Leyton Orient secured their first point of the 2010/2011 season with a resilient defensive display away at Southampton.
Terrell Forbes` first goal for the club was enough to cancel out Rickie Lambert`s early opener. The O`s were under constant pressure throughout the first and second halves but managed to hold on and get their first point on the board.
It was nearly the perfect start for Southampton as Lambert raced in on goal after Mike Cestor was a little too eager to slide in at left back. Fortunately Forbes got across to smash the ball out of play.
It was clear it was going to be all Southampton and former Orient player Lee Barnard was the next to go close. He curled an effort from the far right of the box, which smashed against the far post and away to safety. It was looking like it may be a long afternoon.
A goal was coming and it arrived for the home side inside the 12th minute. Lambert stood over a free kick, which he smashed onto the edge of the wall. The ball flew into the net as Jamie Jones could do nothing to account for the deflection.
To their credit the O`s did not let their heads drop. Charlie Daniels pinged in a corner from the right and Forbes showed the most desire to get on the end of it and level for Orient just minutes after going behind.
The O`s took the only chance of the game they`d had before Southampton rallied again. Adam Lallana was close to putting Southampton back in front with a looped shot but Jones got back well to stick out a hand and divert the ball behind.
The second-half started in exactly the same way as the first. Stephen Dawson looked as though he`d brought down Morgan Schneiderlin inside the area but the referee was having none of it. In the next attack Barnard had a crack from mid-range and Jones was forced to tip the ball over yet again.
Barnard missed another great chance when he failed to convert Radhi Jaidi`s cross. The striker rose and met the ball full on but sent his header against the cross bar as it bounced down before the O`s scrambled it away.
The O`s managed to keep the ball a little bit better late on and looked more comfortable as the game drew to a close. However, Jason Puncheon missed a late header, which flew across the goal and could not be turned in at the far post by Dan Harding.
It was very important for the O`s to get something on the board. They have done so and the fact they held out for a long time against a team that is tipped to win the division will give them confidence.
Up the O`s!
Player Ratings
Jamie Jones 8/10
Made some superb saves at various points in the game. Did well to help out the defence and ease the pressure. Had no chance with the goal and looks to be back on form.
Elliott Omozusi 7/10
Looked a bit out of his depth through the first quarter of an hour but responded well. Stayed solid and made some good interventions once he’d caught up with the pace of the game.
Terrell Forbes 8/10
Took his goal very well and had a very good game. Showed he has the experience to carry the defence when the pressure is being piled on throughout a game.
Ben Chorley 7/10
Solid game in the air, which stopped Southampton launching the ball up top. This forced them to play out wide and in front of the defence, which was easier to deal with.
Mike Cestor 6/10
Getting there but still makes too many errors. Very quick and extremely good in the air. However, he is too eager to dive in for the ball, which leaves space in behind.
Stephen Dawson 8/10
Played out of his skin yet again. Ran around like a mad man and stopped the team from crumbling at crucial times. More of the same please skipper!
Matthew Spring 6/10
Wasn’t at the races at all. Never had the time on the ball to make an impression and when he did have it there were too many sloppy passes and poor balls forward.
Adam Chambers 7/10
Typical Chambers. Sat in front of the back four and made a general nuisance of himself. Did well to steal the ball away at vital points.
Dean Cox 7/10
Didn’t waste the ball as much as he has done in Orient’s first two league games. Tried to get involved when he could and played some nice crosses into the box.
Charlie Daniels 7/10
The O’s have really missed Daniels for the width he provides on the left. Did well getting forward and also provided vital cover when Cestor was exposed at left back.
Alex Revell 7.5/10
Great work ethic. Chases everything down and comes back to help out the midfield when possible. Could have popped up with a goal on another day.
Ryan Jarvis 6/10
Came on and ran around like a mad man. Injected some energy into the side when they were under pressure in the second-half.
Jonathan Tehoue 5/10
Added some strength up front, which allowed the O’s to hit it long. Never had enough time to make a real impression.
Manager Rating
Russell Slade – 7/10
Got the system just about right but the O’s can’t rely on having a solid and resilient defence with every big away game they play.
Vital Leyton Orient on:
Vital Leyton Orient on:
