Hodgson Keen on Maintaining Momentum

Posted on October 8, 2014 by mattbristow271993

England manager Roy Hodgson takes his side into their second Euro 2016 qualifier against San Marino looking for a good performance rather than the amount of goals  they will score. San Marino are one of the lowest ranked teams in the world but Hogdson is understands the key is to sustain momentum within the team.

England won 2-0 last time out against Switzerland, with Hogdson insisting that there will not be wholesale changes for tomorrow’s encounter at Wembley. Apart from Fabian Delph who has been confirmed fit for the game tomorrow, England has a fully fit squad. Hodgson in today’s press conference highlighted that “the players have prepared vigorously and the training has been excellent. I haven’t seen any difference in preparation for this game than our last game against Switzerland”.

Hodgson highlighted that he hasn’t announced his team yet but is set on brewing confidence in the ranks but “there are a lot of players knocking on the door and want to get in the team so I might use one of these games to see a couple of players”. Although fans will be expecting plenty of goals, Hodgson played down talk of this “We’ve played other teams like San Marino and they do get better in getting results and not losing heavy”. England beat San Marino 5-0 at Wembley in 2012 but the England boss stated “at no time have we mentioned goals and the number of goals scored; it’s about performance and building on what’s good”.

With Sturridge being injured Hodgson has relatively few options in attack, “we are not blessed with huge amounts of options but I think there is now competition which is a healthy situation for us”. Danny Welbeck has been in the eye of the England boss since 2012 and “is someone that he follow very closely, he hasn’t got enormous amounts of game time but it’s great he has got his move to be one of the first names on the team sheet”.

England look set to continue with the diamond in midfield with Sterling playing behind a front two of Welbeck and Rooney, the interesting dilemma for Hodgson is does he keep WIlshere at the bottom just in front of the back four? Wilshere’s best performances this year have been when playing further forward in his Arsenal side. England should be comfortable winners, with a good team performance in Switzerland last month, confidence should be high.

Expected Team: Hart, Clyne, Cahill, Jagielka, Baines, WIlshere, Henderson, Delph, Sterling, Rooney, Welbeck

Prediction: England 6-0 San Marino

Danny Welbeck and Wayne Rooney to net a couple each in the England win, it won’t be one of the best games to watch but with the team will be building confidence.

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Hawks Squeeze Through in A10 Derby

Posted on October 8, 2014 by mattbristow271993

Harlow Town progressed through to the second round of the Ryman League Cup with a 2-1 win at local rivals Ware Town. First half goals from Josh Cowley and prolific front man Alex Read put the Hawks on their way. Kieran Bishop halved the deficit 4 minutes into the second half but Ware couldn’t grab an equalizer.

Ware made one change from their 5-1 win against Burham Ramblers on Saturday with Jack Fowler coming in for Ajet Shehu. Harlow who recently lost their place at the top of the Ryman North division made 4 changes from their 0-0 home draw on Saturday. Dean Driscoll, Danny Norton, David Kendall and Claudio Lorenzami all started in place of Ed Thompson, Ben Glasgow, Fabion Simms and James Smith. Both teams opted for a 4-3-3 system with both leading scorers in attack: Kieran Bishop for Ware and Alex Read for Harlow.

In a slow start to the match Alex Read hit the side netting while Finbarr Robbins and Charlie Ledula went close for the home side. Ware nearly took the lead after a long ball forward was flicked to Bishop; who flashed a shot across the face of goal unable to add to his 9 league goals this term. The away side took the lead just 2 minutes later, Read laid the ball of to Josh Cowley who cut back on to his favored right foot and curled in a shot off the post.

Harlow began to take a foothold on the game with Read inches away from latching onto a through ball. Layne Eadie who was playing further forward than normal was causing the home side problems down the left and twice went close. First he had a shot well saved after being played in by Read and from the resulting corner his shot was cleared off the line. Ware were beginning to become a danger on the break, nearly leveling through Bishop after the striker nipped in between Kendall and Driscoll but was unable to finish. Harlow doubled their lead on the stroke of half time through Read; Cowley received the ball in the inside right channel and his miss-hit shot was poked home by the Hawks striker.

Harlow replaced Read with Billy Jones after half time with home side having more possession and territory. Rheo Josephs had a shot blocked after Driscoll spilled a Ware cross but Ware halved the deficit just a minute later. Robins played a ball between Norton and Kendall into Bishop’s path and the forward curled the ball home from inside the area. Harlow were finding it difficult to keep hold of possession giving Ware confidence to push for an equalizer with Murat Karagol heading over from a corner. Harlow began to drop deeper but the hosts were finding it hard to create chances against a resolute defense. Ware should have leveled with 10 minutes to go, James Smith a second half substitute under hit a back pass to Driscoll with Bishop nipping in and rounded Driscoll. But Bishop looked for his team mate rather than hitting the target with Michael Toner forcing the chance away.

Ware thought they had leveled with 5 minutes remaining with Bishop turning in a Charlie Ledula cross but the assistant referee had his flag raised. Harlow managed to hold on for the win and progress to the second round of the cup facing Hampton and Richmond away with a date to be confirmed. Harlow manager, Danny Chapman will be happy progressing to the next round but was clearly frustrated with his sides failure to keep possession in the second half. On the other hand Ware manager Kem Kemal will be annoyed that possession in the second half did not lead to more chances for his side to test Driscoll in the Harlow goal.

Ware face Brentwood Town away in the league on the 14th October with a weekend off on the 7th. Harlow face a trip to Barkingside on Saturday looking to regain their place at the top of the league with their unbeaten record in tack.

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Mourinho Still Reigns Over Wenger

Posted on October 5, 2014 by mattbristow271993

An Eden Hazard penalty and Diego Costa’s ninth goal of the season saw Chelsea move five points clear at the top of the Barclays Premier League. Hazard slotted home a first half penalty after his mazy run was haulted by Koscienly after 27 minutes. Costa doubled the Blues lead with 12 minutes remaining after Cesc Fabregas’s through ball found him and he lobbed the ball beyond Szcsesny in the Arsenal goal. Arsene Wenger continues his winless run against Mourinho to 12 games.

Chelsea made 1 change from their 3-0 home win vs Aston Villa last week with Andre Schurrle replacing Willian in midfield. Arsenal made 3 changes after a 1-1 home draw with arch rivals Tottenham last time out with Santi Cazorla, Matheiu Flamini and Alexis Sanchez replacing Mikel Arteta, Aaron Ramsey and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. Arsene Wenger highlighted the danger of Arsenal old boy Fabregas in midfield and chose to bolster to a midfield trio.

In a frantic opening 10 minutes both teams struggled to keep possession with Wenger and Mourinho going at it on the touchline after a poor challenge from Gary Cahill on Alexis Sanchez. Wenger took offense to the challenge and pushed Mourinho in the process to add extra spice to the game after recent comments in the press. Thibaut Courtois had to be replaced after Sanchez caught the goalkeeper, the Belgian tried to continue but with blood coming from his ear, Chelsea took no precautions with Cech replacing him. Chelsea looked slightly more dangerous and took the lead after brilliant play from Eden Hazard. The Belgian midfielder picked the ball up outside the area, beat two men before entering the penalty area where Laurent Koscienly fouled the Chelsea man. The midfielder picked himself up and slotted home the penalty to give Chelsea the lead.

Arsenal were trying to create chances but were struggling to hit the target, Ozil found Wilshere on the edge of the box but the England midfielders touch was poor and the chance went begging. Chelsea were limiting Arsenal to long range efforts with Cazorla going close but his shot was dragged wide.

On another day Arsenal could have had a penalty of their own after Fabregas attempted to block a Wilshere shot with the ball deflecting off the former Arsenal man’s hands. Arsenal looked poor in the final third and against another top club away from home. Mezut Ozil continued to be a passenger in another game and Wenger somehow kept the German World Cup winner on the pitch which Santi Cazorla disagreed with after being substituted.

Chelsea replaced Schurrle with Mikel and reverted to a 4-3-3 formation with Fabregas given license to push forward; Costa leading the line with Hazard and Oscar either side of the Spaniard. Hazard was a menace all game to Chambers and could have doubled Chelsea’s lead after great work from Costa but Hazard blazed over. Chelsea sealed the victory 2 minutes later, Fabregas found Costa who had positioned himself between the two Arsenal centre halves. The ball was inch perfect for Costa to chest then lob over Sczcesny who was in no man’s land. Fabregas highlighted how valuable he is with his seventh assist of the season and Costa continues to score goals as Chelsea look dominant in the league.

Arsenal looked poor against a title contender away from home again however it was not as bad as last season’s humiliation at Stamford Bridge. But it was the first time Arsenal had not recorded a shot on target in a Barclays Premier League match since 2003. The worrying fact for the rest of the league is Chelsea have not been at their very best yet and sit 5 points clear at the top of the league. Chelsea did not have to get out of third gear against Arsenal the fourth placed team last season. Chelsea are 9 points ahead of Arsenal already after 7 matches which is a worry for Wenger and his Arsenal side.

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Di Maria and Falcao Help United to Fourth

Posted on October 5, 2014 by mattbristow271993

Radamel Falcao struck his first goal in the United red to move them up to fourth. Angel Di Maria gave the home side a first half lead with a goal just before the half hour mark before Steven Naismith headed Everton level 10 minutes after the restart.  Falcao helped home a Di Maria shot to give all three points to United.

With ongoing defensive problems for United, Luke Shaw was given his first start at left back with Paddy McNair continuing at centre half alongside Marcos Rojo. Antonio Valenica played alongside Angel Di Maria with Daley Blind at the bottom of the diamond and Juan Mata at the top due to Wayne Rooney’s suspension. Everton made 2 changes from their derby draw last week with Steven Pienaar and Aiden McGeady replacing James McCarthy and Kevin Mirallas.

United continued with a narrow diamond hoping that full backs Rafael and Shaw could provide the much needed width for the home side. Shaw and Di Maria were providing a valuable option down the left for United with Falcao and Van Persie going close with efforts after left wing crosses. Everton struggled in the opening exchanges, looking neat and tidy in possession until they reached the final third. Di Maria continued his fine early form for United and linked up well with Falcao to give the on loan striker a chance on goal which he scuffed wide. The home side took the lead after 27 minutes, Rafael got forward down the right and his dangerous cross fell to Mata at the back post. The Spanish midfielder played the ball into the on rushing Di Maria who curled his shot beyond Howard in the Everton goal.

United were now in the ascendency with Di Maria having a free kick turned round the post after a deflection off Naismith. After a trip to Russia on Thursday, Everton looked a bit tired in the first half with Lukaku struggling to hold the ball up for the away side. He did find space from a Baines forward ball but the £28 million man could only blaze his shot wide. Everton continued with the possession football which is brewed through Martinez’s philosophy and had the chance to level just on half time after great period of possession. Hibbert played a ball around the corner to Pienaar, continuing his run into the box he received the midfielder’s back heel and just got to the ball before Shaw, who brought the Everton man down. Baines stepped up and had his penalty saved by De Gea.

Everton started the second half a lot brighter looking better going forward and levelled 10 minutes after the restart. A well worked free kick saw Baines play a one two with Gareth Barry and the left back whipped in a peach of a delivery. Naismith evaded Shaw at the back post to head beyond De Gea to draw the toffees level. The away side could have taken the lead 2 minutes later when Jagielka’s header was cleared off the line at the back post by Falcao from a Baines corner. United tried to go back on the attack and retook the lead on 65 minutes. A attempted shot from Di Maria found its way to Falcao who helped the ball home for his first goal for United.

Everton continued in possession to try and create an opening for the equalizer but found De Gea in inspired form saving well after substitute Osman was played in. Everton could have levelled in the dying minutes going close twice from a corner. First Gareth Barry had a attempted shot blocked by Blackett with the rebound bouncing to Ovideo who was returning from injury on the edge of the box. The Everton midfielder saw his left foot volley brilliantly saved by De Gea as it was certain for the top corner to give United the victory.

Even after Manchester United’s poor start to the season, they find themselves in fourth place with Tottenham, Arsenal and Liverpool all below them in the table. However Everton were not on top form and provided problems when they attacked in the second half but yet again the Merseyside club lose a game after a Thursday night fixture in the Europa League. United will know more where they are this season facing Arsenal, Manchester City and Chelsea in their next 5 matches, but with the team improving and players coming back from injury they may get stronger.

Everton need a couple of results to start their season with influential players in Seamus Coleman and James McCarthy missing, it always looked difficult at Old Trafford. Martinez is loved around Merseyside but with his mission to go as far as possible in the Europa League their league form will suffer.

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Robins First and Second

Posted on October 5, 2014 by mattbristow271993

Bristol City have a four point lead at the top after a 1-1 draw away at Walsall; Joe Bryan opened scoring after 11 minutes but Romaine Sawyers leveled with 5 minute left. Swindon move to second after a 2-1 win at Leyton Orient; Michael Smith and Nathan Byrne netted for the Robins with Darius Henderson netting a stoppage time consolation for managerless Orient. Peterborough drop to third after a 2-2 home draw with Oldham; Jonathon Forte netted his seventh of the season for Oldham before Michael Bostwick and Marcus Maddison turned the game in Posh’s favor. Genseric Kusunga equalized for the Latics to leave the away side in mid table. MK Dons retain fourth spot with a 2-0 win at Yeovil with Will Grigg and Daniel Powell getting the goals.

Preston are up to fifth after a 4-2 win at home to Colchester; Rhys Healey put the visitors ahead before 2 goals in 4 minutes from Scott Wiseman and Alan Browne put North End in front. Alex Gilbey leveled before the break but Paul Gallagher and Chris Humphrey netted after the break to seal victory. Chesterfield continue fine early form with 3-2 win over near rivals Sheffield United. Tommy Lee and Michael Higdon both saw red in the first half but Jimmy Ryan, Gary Roberts and Eoin Doyle put the home side 3-0 up before 2 goals in last 9 minutes gave Utd a chance of rescuing a point with Marc McNulty and Neil Collins grabbing the goals. 2 goals in 2 second half minutes from Aaron Mclean and Gary Liddle gave Bradford victory over bottom side Crewe. Shaun Harrad netted his first goal for Notts County to give them victory over Gillingham.

Peter Ramage’s 10th minute goal gave Barnsley victory at Rochdale. Stephen Dobbie’s penalty 10 minutes from time moved Fleetwood up to tenth after victory over Port Vale. Coventry and Crawley drew 2-2 after 4 first half goals; Josh McQuoid and Simeon Jackson put the Sky Blues 2-0 up before Gwion Edwards and Izale McLeod leveled the scores. Doncaster came from behind to win at second bottom Scunthorpe; Rory Fallon put the Iron 1-0 up but James Coppinger and Nathan Tyson turned the game around for Donny.

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Canaries and Hornets on Top

Posted on October 5, 2014 by mattbristow271993

Cameron Jerome struck his seventh of the season to help Norwich move to the summit of the Championship. Paul Green netted a first half penalty for Rotherham but Jerome fired home with thirteen minutes left. Watford join Norwich at the top after a 1-1 home draw with Brighton; Daniel Tozser put the Hornets ahead before Lewis Dunk fired home to give Brighton a point. Derby could only draw 0-0 at home with Millwall missing their opportunity to go top of the table. Adam Reach and Albert Adomah both scored to move Middlesborough 1 point behind the joint leaders into fifth after victory over Fulham.

Igor Vetokele struck his sixth of the season for Charlton but the Addicks could only draw with Birmingham after David Davis netted a second half equalizer. Wolves and Wigan drew 2-2 at Molineux, David Edwards put Wolves 1-0 in front but James Perch netted 2 minutes later before Marc-Antoine Fortune put the Lactics ahead before the break. Bakary Sako hit his fifth of the season to leave Wolves just outside the play off places. Giuseppe Bellusci’s equalizer keeps Leeds in mid table with a 1-1 draw with Sheffield Wednesday; Chris Maguire opened the scoring 7 minutes after half time. Jota, Alex Pritchard and Jonathon Douglas all netted in Brentford’s 3-1 win over Reading; Jota and Pritchard struck in first half before Simon Cox halved the deficit, Douglas completed scoring with 9 minutes remaining.

Blackburn and Huddersfield shared the spoils after a 0-0 draw at Ewood Park. Francois Zoko’s first goal of the season helped Blackpool move off the bottom of the Championship with win over managerless Cardiff. Bolton now lie bottom after a 2-1 defeat to 10 man Bournemouth; Yann Kermogant saw red in the first half before Callum Wilson netted a minute after the restart. Jay Spearing equalized with a 30 yard strike before Wilson netted his second.

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Slick Swindon See off Managerless O’s

Posted on October 5, 2014 by mattbristow271993

Goals from Michael Smith and Nathan Byrne helped Swindon move into the top two with Orient still looking for that elusive first home win of the season. Smith put the visitors on their way to their fifth win in their last seven in all competitions and Byrne sealed victory 2 minutes into the second half with a slick counter attacking move. Second half substitute Darius Henderson netted a stoppage time consolation however the defeat leaves Orient 1 point outside the relegation zone.

After more departures from Leyton Orient in the week, temporary manager Kevin Nugent made 3 changes from last week’s 3-2 defeat to Rochdale; Jay Simpson, Marvin Bartley and Nathan Clarke replacing Darius Henderson, Lloyd James and Elliot Omozusi. Swindon made one change with Andy Williams replacing Jonathon Obika. Swindon lined up in a 3-1-4-2 formation with two quick wingers looking to exploit the weak Orient defense. Nugent seemed to try and match the visitors formation with Jobi McAnuff in a central role trying to prevent Yaser Kasim playing the ball out.

Swindon started the game knocking the ball around nicely and not frightened to play the ball backwards, with 3 center halves and a deep lying midfielder, they always had options on the ball unlike the home side. Dagnall twice evaded the offside trap; first blazing wide after being put through and the second, playing Cox in but the winger saw his shot brilliantly  headed off the line by Nathan Thompson. Swindon continued to play out from the back and building attacks starting from the defense. The away side looked dangerous throughout the first half and took the lead after 29 minutes. A neat flowing move saw Kasim get around the back of Shane Lowry and Nathan Clarke, he pulled the ball back to Michael Smith. The 22 year old striker, took one touch to make the space and finished into the top corner.

The home side continued to make chances especially when the team pressed Swindon at the back but with the officials not helping the situation, flagging offside when a Swindon player had passed the ball back. Jay Simpson miss kick a cross from Dean Cox, McAnuff and Cox both went close but the pacey wingers of Nathan Byrne and Amarl’l Bell were causing all kinds of problems with Bryne going narrowly wide on the stroke of half time.

Swindon doubled their lead instantly after the restart, a swift counter attacking move saw a throw out from the goalkeeper take out Vincelot and Bartley. Kasim found Williams in the right channel and Byrne who had been a threat all game continued his run into the box. Williams’s first time cross was swept home by the former Spurs man to put Swindon out of sight. The youthful Swindon team who had an average of 21.8 years persisted with their approach and went close with Bell forcing Woods into a near post save. But Orient looked off the pace especially in midfield and with their team’s average age at 27 they found it hard to keep up with youthful visitors.

Nugent introduced Henderson after Orient went two behind, the summer signing provided a presence in attack with the ball beginning to stick a bit more. Swindon began to let their foot off the gas in the last 15 minutes with Shaun Batt and Romain Vincelot both going close for the home side. Henderson struck in stoppage time for a consolation goal, heading home a Cuthbert cross and the O’s had a chance at the end but Swindon held on for a deserved three points.

Swindon’s youthful side play attractive football and will be up around the play off places but could be caught at the back if a team is brave enough to press 5 yards further forward. However this needs to be a whole team tactic, the first Swindon goal, only Simpson pressed high meaning they had an easy ball around the corner to start the attack. Nugent didn’t seem to have a game plan after going behind, Orient tried to sit back, preventing the space for Swindon but after Swindon went ahead their wasn’t a plan B.

Leyton Orient have problems this season on the pitch as well as off, but with Lloyd James missing for several months, Orient are crying out for some midfield creativity. The manager situation is not helping but Orient just needs to concentrate on getting results and facing pre season league favorites in Sheffield United next week will be tough. The team lacks confidence at the moment and need a couple of good results so that they are braver in attack.

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Burton back Top as Bury Slip to third

Posted on September 28, 2014 by mattbristow271993

Stuart Beavon’s third of the season moved Burton back to the top of League 2 with victory over Cheltenham. Paul Hayes’s second half strike moved Wycombe up to second with 1-0 win over Cambridge. Bury dropped to third after 2-1 defeat at Exeter, Tom Soares leveled for Bury after Matt Grimes gave Exeter first half lead. Substitute Jimmy Keohane netted with 7 minutes to go to give Exeter third win of season. Shaquile Coulthirst’s second minute strike moved Southend level on points with Bury after win at home to Shrewsbury.

Ivan Toney’s fourth of the season kept Northampton in touching distance of the top four with victory at Morecambe. Portsmouth stay just outside the play off places with 0-0 draw away at Hartlepool. Luke Wilkinson and Jake Howells gave Luton victory at home to Oxford. 2 goals from Chris Whelpdale helped Stevenage up to 13th with 3-0 win against Mansfield, Charlie Lee netted the other.

2 goals from Josh Labadie gave Dagenham victory over York. Ismail Yakubu, Aaron O’Connor and 2 goals from Joe Pigott gave Newport a 4-1 win over Wimbledon; Adebayo Akinfenwa netted in the second half for the Dons but it was only a consolation. Kal Naismith’s first half strike keep Accrington in mid table with win over Plymouth. David Amoo’s second half strike gave Carlisle first win of season over Tranmere.

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Posh stay 5 behind Bristol City

Posted on September 28, 2014 by mattbristow271993

Connor Washington’s 2nd goal of the season kept Peterborough in second after victory at home to Fleetwood. Bristol City stay top with 3-2 win at home to MK Dons, Kieran Agard netted twice to put City 2-0 up before Dean Bowditch and Benik Afobe leveled for MK. Wade Elliott struck a minute after the equalizer to ensure victory for City. Nathan Byrne, Jake Reeves and Andy Williams all netted in Swindon’s 3-0 win at Barnsley moving them up to third. 10 man Rochdale moved to fifth after victory at Orient, Jobi McAnuff and Romain Vincelot put Orient ahead after Matty Done gave Dale a 4th minute lead. Ashley Eastham saw red but Peter Vicenti and Done’s second ensured victory for Dale.

Two goals in 5 second half minutes from Tom Clarke and Joe Garner gave Preston victory at Coventry. Both Michael Higdon and Jamie Murphy netted in the final three minutes to give Sheffield United victory at home to Gillingham; Luke Norris thought he had won it for Gills with 7 minutes left but Higdon and Murphy struck in the dying minutes. Chesterfield lie just outside the play off places with a 1-1 draw at home to Notts County, Georg Margreitter leveled after Blair Adams gave County first half lead. Mark Yeates netted on half time to give Bradford 1-1 draw with Port Vale after Chris Lines’s penalty gave Vale the lead.

Oldham came from behind to win 3-2 at home to Scunthorpe, Andrew Boyce put the Irons ahead before Jonathon Forte netted his 6th of season to level but Rory Fallon put the away side back in front 5 minutes later. 2 goals from substitute Danny Philliskirk won the game for Oldham in the second half. 2 goals in 2 minutes from Marvin Elliott gave Crawley a 2-0 victory over Yeovil. Walsall moved out of the bottom four with 3-0 victory over Doncaster, James Baxtendale, Tom Bradshaw and Anthony Forde with the goals. Crewe stay rooted to the bottom of League after losing 3-0 at home to Colchester. 3 goals in 10 second half minutes from Freddie Sears, Rhys Healey and Sanchez Watt gave the U’s back to back away wins.

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OutDONE Once More

Posted on September 28, 2014 by mattbristow271993

A Matty Done double helped 10 man Rochdale come from behind to defeat managerless Leyton Orient. Ashley Eastham saw red for the away side after Done opening the scoring and Jobi McAnuff leveled but Chris Dagnall missing the resulting penalty. Romain Vincelot put Orient ahead before Peter Vicenti and Done completed the comeback seeing Orient lose their second game in a row at home against 10 men.

Following the resignation of Russell Slade on Wednesday, Kevin Nugent was put in temporary charge and dropped Nathan Clarke and David Mooney with Scott Cuthbert being named captain. Shane Lowry partnered Mathieu Baudry at the heart of the defense with Chris Dagnall and Darius Henderson leading the line. Rochdale made 1 change from their 1-0 win over Coventry last week with Rhys Bennett coming in for Joe Rafferty. Ex Orient captain Stephen Dawson made his return to Brisbane Road for the first time in two years and played in the engine room for Dale.

Rochdale started well and took the lead after 4 minutes, Matty Done was found in the right channel, travelling towards goal he moved the ball onto his favoured left foot and fired past Gary Woods. Orient had not learnt their lesson from conceding early in midweek and already had the pressure on them at home. Dale could have doubled their lead 4 minutes later, Ian Henderson created some space behind Baudry but his shot narrowly went past the far post. Orient were passing the ball around better than in recent weeks and equalised on 13 minutes, Dean Cox’s cross was flicked to Jobi McAnuff on the edge of the box and he fired home into the top corner.

Dagnall and Henderson were beginning to create a partnership up front but a major blow to potentially Orient’s season was, Lloyd James being stretched off after 26 minutes. He challenged for a 50/50 ball in the middle of the park and came off worse, immediately signalling to the bench that there was a problem. Without James, Orient struggle to create an impetus without the former Southampton man and if he is out for a sustained period of time, Orient may need a loan to fill the void.

3 minutes after James’s departure, Cox played a lofted through ball to Henderson who was caught by Ashley Eastham as he faced down on goal. The referee quickly produced the red card and pointed to the spot which looked a favorable decision for the home side. After netting at Notts County from the spot, Dagnall stepped up but Conrad Logan easily saved the spot kick. Rochdale must have taken noted from Colchester’s performance two weeks ago with 10 men and resorted to  a 4-3-1-1 formation with the pacey Done leading the line. Orient were beginning to find more space and knock the ball around against the 10 men, after pressure from Dagnall, Logan handled a back pass but Henderson took the kick too fast and the chance went begging. Cox went close with two long range attempts and Henderson nodded wide after a Cuthbert cross. Orient took the lead 3 minutes before the break, a raking diagonal from Lowry was knocked down to Vincelot and the French midfielder teed himself up and headed over Logan to give Orient the half time lead.

Rochdale came out with a little more fight after the break and equalized three minutes after the restart. Scott Tanser was allowed to progress towards the Orient box unleashing a shot from 25 yards but Woods only parried the ball to the onrushing Peter Vicenti who knocked home the rebound. After the goal, Rochdale sat 10 men behind the ball with Matty Done becoming the outlet for the away side. Breaking down a team is what Orient have struggled to do and especially against 10 men as seen in their last home match against Colchester. Orient were trying the create chances with Pritchard, Henderson and Cox all going close with efforts. Then on 66 minutes, the sucker punch came from Dale, a long ball over the top from Stephen Dawson found Matty Done. Done ran in to the left side of the box and fired in the far corner beyond Woods for his 7th of the season. Orient once again beaten on the break by a quick front man, with 25 minutes remaining Dale just sat behind the ball and absorbed the pressure.

Nugent made two changes bringing on David Mooney and Sean Batt for Jobi McAnuff and Darius Henderson which seemed a odd decision chasing a game. Henderson was winning knock downs and with Orient getting more and more desperate, the ball was not sticking up top. Dale got their reward for sticking by their game plan but it doesn’t take a team much to win at Brisbane Road, absorb the pressure, have quick men on the counter attack and you are sorted.

Kevin Nugent after the match stated “it was two goals in the second half that we really didn’t expect to happen but they did – two poor goals and poor defending really”. The question is how many times in a season are we going to lose goals from individual errors, it is quite clear that Orient still haven’t found the correct center half pairing but Lowry was probably the stand out man today. Orient have no ideas when trying to break down a team at home, they started off well passing the ball around but second half apart from two saves from Pritchard and Lowry not much else happened for the home side.

Rochdale move to 5th in the table on 16 points with Keith Hill ecstatic with their start to life in League 1. Orient on the other hand are without a manager, a win at home this season and struggling after the success of last season. 19th and on 10 points with 9 of them points being acquired away from home it is clear where the problem lies at the start of the season.

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