorer Jones on the line.

Rovers were showing Orient how to defend as the hosts searched for an equalizer. In a brief period of O’s pressure, Josh Wright’s fierce shot from outside the box was pushed around the post by Bywater. With Clarke-Harris, Main and Bennett willing runners, Rovers had an easy out ball and with 8 minutes left Dickov set his stall out bringing on 6 ft 5 Jamie McCombe for Curtis Main as Rovers defended their lead in a 5-4-1 formation.

Orient continued to lump the ball forward but with no end result, Jay Simpson had the last effort of the match but Bywater saved well from the former Arsenal man as Orient succumbed to their 12th home defeat of the season. Another one from basic errors with game seemingly there to be won. After dominating the second half at Crewe and tonight’s game, 1 point is not good enough given the opposition.

The only saving grace is that all of the teams below us got beaten but just look what a win would have done for our survival prospects. Defending from set pieces has been an on going problem which seems to have not been addressed. It was clear to see what was going to happen after the first 5 minutes of the second half but at least this time the people around me did not get criticised. At home to Bristol City, the man sitting in the next row was adamant that no one was marking Aden Flint (number 4) from a free kick, Freeman whipped in and Flint nodded home.

The guy got barracked for abuse after stating the obvious but no one did tonight as it was so easy for Rovers. A difficult run in especially after Preston squandered a 2-0 home lead last night, Orient face MK Dons on Saturday with the Dons knowing a win could put them second. Points over performance is all that matters at this stage of the season but 1 point from 6 is not enough. MK will be up for the game at the weekend and in my opinion based on the last few weeks, 3 in central midfield is a must. James, Bartley and Wright should start if Liverani sets team’s out to deal with threats, his words not mine.

If Orient fail to turn up at Stadium MK, a drubbing could be on the agenda but we need to go game by game and put it behind us. Still outside bottom 4 but relegation is getting ever closer.

Doncaster manager Paul Dickov wants his side to finish the season strongly despite rumours of his players relaxing towards the end of the season. Dickov was interviewed after the 1-1 draw with Rochdale on Saturday, stating that “If players want to go on holiday then they can“. Rovers are on a poor run of form with one win in their last six as their play off push appears to be coming to an end.

Defender Reece Wabara has played every minute for the Yorkshire club and stated “Mid table is probably where we deserve to be, as honest as it sounds it is probably right”. Wabara is out of contract in the summer and is keen to impress in the run in to earn himself a new contract “I am unsure of my future but need to keep impressing all the way till May”. 

Rovers sat 6th at the end of February but after just 8 points in 8 games they have dropped into mid table but both Dickov and Butler want a strong end to the season “Our season is not over, we want to finish as high as possible, there is still 15 points up for grabs so a lot to play for”. Rovers threw away a 1 goal advantage at home to Rochdale on Saturday with Dickov unhappy at the defending “1-0 up but not playing great, we have to manage the game properly, we didn’t”.

Rovers travel south to face Leyton Orient tomorrow night with East London club still fighting for their life at the bottom of League 1. Orient picked up a 1-1 draw away at Crewe on Saturday but O’s boss Fabio Liverani knows that it could have been more “we created many chances in the second half  but unfortunately we couldn’t put it in”. 

Darius Henderson levelled for the O’s after they fell behind and captain Nathan Clarke was quick to see where improvement can take place “we’ve got to take positives from it, we’ve got to look at the 2nd half and see we can certainly improve in the opponents box”. Orient looked more defensively stable at Crewe after conceding three at home to Gillingham on Easter Monday but Clarke hinted at “staying switched on, we can be day dreaming after so much possession but they had a threat”.

Orient’s fate is still in their own hands with Clarke stating that “we have to concentrate on ourselves”. Orient sit on 47 points, outside the relegation places on goal difference but with 4 of their 5 remaining games against sides in the top 7, Liverani is hoping that “we keep with the same trend, our spirit won’t be any different”. Orient have performed relatively well against sides in the top 10 with draws against Barnsley and Preston since Christmas but the O’s need to put the Crewe disappointment behind them.

Dickov hinted several times about how poor Rochdale’s goal was defensively and has made it clear that Orient have many good players. “They have hit a good bit of form, they have Dagnall, Cox, Mooney and Henderson who would a handful in any division. They have a lot of experience at the back and it will be a really tough game”. Rovers have fared well on the travels losing only 5 games all season (3-0 Bristol C, 3-0 Walsall, 3-1 Fleetwood, 3-0 Vale and 3-2 Sheff Utd).

• Only the top 5 have a better away record that Donny
• P20 – W8, D7, L5, F32, A28 – 31/54 points
• Rovers have 2 wins in their last 8 away (3-1 Coventry and 5-0 Crawley) – 10 points from last 24 available
• Failed to keep clean sheet in last 8 – 12 all season with 5 away from home
• Only failed to score in 4/20 away matches
• Only lost 5 away but all those games conceded at least 3 goals

Orient’s form has picked up in comparison to Rovers dropping away but both sides will want the points for different reasons.

• Doncaster 9 points from last 30 available – W2, D3, L5 (Only Crewe, Port Vale and Yeovil picked up less
• Orient 15 points from last 30 available – W4, D3, L3
• Doncaster have 4th worse record in the first half of matches – Only Colchester (30), Crawey (31) and Oldham (32) have conceded more in the first half (29)
• 9 out of their 14 wins have come when they have scored the first goal but only collected 2 points from last 12 available when netted first
• Conceded first in 23 games
• 22 of their 32 away goals been in the second half

Orient look set to make changes once more with Liverani hinting that “we have to manage players till the end of the season, where we play frequently”. Clarke was keen to praise Orients wide men after Crewe, “We’re a confident group, we knew in second half we would come at them and McAnuff and Hedges where threats all game and with Hendo (Henderson) and Dagnall up front we always have a chance”. 

Orient will be hoping to put chances away to give them all 3 points and will be looking for a repeat of their 2-0 victory at the Keepmoat earlier in the season. Goals from Jay Simpson and Darius Henderson gave Orient the win back in October but it was the East London side’s first win in 9 attempts against Donny.

• Last 9 meetings – Orient won 1, Drew 3 and Doncaster won 5

Doncaster have concerns over Paul Keegan and Luke McCullough ahead of tomorrow’s game but apart from those two, Dickov has a fully fit squad to choose from. Rovers have picked up 9 of their wins against the bottom 10: record below:

• Played 17 – W9 D3, L5 – 26 points
• Away Games – P8 – W5, D1, L2- 3-0 at Vale, 3-0 at Walsall
• Kyle Bennett has netted 3 in his last 2 and has 8 league goals this term
• Nathan Tyson, Curtis Main also have 8 league goals but Tyson has netted in last 8 while Main has no goal in last 4 games

Prediction – Leyton Orient 1-1 Doncaster

Well, well, well, if ever there was a game which summed up Leyton Orient’s season then today was it. Second best for the opening 20 minutes after falling behind to Lauri Dalla Valle’s two yard tap in on 10 minutes. Fight and passion seemed to missing from recent performances with the O’s once again beginning dominated in the middle of midfield. I do wonder whether Fabio Liverani and his team scout teams pre match. Once again Crewe had a 3 vs 2 in the middle of the park with Bartley and Wright struggling to deal with the extra man. Despite a win and 2 draws, the past three teams have exploited Orient’s central midfield with all 3 playing 3 in the middle (Coventry, Gillingham and Crewe). It didn’t matter today, but in the coming games away at MK Dons and Swindon he may want to consider adding an extra man in there.

There were windy conditions at Gresty Road with the O’s struggling to get to grip but Ryan Hedges was having an impact with him providing the spark to draw the away side leve through Darius Henderson’s near post finish. Then the story of the East London’s club plight followed with chances squandered left, right and center. Dagnall, Henderson, McAnuff, Baudry all wasted openings with wastefulness in front of goal costing Orient the win.

Crewe made 1 change with Ryan Colclough coming in for Uche Ikpeazu who dropped to the bench. Orient recalled Nathan Clarke, Marvin Bartley, Jobi McAnuff and Darius Henderson from their 3-3 draw at home to Gillingham on Easter Monday.

Both sides went into the game knowing that a win could pull them away from the bottom 4 however both sides struggled in the opening period with Henderson seeing an effort blocked while Colclough tested Alex Ciask in the Orient goal. The away side hadn’t got going and fell behind on 10 minutes, a quick free kick saw Greg Leigh pick up a through ball behind the O’s backline. The left back crossed with Lauri Dalla Valle tapping in from 2 yards giving the Alex a perfect start to a side with only 2 wins in their last 11 games.

Crewe boss Steve Davis asked for “attacking football” prior to the game and with their 4-3-3 formation causing Orient problems. With Jamie Ness pushing forward as the furthest of the midfield trio it was almost a 4 vs 4 at times. Ness was picking up the ball in little pockets of space in the hole behind the front three. For all Crewe’s attacking intent they failed to create much going forward.

The O’s seemed to get more of a hold on proceedings with Hedges going close with 2 efforts while Henderson providing a focal point in attack. Jobi McAnuff shot wide but Hedges, the on loan Swansea winger remained the brightest Orient player. It was the 19 year old who helped draw Orient level, his link up with Scott Cuthbert and Marvin Bartley allowed the latter to break down the right. Bartley crossed low to Henderson who had got across Oliver Turton to volley beyond Rachukba.

The equalizer had awoken Liverani’s men with the away side fighting for possession all over the pitch. Hedges’s impact continued to grow with the winger given freedom to drift inside to the pick the ball up. Colclough had a pop shot for the hosts but Crewe’s attacking threat was decreasing by the minute. McAnuff could have given Orient the lead just before the break, a period of possession saw Josh Wright play Shane Lowry down the left. Lowry’s low cross found McAnuff, who’s goal bound shot was tipped round his post by Rachukba.

It was clear that this game for was their for the taking for an Orient side who had picked up 11 points from the last 18 available.

Liverani’s men started the second half brightly and had almost an instant reward. With the wind in their favour, high pressure allowed Wright to play Henderson in but a vital interception prevented him getting a shot off. Minutes later Dagnall created space on the right for a shot but it was blocked. The home side were forced into their second change with Uche Ikpeazu replacing Chris Atkinson after Liam Nolan came on for Jamie Ness at half time. Dalla Valle dropped deeper with Ikpeazu leading the line for Crewe.

Liverani’s message appeared clear, get the win but in true Orient fashion, the 571 travelling fans were put through the mill once more. Baudry had a weak shot at Rachukba after a loose ball fell to him in the box. Orient’s dominance intensified with McAnuff and Hedges creating opportunities for the away side. After good work down the left, Lowry crossed to the center, but after everybody missed it, the loose ball fell to McAnuff who had the goal to hit but couldn’t convert.

McAnuff then blazed over after a corner was worked to the edge of the area. Crewe dropped deeper showing little or no ambition going forward with this encouraging the away side more. Then the guilt edge chance of the game came on 68 minutes, Hedges cute through ball found Dagnall who had avoided the offside trap to leave a 1 on 1. However Dagnall could not repeat last year’s heroics with his shot tipped over by Rachukba and Orient fans wondered if it wasn’t going to be their day. The issued again was raised of “how many chances does Dagnall need before he scores”.

Colclough forced Ciask into a save down to his left after creating a pocket of space on the edge of the area. But then the East London side squandered 3 great chances to go ahead, first Henderson slipped after a Lowry cross was nodded through to the frontman. Then the pivotal Hedges popped up in the center but his fierce shot was blocked by Rachukba with the follow up blocked by Crewe’s defense. In a frantic three minute period, Henderson then curled wide of the mark as Orient fans feared the worse with missed chances costing them dear this season.

Several clear cut chances created for the away side but they failed to have the killer instinct to the put the game to bed. Andrea Dossena replaced Shane Lowry at left back providing a nervous feeling in the away end after his performance or lack of it on Easter Monday. The O’s struggled to create in the latter stages with McAnuff having a shot palmed down by Rachukba with former O’s keeper diving on the ball before Dagnall could convert.

Conversations in the away end erupted of Lloyd James anyone? After his return from his injury he calmed Orient down in their last away trip at Coventry to pick up a vital 3 points. However what came was a shocker to nearly every member of the away contingent baffled by the decision to replace Hedges with Gianvito Plasmati. A man who divides opinion but with Hedges playing an integral part to Orient’s attacking play it seemed bizarre. The less said about the “glove wearing” Italian the better.

With the away side failing to create a chance to seal the game in the remaining minutes, they had to settle for a draw. Most of the O’s players looked disappointed at the final whistle and so they should be. They created enough chances to wrap all 3 points to bring back south to London. Wayward finishing cost Orient dear and with 2 points dropped it may come back to haunt them come 2:15 on May 3rd.  One thing which will not increase Plasmati’s appeal to Orient fans was his non appearance of appreciation of the 571 travelling fans.

With teams below not winning it was no way a bad result but based on the chances created 3 points should have been wrapped up. Orient still remain outside the bottom 4 on goal difference on 47 points but a tough run will see Orient needing to pick results up against Doncaster, MK Dons, Rochdale, Sheffield United and Swindon. All these sides appear to have something to play for; the main objective is to get the points, performance comes second.

Nathan Clarke stated post match “that it was 2 points dropped” but the O’s will have to put this at the back of their mind and put things right on Tuesday against Doncaster. A similar team will surely be played and fair to say that Nathan Clarke has assured his place in the heart of the defense for the rest of the season.

Anyway, every O’s fan knows that we never do it the easy way just look at the emotions we went through in the added time at Oxford in 2006. It looks set to be an end of the season showdown at Swindon, we all hope that safety is assured before them but at the moment it looks likely at the County Ground. Would Orient fans want it any different? Well yes, but if Dean Cox pops up with an injury time winner to keep us up, I know it will be remember in years. All I can say is make sure you get your ticket for Swindon away.

Leyton Orient keeper Alex Ciask has made tomorrow’s clash with Crewe as a “must win” fixture for the East London Club. Orient sit above the “Alex” on goal difference but Ciask knows that “it is a massive game, where we have to take three points”. The O’s fought back from 3-1 down at home to Gillingham on Easter Monday with Ciask valuing the character of the home side.

The on loan Burnley keeper joined in February and has become a fans favourite in E10 with his displays between the sticks. Ciask’s brilliance kept Orient in the game on Monday with the keeper describing it “as a basketball game, we could have even won it at the end”. Orient know how vital a result is tomorrow with Fabio Liverani concerned about the defensive mistakes made in last match.

Liverani spoke to the press today ” we made too many mistake defensively and we have worked on it all week in training”. With both sides equal on points going into tomorrow, a result for either side could bring momentum for their push for League 1 safety. Liverani’s side have improved defensively from the start of the season with only 9 goals conceded in the last 10 games but with 3 conceded last time out, it is a worry for the Italian.

Crewe have dropped right back into the relegation dog-fight in recent weeks and with their 1-0 defeat away at Chesterfield, The “Alex” dropped into the bottom 4. Crewe keeper Paul Rachukba has described their next games as “5 key games, cup finals for everyone involved, points are paramount”. But Crewe have only won 1 in their last 6 and 2 of their last 11 matches.

• Collected 4 points from last 18 available – W1, D1, L4
• Collected 8 points from last 30 available – W2, D2, L6

However more of a concern for their manager, Steve Davis is their inability to score. Speaking after their defeat at Chesterfield “We tried to change it second half to get momentum and life up front but found it difficult to penetrate”. He continued “Fine margins, gaps did open up and we can’t fault their effort in the second period but we fell up short”

• Crewe failed to score in 4 of their last 5 matches
• Only scored 5 goals in their last 10 matches
• Only Yeovil (31) and Walsall (36) have scored less goals in the League than Crewe (37)
• Failed to score in 15 matches with 8 being at home (Lost 5 of those games)

Both Rachukba and Davis talked about Crewe playing “positively, attacking football and show what we are about”. With 9 teams embralled in the relegation scrap the Alex keeper knows that “pressure will be on other teams as well, we have proved that we can beat anyone in the league, why no different on Saturday”. 

Rachukba is right with Crewe beating Bristol City and Peterborough at home whilst gaining draws against Preston and Swindon.

• Crewe’s home record – W8, D5, L7 – 29 points

It has been their away form which has let them down with only Yeovil picking up less points on the road that them.

• Away – W5, D2, L14 F18 A45 – 17 points

A major concern for Crewe is the reason they are currently in the bottom 4 is goal difference. -33 before tomorrow’s match with the next worse in Crawley at -20, it could be the reason they fail to survive. In fact only Blackpool have conceded more goals in the football league away from home than the “Alex”. Key statistics below:

• Kept 10 clean sheets with 8 beginning at home –
• 10 out of their 13 wins been by a 1 goal margin (5 out of their 8 home wins)
• 12 out of their 13 wins been achieved after they have scored the first goal including all 8 home wins (26 out of 29 home points come when Crewe netted first)
• Only won 1 in 19 games when conceded the first goal – losing all 5 at home
• Conceded 47 of their 70 goals in the second half – with 36 in last 30 minutes
• Worse record in last 30 minutes of matches in League 1
• Crewe would sit 14th on 49 points if games lasted 60 minutes (lost 7 games in last 30 minutes).

The O’s travel to Gresty Road with good away form after a win at one of their relegation rivals Coventry last time out. Orient have been thankful for their away form at times this season after no win in their first 8 at home. But O’s boss Liverani has stated that “we will pay them maximum respect, they are doing well, play good football and picked up good result against top clubs”.

• Last 4 away – Won (1-0 at Coventry), Lost (1-0 at Crawley), Won (2-0 at Walsall), Lost (1-0 at Crawley)
• Away record – W7, D5, L7 – 26 of their 46 points on their travels
• 14 clean sheets this season ( 5 away), Failed to score in 10 games (5 away)
• Best goal difference of sides around them -3

Orient and Crewe have both won just under 50% of their games against the bottom 10 clubs, results below: (home in red, away in green):

• Crewe’s record – P15 W7, D3, L5 – Home record – P7, W4, D1, L2
• Orient’s record – P17, W8, D3, L6 – Away record – P8, W4, D1, L3

Orient’s trip to Crewe will be their last game against a side in the bottom half of the table with their run in one of the most difficult in sides at the bottom. Crewe still have 3 games against sides at the bottom including tomorrow’s match with their fate in their own hands”. Rachukba knows that tomorrow’s game is a 6 pointer “we need to pick up point quickly so that way hopefully enjoy the last game with no pressure on us”. 

• Crewe’s run in – Orient (H), Peterborough (A), Walsall (H), Coventry (A), Bradford (H)
• Orient’s – Crewe (A), Doncaster (H), MK Dons (A), Rochdale (A), Sheff U (H), Swindon (A)

The message was clear from Crewe ahead of tomorrow:

Rachukba “We need to concentrate on doing right things, quickly, simply, getting chances to score. If we score fantastic. So much comes into a winning performance”

Davis “It’s a challenge, step up to it and keep it going, keep them going, keeping your players going and not letting their heads drop. Need to keep them going mentally and physically making sure they get enough rest”

Orient came out 4-1 winners earlier in the season with the game being their first home win of the season. Orient have won the last 3 meetings between the sides with Orient winning 2-1 at Gresty Road last season due to a Chris Dagnall brace.

• Crewe without a win in 7 against Orient
• Have won 1 in 10 against Orient with win coming back in 2008
• Crewe lost 4 out of last 5 meetings at Gresty Road between sides

Orient could give Darius Henderson a start after impressing from the bench against Gillingham while Liverani may look to add an extra man in midfield. Orient were overrun throughout game against Gillingham with Wright and James struggling to gain a grip. Andrea Dossena had a shocker last week so could be dropped with Shane Lowry moving to left back but Gary Sawyer has been ruled out of tomorrow’s clash.

Crewe could make changes with Steve Davis stating that “The midfield is where the game was won, we looked tired but wasn’t much on the bench to change it”. Alex will be looking for Nicky Ajose to add to his 8 league goals this term but has not scored in last 11 matches. Anthony Grant still misses out as he sits out second game due to a ban.

Prediction – Crewe 0-2 Leyton Orient

If ever a game epitomized what it is like to be an Orient fan, then this was it. 1-0 up after half an hour thanks to a Lloyd James penalty on his first start since September. But with Orient’s defence all over the shop, Gillingham scored 3 goals in 21 minutes either side of half time. The Gills cut through Orient’s defence at will, the majority of the crowd wondering how left back, Andrea Dossena played for Liverpool in the Champions League. Cody McDonald should have completed his hat-trick but wastefulness in front of goal and heroics from Alex Ciask prevented this.

Darius Henderson pulled one back with 24 minutes left however the home side remained as open as the borders at Dover. McDonald, Norris and Dack all had chances going close with Dack clipping the post. However, it was Orient who grabbed an equalizer when Josh Wright popped up with his second goal in a week to level with 5 minutes left. This was a man who had failed to score in 3 years prior to his strike at Coventry but curled home from inside the box to earn the O’s a point.

Gills boss Justin Edinburgh called for his side to finish the season strongly with teams being remembered on how they finish. On yesterday’s evidence he will be baffled as to how his side blew a two goal lead when seemingly on course for victory.

O’s boss Fabio Liverani made 5 changes from the side that beat Coventry in midweek with Andrea Dossena, Ryan Hedges, Dean Cox and David Mooney recalled with Lloyd James starting his first game since September. Gillingham made 3 changes after defeat to Fleetwood on Good Friday with recalls for Cody McDonald, Jake Hessenthaler and Leon Legge.

In a frantic opening period Dean Cox had a diving header tipped over by former O’s keeper Glen Morris whilst Jermaine McGlashan rounded O’s keeper Ciask but couldn’t find a teammate after a Dossena’s mistake. The Gills were pressing high on Orient’s back line with the home side looking far from solid, surprising from a side who had kept three clean sheets in their previous 5.

McGlashan was causing major problems down the right with Dossena on another planet at times. Cox and McDonald both had volleys at goal but neither troubled the keepers before Orient took the lead against the run of play. Ryan Hedges was fed down the right running towards the byline, he cut back onto his left foot and was caught by Max Ehmer. James stepped up slotting home the resulting penalty but this seemed to galvanize the away side.

5 minutes later, they grabbed their equalizer, after a corner was flicked on to Norris at the back post, the striker crossed for McGlashan to tap home. The Gills were playing a 3-5-2 formation with Orient not heeding prior warnings of threat down the flanks as they continued to look vulnerable. Doug Loft fired wide before McDonald headed home 8 minutes after the equalizer. Bradley Dack picked the ball up on the right, whipping in a ball to McDonald who was given the freedom of Leyton to nod home.

It could have got worse for Orient as Dack waltzed through the non-existent back-line however his curling shot was parried behind by Ciask. Gillingham maintained their pressure at the start of the second half with McDonald inches away from Norris’s cross. Dack was playing in the hole behind the front two, having so much joy although his effort on goal curled just over the far post.

The away side did grab a third after Norris was bundled over by Lowry in the box, McDonald slammed home the spot kick to give the Gills a 2 goal margin which at the time looked extremely comfortable. Liverani chucked on Darius Henderson for David Mooney just before the penalty however he was the catalyst for Orient’s fightback.

His added physical presence created a half chance for Hedges who volleyed at Morris after the striker’s knock down. Chris Dagnall began to have an increased involvement having fed on scraps for much of the game. McDonald should have wrapped up proceedings and his hat-trick on the hour mark. Dack played him in but his poor touch allowed Ciask to gather as he looked certain to score.

Henderson did pull one back with 24 minutes left, a through ball from Cox was chased by Dagnall who beat Leon Legge to the ball. He fed Henderson in whose first shot was smashed straight at Morris, however the former Forest striker followed in and volleyed home to give Orient hope.

The Gills continued to win the midfield battle with Loft, Hessenthaler and Dack dominating Orient’s duo. Dack nearly grabbed a goal his performance deserved as he cut inside unleashing a curling shot which clipped the outside of the post.

Edinburgh’s side reverted to a 4-4-2 as his side began to come under increased pressure from the home side. Henderson should have grabbed his second as Dagnall headed back from a Dossena cross but the substitute screwed his header wide.

In an end to end period, Norris and McDonald should have finished the contest but both had efforts brilliantly saved by Ciask who kept his side within touching distance of the Gills. Orient pushed forward with substitute Jobi McAnuff playing a key role, he should have leveled but fired wide from inside the box.

Josh Wright did bag the equalizer 5 minutes from time after Orient’s best passage of the game. A cross from McAnuff was blocked by a Gills defender, Henderson played in Wright who curled home, creating another memorable celebration from the midfielder. Nathan Clarke replaced Dossena after the goal to try and shut up shop. Both sides pushed for a late winner but neither could oblige, having to settle for a point.

The Gills will wonder how they failed to grab maximum points from a game where they created so many good chances. Wasteful finishing and a MOTM display from Ciask kept Orient within the game. Dack, McDonald, McGlashan and Norris ran the O’s ragged for the majority but 2 lapses in concentration cost their side dear.

The O’s looked poor in defence and were dominated throughout in midfield. It begs the question why change a winning formula? and change a back 4 that kept a clean sheet away at Coventry? Well, only Fabio Liverani will know but on yesterday’s evidence it failed to work as he breathed a huge side of relief with his side fighting back.

Andrea Dossena looked far from there with his inability to defend clear for every on looker to see, Mathieu Baudry and Shane Lowry deserted any ability that had to create a partnership at the back.

One thing which riles with me is, after the Bradford defeat Fabio announced to the pressure that he played Pricthard to cover the threat down the wings from the Bantams. No problem with that but when a side plays 3-5-2 with 3 men in the middle of midfield, we were outnumbered with 3 vs 2. He changed his formation at Coventry as the Sky Blues were in the ascendancy but nothing yesterday.

The Gills dominated throughout with James looking far from match fit with bottling challenges with him weary after his recently healed broken leg. Not his fault as it appears to me that he has been rushed back too quickly in my opinion. We conceded all three goals at Priestfield from set pieces but Orient remained unable as much like most of the season to mark then men from a corner. Is it actually that hard?

Darius Henderson changed the game after his introduction with the point massive in terms of Orient survival prospects. A game in which on another day could have been lost by 6 or 7 the O’s grab a point with spirit, determination and fight showed once more. The question is which team will turn up at Crewe on Saturday? Points over the performance remains the motto at this stage of the season and with 7 from a possible 9, Orient can get out of their situation. However if the O’s play like that at Crewe it will be another uphill task.

All that I know is as much as Orient frustrate me, I will be there at Crewe supporting the boys. If the fight, passion and determination of the Coventry, Port Vale second half and last 20 minutes of yesterday I will be happy. We will have to wait and see what happens at Gresty Road on Saturday but defeat appears no option…

Leyton Orient midfielder Josh Wright is confident his side can survive the drop and has urged the fans to keep supporting their team to the end of the season. Wright who signed a permanent deal till the end of the season in January with the O’s, notched his first goal in 3 years away at Coventry to give Orient 3 vital points in their battle for survival.

Wright has played a key role this season with injuries to Lloyd James and Romain Vincelot meaning he has been an integral part of the team. Wright is loving his football at the O’s

“This club means everything to me, My local club, I love it here. It has only been good and we have stuck together. There has been tough times and we have to ride them and stick together but with the fans sticking with us and keep supporting, we will be fine”

Orient’s 1-0 victory at Coventry pulled them out of the relegation zone for the first time in 2 months and were kept out of the bottom 4 after results went in their favour on Good Friday. Wright hailed the “amazing fans” at Coventry, dedicating his goal to them “I mean this from the bottom of my heart, it was for them, I was so happy to do it in front of them. So happy to see them go home happy and enjoy their Easter Weekend”.

596 fans traveled to the Ricoh on Wednesday night, in many thanks to free coach travel provided by O’s chairman Francesco Bechetti, “it was absolutely brilliant what the club did for them, it gives that little bit extra, turning up on a Wednesday night so close to Easter with many having work tomorrow” added Wright.

Fabio Liverani also praised Wright “I was very pleased the goal came from Josh Wright, a player who always tries to motivate and give something extra”. The O’s recorded back to back wins after coming from behind, to win 3-1 at home to Port Vale and Liverani stated the importance of the game “it was a very important game, a 6 pointer, 3 extremely important points for us and helped us recover 2 points lost at home to Barnsley”

Orient had to survive an onslaught at the start of the second half at Coventry with both Liverani and Wright highlighting Orient’s character:

Liverani “10-15 minutes where we really struggled but because of the goalkeeper and defenders they didn’t score”

Wright “It is a team game, great team spirit with everyone playing their part: staff, management, fans; it was absolutely fantastic”

Orient face Gillingham tomorrow as they look for their third consecutive win on route to potential safety in League 1. Gillingham lost 1-0 at home to Fleetwood on Good Friday and understand the test that awaits them at Brisbane Road “it will be a difficult test, as every game is, they have good players at the club and have underachieved. They will be buoyant after back to back wins so it will be a difficult encounter” stated Gills boss, Justin Edinburgh.

Gills boss Justin Edinburgh rued his side after they conceded first in their fourth consecutive home match “we huffed and puffed coming up short”. Edinburgh joined the Gills in February after 4 years with Newport County and has made it clear that he wants a good end of the season, “we need to finish positively, now to the end of the season, we have still got something to play for” Edinburgh is aware of maintaining good form which sets them up for a good pre season, “people remember how you finish and fans that come here deserve better”.

• Form since Edinburgh’s appointment: P12- W5, D4, L3 – 19 points
• Orient’s form in same period: P12 – W6, D1, L5 – 19 points

Gillingham have picked up only 21 points on their travels this season with only four teams picking up less: Yeovil (15), Crewe and Crawley (17) and Port Vale (19). But the Gills are one of three teams that sit in mid-table with relatively little to play for. With relegation and play-off issues to be decided in the coming weeks, Edinburgh is making his mind up on player’s contract but insists “I pick a team on merit, if players play well they keep the shirt. It is a competitive, strong environment”.

• Gills picked up 6 points out of last 18 available – W1, D3, L2
• Only kept 3 clean sheets in 20 away matches but achieved 2 in last 4 matches on their travels (3-0 win at Swindon, 0-0 at Bristol City)

Both Gillingham and Orient score and concede more goals in the second half with all 5 goals in Gillingham’s 3-2 victory over Orient in November coming in the second period.

• Gillingham scored 34/54 and conceded 31/58 in second period
• Netted 18 in final 15 minutes of matches
• Gillingham would sit 21st if games ended after 75 minutes – gained 8 points
• Orient scored 31/51 and conceded 29/54 in second period
• Netted 14 of 31 on final 15 minutes
• Orient would sit 15th in games ended after 75 minutes

Orient have been improved in recent weeks and they climbed outside the bottom 4 in the last week. Their improvement has been in many thanks to their defensive record conceding only 8 in their last 10 matches with Wright insisting game plans being important “we had to do what we had to do and we done it. It was so important to come here and get the three points”.

• Clean sheet against Coventry was 14th of the season and 3rd in last 5 matches
• Only Preston (5) and Barnsley (6) have conceded less goals in last 10 matches
• Failed to score in 10 matches with 5 of them at home but Orient netted in 4 of their last 5 at Brisbane Road (only blank 0-0 draw with Barnsley)
• Won 3 of their last 5 at home (3-0 Yeovil, 3-0 Oldham and 3-1 Port Vale)
• 4 of their 5 home victories been by 3 goals other win was by 2

Gillingham won their last away game at Crawley 2-1 and will be looking for much of the same when they travel to E10 tomorrow.Gills have only 1 defeat on their travels in 7 matches (3-0 at Chestefield) picking up 11 points from last 18 available. The first goal will be crucial tomorrow as both sides look for victory.

• 11 of Gillingham 13 wins (all 5 away wins) come when they have scored first
• Won their last 3 away games when netted first
• Picked up 16 of their 21 points in games where they have scored first
• Only collected 3 points from possible 30 when conceded first
• Played 15 games against bottom 10 – P15 – W5, D5, L5 – 20/45 points
• But in 7 away games played record is – P7 – W2, D2, L3

Orient will look to continue their improved form and hope to climb up the table as they face 2 winnable games next in Gillingham and Crewe while the Gills hope their season doesn’t fizzle out. Edinburgh could shuffle his squad with a potential recall for Cody McDonald who is their leading scorer with 14 but only netted 2 in last 7.

Orient may recall Ryan Hedges who did come on at Coventry despite playing 90 minutes the previous night for Wales U21 while Lloyd James continues his return to fitness and will certainly play a part at some point tomorrow. Dean Cox could miss out after suffering an injury in the warm up at Coventry.

Fabio Liverani knows how important last remaining games are “there are 7 games to go, every game as important as the next, our aim is to get maximum points game by game to ensure we get out of this situation”. 

Wright knows that at this stage of the season “every team is fighting for their lives, teams at the top, middle and bottom playing for contracts, which ever way you look at it, people are fighting for livelihoods.

Wright urged fans to keep supporting at Brisbane Road tomorrow “We have to regroup, dust ourselves down come Monday. Listen, that goal was for them tonight really do mean that, hopefully they keep supporting us in that way, to give us that extra help”

• Gillingham have won the last two games between sides (3-2 and 1-0) both at Priestfield
• Orient beat Gillingham 5-1 in April last year in arguably Orient’s best performance in recent years

Prediction – Leyton Orient 2-0 Gillingham

3 missed Alarms? a phonecall from the boss? half an hour late for work after a rainy journey home; all couldn’t dampen my mood from last night’s win at Coventry. Well, in fact, what most fans would tell you? What is better than seeing your team nick 3 points on their travels in their quest for survival? Not much to tell the truth, after Josh Wright grabbed a precious winner for his 1st O’s goal which moved the East London Side out of the bottom 4 for the first time in 2 months.

Yes, I can say it, I debated about going Coventry or not, after 45 minutes of the home match with Port Vale but with Orient ingrained in the brain from my dad for years; it was never a possibility to miss a trip on a Wednesday night. Up at 3:40 am for work, finishing at 2:15pm wasn’t a problem as I drove up to the Rioch to meet my dad. Elation after the winner but then the realization of hang on a minute, after the journey home, I have to be up for work in 3 and half hours.

Well, not exactly my boss will tell you, sleeping through 3 alarms until my boss rung and woke me up before being actually only 30 minutes for my shift at 5am. All for the love of Leyton Orient.

It was the cliche, a Smash and Grab win for the O’s who took all three points back to E10 after Josh Wright struck with 12 minutes left to leave Orient 2 points above the relegation zone. The Sky Blues had their chances in the game, hitting the post and a shot cleared off the line but Orient struck the killer blow at the Rioch registering their 2nd win in 5 days and 3rd win in 5 games.

Orient made 4 changes after their victory over Port Vale on Saturday, Nathan Clarke and Shane Lowry came in at the back for Luke O’Neil and Gary Sawyer. While Dean Cox was injured in the warm up and David Mooney dropped out for Jobi McAnuff and Darius Henderson. McAnuff’s inclusion was a surprise for most Orient fans after he was on International duty with Jamaica on Saturday.

Coventry who had won 3 out of their last 4 to climb away from the bottom 4, made only 1 change with Marcus Tudgay missing out with injury, Sanmi Odelusi coming in.

In a fairly uneventful first half hour, Orient’s game plan was easy to work: sit back letting Coventry play in front of them. Tony Mowbray had talked pre match about how his side went back to basics in their victory over Peterborough on Saturday but struggled to break down Orient in the early stages. Jim O’Brien struck a shot over the bar for the only real tester on goal but Dominic Samuel did pick up an injury for the home side, eventually being replaced by George Thomas.

The away side were continuing to invite pressure on their goal but struggled to create much going forward, resorting to long ball through Darius Henderson to get forward. Grant Ward had an attempt sail over the bar as neither side could get a foothold on the game. Orient’s best attacking play came from set pieces, in particularly corners where Mathieu Baudry and Shane Lowry both went close.

Coventry’s best chance off the half came after good play from Frank Nouble down the left, his pull back found O’Brien put his looping flick sailed agonizingly wide of the far post for the hosts. Orient responded with the guilt edge chance of the half, after a long throw from Scott Cuthbert was flicked on by Henderson. It found Dagnall but the striker could only direct his header straight at keeper Lee Burge from 5 yards out. Was that Orient’s chance?

The hosts must have been given a rocket at half time after their response at the start of the second half. O’Brien had shot just over before the home side hit the post, a neat one two from a corner found Ward, who beat Dagnall too easily but his curling shot hit the up right and bounced away. Orient were getting out ran in the middle of midfield with Coventry’s three of Ward, Fleck and O’Brien continually finding space between the O’s.

The 596 travelling fans breathed a huge sigh of relief 6 minutes after the restart with Alex Ciask failing to claim a ball, the ball fell to George Thomas with the goal gaping. But his goal bound shot was turned away from Baudry who had got back on the line. Ciask then had to tip over a dipping Ward shot from distance as the home side pressed for the killer first goal.

Coventry center half Matthew Pennington saw header clip the top of the goal before Jake Taylor was replaced by Ryan Hedges. In a remarkable story where Hedges played 90 minutes the previous evening in Wales U21 3-1 victory over Bulgaria. Any one who talks about players needed a break just speak to the 19 year old midfielder who tweeted after the match “Massive result tonight and exactly what we deserve!! Also, if anyone can find me a new set of legs it’d be much appreciated #LOFC #COYOS“

The away side had been on the back foot since the start of the second half and were second to most balls as the home side could sense blood. Orient very rarely retreated out of their own half to attack with chances limited for the two strikers who were both having to work very hard to close down the ball. Then what was the turning point in the evening, Liverani brought on Lloyd James for Jobi McAnuff as the O’s went to a 4-5-1 formation.

The away side had struggled in the middle of the park since the start of the second half, James added some extra protection in front of the back 4 with Josh Wright given license to support Henderson. Hedges and Dagnall became the wide men as Liverani looked to close the game out with 23 minutes remaining.

Then the killer moment, after a flick on from Darius Henderson found Dagnall, the striker dribbled towards the box laying off to a unmarked Wright. The former Millwall man drove his shot past Burge to send 596 away fans into jubilation behind the goal with emotion clear to see on the midfielder’s face with his celebration. A massive goal for the O’s who had 12 minutes to hold on for a precious 3 points.

After Mowbray’s pre match speech of “We need to be organised, compete all over the pitch and see if it is enough” didn’t seem to register after a poor bit of play had seen them concede to an Orient side who had won 3 of their last 4 games when they had grabbed the first goal. It was a real sucker punch for Coventry with Orient on the back foot for the majority of the second half but small margins in football win matches.

Mowbray chucked on Ryan Haynes and Blair Turgott to try and grab an equaliser while Orient brought on Elliot Omosuzi for Dagnall as they went 5 at the back. The home side resorted to long ball which Orient dealt with with ease. Four minutes were added on but Orient hung on for their second win in a week and a perfect present for the travelling fans.

O’s chairman, Francesco Bechetti had laid on free coaches on for the away fans and the players replayed the owner’s belief in his side. Orient have a fighting chance of survival with 7 points needed in the final 7 games of the season to ensure safety for the season.

Liverani’s game plan was completed down to a tee, contain Coventry and hit the home side with one chance. It only takes one chance to win a game and Orient can vouch for that. The Sky Blues have been pulled right back into danger sitting just 1 point above Orient but still have a favorable run to the end of season. Their poor home form continues with 1 win in 11 at the Rioch but with the lack of atmosphere clear to see, it is not a surprise.

Only 8,010 turned up for the game in the 35,000 seated stadium which seems a waste of the stadium’s capacity. The ground seems to favor away sides who will have no nerves travelling to the Rioch.

Orient fans have seen a side of Orient which has been missing for most of the season: guts, determination and fight. 3 words which have been far from some performances from the O’s this season, but in the final stages of the season Orient are the form side at the bottom.

A great away victory which has put the pressure on the teams below the O’s who have two very winnable games next up with Gillingham at home and Crewe away. 2 wins is definitely a possibility with the side now growing in confidence. A fine trip for all O’s fans who saw the passion and meaning of the goal by Josh Wright.

Through the lows of the season, Orient remains in the blood and always will. No matter the result, we all will still turn up at rainy Gillingham or the soul less place which is Crawley. All for the one love… Leyton Orient. Why ever not?

Leyton Orient completed a second half comeback against Port Vale which leaves them just 1 point from safety at the bottom of league 1.

Second half strikes from David Mooney and Dean Cox were sandwiched by a Neil Collins own goal which gave Orient what could a massive win come the end of the season. Chris Birchall had given Vale the lead just before the half hour but Chris Neal’s red card for the penalty changed the game dramatically and Orient didn’t look back after.

In what only can ever be described as a game of two halves Vale were complete dominant for 40 minutes where they could only manage a one goal advantage. Orient looked down and resigned to League 2 football in the first half  where the home side were thankful to Alex Ciask’s heroics but an amazing turn around in the second half has given them a massive chance of survival ahead of a trip to Coventry in midweek.

Orient made four changes from last week’s 1-0 defeat at Crawley with Gary Sawyer, David Mooney and Mathieu Baudry recalled with a debut for on loan Reading midfielder Jake Taylor. Andrea Dossena, Nathan Clarke, Darius Henderson all dropped out with Ryan Hedges unavailable due to being away on International duty. Vale, who were trying to stop a fourth consecutive defeat, made 5 changes with Carl Dickensen, Chris Birchall and Tom Pope recalled while Rob Page handed debuts to new loan signings Neil Collins and Francisco Junior.

Despite their recent form, Vale started the brighter in the early exchanges but the home side had the first chance of the afternoon. Marvin Bartley broke down the right after being found by Luke O’Neil, his cross found Dagnall but Chris Neal did well to smother the Orient striker. Orient looked low on confidence as Vale grew further in the match with Mark Marshall the outlet down the left for the away side.

The game began to get scrappy but O’Neil was having all sorts of problems dealing with Marshall with his mistake forcing Alex Ciask into a fine save. His ball found Cuthbert but his clearance only found Louis Dodds in the box, his left foot shot was brilliantly tipped over by Ciask. From the resulting corner, the ball was kept in at the back post by Vale and headed back to Chis Robertson. Robertson’s shot looked to have given Vale the lead but Gary Sawyer kept his position on the post to clear off the line.

Marshall continued to be a strong influence on Vale’s attacking threat but it was their opposite winger who gave the away side the lead on 28 minutes. A ball over Gary Sawyer found Birchall who progressed into the box, making enough space to shoot across Ciask and into the far post. Nothing more than the away side deserve in the opening half hour.

Orient continued to be poor in possession and struggled to make any inroads going forward with Vale increasing in confidence. Mix-ups across the pitch between defense and midfield were not helping the O’s who looked resigned to another home defeat. Tom Pope should have doubled Vale’s lead but failed to convert either of his two chances. First Carl Dickensen’s left wing cross was only headed straight at Ciask after he rose unchallenged. Then after a brilliant piece of play allowed Dodds to play Pope through in the inside right channel, his shot was half save by Ciask leaving Baudry to make another goal line clearance for the home side.

The home crowd were getting restless with Orient’s apparent lack of commitment and effort in their current predicament. The home side were struggling to string passes together but for all Vale’s dominance the O’s could have levelled before the break. Wright found Mooney in behind but his looping shot was turn over for a corner. Taylor volleyed wide from the resulting corner before Dean Cox clipped the post with a volley just before half time as Orient knew they had 45 minutes to save their season.

A massive half time talk for Fabio Liverani was needed and what a team talk it was. Orient started on the front foot straight from the whistle with Mooney forcing Chris Neal into a fine save 3 minutes after the interval. The home side continued their press for an equalizer going agonizingly close on 50 minutes, Dean Cox’s looping header found Chris Dagnall in an onside position but his left foot shot was brilliantly saved by Neal to keep Vale’s lead in tact.

Then the turning point on 55 minutes, David Mooney played Dagnall in behind, the O’s striker touched the ball past Neal who brought him down. The only question was red or yellow; referee Darren Handley brandished the red reducing Vale to 10 men and giving Orient the opportunity to level. Was it a clear goal scoring opportunity for Dagnall? I though no but Handley thought otherwise. Nevertheless, after a stoppage in play Mooney stepped up and calmly levelled for Orient.

Vale took off Francisco Junior for Sam Johnson as Louis Dodds dropped into midfield as Vale went 4-4-1. Orient needed the victory and after struggling against 10 men in games this season knew how important the potential three points could be. Orient could have taken the lead on 58, Cox got in behind the right back and crossed for Mooney, his shot was pushed wide by Johnson to Dagnall but the front man could only hit the post.

The home side were in the ascendancy and took the lead 6 minutes after the equalizer. Sawyer’s deep looping left wing cross resulting in a mix up between center half and keeper, Taylor saw an opportunity and headed across goal with Neil Collins putting through his own net giving Orient the lead.

Both sides made changes with Orient replacing O’Neil for Nathan Clarke with Cuthbert moving to right back. Vale looked for a route back in with Chris Birchall and Tom Pope replaced by Colin Daniel and Ben Williamson. Cox could have struck a third but failed to connect from a Taylor cross as the O’s pushed for a third.

Johnson who was struggling after coming on for Neal, brought down Mooney on 72 for another penalty after Cox played the Irishman in. But this time Johnson saved Mooney’s weak spot kick giving Vale a lifeline in the game. That was Mooney’s last involvement as Gianvito Plasmati replaced him.

Chris Dagnall had a header save after a Cox cross before Ciask made a good save from Michael O’Connor’s free kick. Orient did wrap up the three points with 6 minutes remaining after Plasmati found Cox, the winger progressed to the Vale box unleashing a pile driver from 25 yards which flew into the top corner. Relief was there for all to see at Brisbane Road with everyone knowing the importance of the result.

Lloyd James was introduced in the final stages after completing his comeback from a broken leg suffered at home to Colchester in September. Orient could have grabbed a fourth as Clarke headed wide from a corner and Dagnall hit the bar in the final minutes but Orient picked up a valuable three points.

After Notts County and Scunthorpe drew, Crawley’s defeat at home to Gillingham; Orient sit one point from safety and play before the rest of their rivals on Wednesday night. Orient did get away with one after with the first half performance being one of the worst in years at Brisbane Road. But Orient will not care about how they pick up points before the end of the season; points over performance is what matters at this stage.

Hopefully the O’s will build on the confidence built in their second half performance but were helped majorly by the sending off to Chris Neal. Orient travel to Coventry in Wednesday who have picked up since Tony Mowbray took over with 9 point out of their last 12. But Orient have picked up more points away from home and will look forward to their trip to the Rioch in midweek but have to continue their second half performace. If they play like the first half Coventry will run riot against the O’s.

What could have that 45 minutes done for the rest of the O’s season? Well, in a game where Orient could have been 3 or 4 down at half time they won 3-1, which is a massive turning point in the season. Let’s hope that they push on for the remaining 8 games of the season.