O’s Shoot Down Robins

Orient clinched their first win in thirteen games after a convincing 2-0 victory against Cheltenham Town thanks to a superb strike from Gary Alexander and a Matt Lockwood penalty. The O`s also had ‘keeper Glyn Garner to thank after the Welshman saved a Grant McCann penalty with the O`s just 1-0 ahead, after a needless handball from Jabo Ibehre.

It was a deserved victory for Martin Ling`s men against a Cheltenham side that will surely be facing a relegation dogfight at the end of the season. Nevertheless, despite playing against poor opposition, the O`s showed more than enough to suggest that they more be on the verge of turning their season around after a disappointing start to the campaign.

Martin Ling reshuffled his side with Adam Chambers reverting to right back to accommodate the return of Craig Easton to the O`s midfield. Alton Thelwell made his debut at centre half whilst Peter Till continued on the right hand side.

The O`s started well and were in front after just six minutes through a fantastic strike from in form striker, Gary Alexander. The O`s number nine controlled Matt Lockwood`s throw and after taking the ball on his knee, turned past the Cheltenham defender and slammed the ball into the roof of the net.

It was a fantastic start for the O`s as the home side threatened to run riot against a Cheltenham side that looked a shadow of the side that had performed so wonderfully at Brisbane Road last season.

The O`s should have doubled their lead after 24 minutes after Peter Till crossed for Michael Simpson to head towards goal, but the midfielder somehow missed the target when he really should have scored.

Orient were well on top, but the visitors did threaten an equaliser as Shane Duff met Grant McCann`s cross and headed the ball down towards goal, only for Garner to produce a stunning save to deny the Robins an equaliser.

The second half saw the visitors trying to get back into the game and they were nearly rewarded after sloppy play from Simpson allowed Wilson the opportunity to cross for Spencer, but the striker`s header was weak and Garner saved with ease.

However, the Robins were afforded a glorious opportunity to equalise after Jabo Ibehre`s minute of madness in which the O`s striker inexplicably handled the ball in the box. There was little hesitation from Mr Sutton as the referee pointed to the spot.

Grant McCann stepped up for the spot kick, but yet again, Glyn Garner saved his effort to keep Orient`s lead intact. It was a poor penalty from McCann, the Northern Ireland international elected to shoot straight down the middle with Garner blocking the effort with his legs.

Garner`s moment of magic seemed to reinvigorate the home side as they tried to put the game beyond their visitors. Adam Chambers, who was Orient`s most impressive player on the day, powered into the Cheltenham penalty area, but failed to cut the ball back after the right back had evaded a series of challenges.

However, Chambers was at it again just minutes later after collecting Simpson`s pass, and having taken control of the ball, the O`s player was stopped in his tracks as Finnigan handled inside the penalty area.

The linesman signalled to the referee to award the penalty, much to the delight of the home fans. Matt Lockwood stepped up, and slotted the penalty into the net with the style that is associated with Orient`s current top scorer. Lockwood`s sixth goal of the season put the O`s in the driving seat, and on the verge of a much needed victory.

Martin Ling introduced Paul Connor in place of the disappointing Ibehre, and the former Swansea man nearly added a third after being played through by Craig Easton. Unfortunately for Connor, Higgs was out quickly to block the striker`s effort.

That miss was inconsequential as Orient finally claimed three vital points and closed the gap on the teams above them. If the O`s can continue improving as they have done in recent weeks, then it would be foolish to write them off??yet.

Victory At Last
Massive Victory
Orient never looked like losing the game and some of their play belied their lowly position at the foot of League One. The O`s looked far from a relegation outfit a they seemed to pick holes in Cheltenham`s defence with some ease.

The win was absolutely crucial to Orient`s hopes of battling against relegation and with two away games to follow, Martin Ling will be delighted with the platform that his side have built. With the O`s unbeaten in their last three games, the trips to Scunthorpe and Doncaster should not be feared.

Settled Side
Orient looked far more comfortable with the addition of Alton Thelwell whilst Adam Chambers and Craig Easton both impressed. Once again however, it was Gary Alexander that got Orient going with a superb strike before Matt Lockwood, coolness personified, stepped up to guide the O`s home.

If Ling can keep his players fit and let this side gel, then the O`s should give themselves a real opportunity of avoiding an immediate return to the drudgery of League Two football.

Victory At Last
At last, a victory to celebrate! Orient fans have waited a long time for these three points and they will be well received by the management and players alike. However, the O`s need to build on the three points starting with a tricky trip to 4th placed Scunthorpe next weekend.

The O`s have an atrocious record against the Iron, but maybe, just maybe, this could be the time to turn it all around??.