Orient grabbed a crucial and deserved victory against relegation scrap rivals Tranmere in the clubs’ third meeting in as many weeks. Whilst the O’s crashed out of the FA Cup to the team from the Wirral in midweek, victory in the corresponding League game was always going to be a priority. A brace from veteran striker Scott McGleish proved just enough to take the spoils.
I’ve been highly critical of Orient in recent weeks (and rightly so, I reckon), but this performance was better. Much better. At times it was even almost good! The first goal in particular was a flowing move of real quality: Glenn Morris threw the ball out to release Andros Townsend on the counter-attack; the young Spurs winger beat his man before firing a pass inside to Ryan Jarvis. The forward controlled the ball beautifully, turning his man in one fluid movement, and releasing Scott McGleish in behind the static defence. The 35 year old front man finished with aplomb, striking the ball low inside the near post from 14 yards.
It was no less than the home side deserved after a dominant early performance had seen a good tempo set, and a couple of decent half chances created. The return of Townsend and Luke Summerfield (both of whom had been refused permission to play in the FA Cup encounters) added the extra bit of quality needed to unlock Tranmere’s rearguard, and they combined early on with Summerfield firing Townsend’s pass wide on 10 minutes. Jason Demetriou had made way – no doubt as punishment for his midweek petulance – and it was a decision that reaped dividends as Andros took his opposite number apart in the opening half hour.
Townsend was again involved on 20 minutes, as he released Scott McGleish through on goal, only to see the veteran smash the ball wide when better options were available across goal. However, despite the bright start, Orient fell back into the usual bad habits of going ahead and then allowing their opponents to dictate play.
Tranmere, until the goal content with similar tactics to Tuesday (i.e. sit 10 behind the ball and lump it), decided to wake up and start passing to each other. They were level within five minutes, Chris Curran smashing home after Paul McLaren’s dipping shot had only been parried by Glenn Morris. Though the keeper should probably have done better with the initial effort, the way the O’s defence just stood and watched as two Tranmere forwards followed the ball in was inexcusable.
There were chances at both ends before the break, with both Chris Shuker and Jon Welsh failing to test Morris with attempts, whilst Ryan Jarvis spurned a golden opportunity to give the hosts a half time lead. Played in by strike partner McGleish, Jarvis was clean through on Luke Daniels. However, despite the clear shooting chance presenting itself, Jarvis inexplicably chose to round Daniels instead and ended up somewhere near the corner flag.
The second half was a low-quality affair, with Orient just about edging it in general play, and – thankfully – in goals scored. With Andros Townsend having a quiet 20 minutes or so, the game was deviod of pace and real attacking intent. Indeed, the first serious attempt of the half turned out to be the winner, as Scott McGleish was left unmarked on the edge of the six-yard box and flicked home Sean Thornton’s excellent cross. As the Orient players mobbed McGleish, Thornton trotted over to the away fans and pointed out exactly which direction Rovers are exiting this League from. Having suffered dog’s abuse all afternoon from the Tranmere faithful it was sweet retribution for the Orient midfielder.
Though Tranmere strove for an equaliser, they utterly failed to trouble Morris (and bringing on Michael Ricketts isn’t the solution to anything. Well, except perhaps a surplus of Big Macs). It was Orient who always looked the more likely to sew the game up with a third, as Luke Summerfield dragged a shot wide with ten to play, and then curled a sitter over the bar in injury time.
Thankfully no damage was done by those two misses (though we haven’t scored three goals at home since Jabo’s last game as an Orient player, fact fans) and there was a feeling of palpable relief around the ground at the final whistle. After three awful games of football between the two sides, honours were even. It hadn’t been particularly pretty and it hadn’t been entirely convincing, but the O’s picked up the result when it mattered most – the magic of the Cup? Pah, it’s all about the magic of survival in this Southern-domninated division. All we’ve got to do now is string two results in a row together, and we’ll be pootling along in mid-table. Who have we got next again…?
Player Ratings
Glenn Morris 5
Barely tested, but dropped a couple of crosses and should probably have done better for the goal. In slight danger of slipping back into indifferent form, and, subsequently, out of the side.
Stephen Purches 6
Quiet throughout. Hardly had any tackling to do, though was played into trouble by teammates on more than one occasion and dealt adequately with the situations.
Charlie Daniels 6
Again, little to do as Tranmere concentrated their attacks down the middle. Got forward well occasionally and mostly adequate defensively.
Ben Chorley 6
A solid enough game against his old club. Aerially dominant and relatively composed on the ball.
Tamika Mkandawire 7
The best of the back four, he neutralised Ian Thomas-Moore’s threat for most of the game, and tidied up extremely well on the odd occasion Tranmere got past Charlie Daniels.
Luke Summerfield 7
Another very tidy game. Got stcuk in, and had a number of decent attempts at goal. Beginning to link up nicely with Sean Thornton.
Jimmy Smith 6
Uncomfortable out on the right, and struggled to get into the game at all in the first half. Also idn’t seem to know what he was doing defensively and often lost the overlapping Bagayoko. Much, much better second half.
Sean Thornton 7
Starting to get the midfield ticking as he regains match sharpness. Brilliant ball in for the winner. ‘Ave that, Tranny fans!
Scott McGleish 8
Evergreen, ever hardworking, ever excellent. Clearly the only player that’s heading for double figures, and will be vital to our chances of staying up.
Ryan Jarvis 7
The one-on-one cock-up was dreadful and indicative of the confidence levels amongst three of our strikers. That said, the majority of his link-up play was excellent, and his reverse pass for the first goal exquisite. Chin up, sunshine.
Andros Townsend 8
The standout player on the pitch by a country mile at times. Disappeared for much of the second half (as wingers are wont to do) but carried more attacking threat in his little finger than every other wide man on the park put together. Classy, and destined for better things.
Adrian Patulea 4
Came on and was clearly desperate to impress. Interspersed some neat touches and lay offs with numberous offsides and comical tumbles. Low on confidence, but well behind Jarvis in the pecking order at the moment.
