Pool Boyd, Orient Sunk

Hello folks, we’ve had a bit of a technical problemo with match reports, so here it is in ‘News’ format. Hopefully the issue will be resolved soon and I’ll be able to get back to full-on character assassination of each and every player in no time…

I can’t think who it was, but I think it might have been me who said that heading up for this one was lunacy in the match preview. I might also have mentioned that Adam Boyd would score a late winner. Don’t worry – I won’t be giving out lottery numbers next week, because both of those predictions were about as difficult as, er, beating Orient.

Ironically, Adam Boyd’s goal came in the 81st minute – the very same minute in which he scored Orient’s winner in the reverse fixture last season. No-one bothered to close down a cross from the right, both centre backs went for the same header and lost it, and Adam Boyd was able to steal in ahead of Stephen Purches to prod home past Glenn Morris.

It was no less than the home side deserved, as Glenn Morris’ goal was peppered throughout. However it was Orient who had the first clear-cut chance; James Scowcroft lumbered through on goal but deigned not to shoot until goalie Scott Flinders had completely closed him down. Orient threatened briefly in the second half as well, but Flinders was able to make comfortable saves from Sean Thornton and Scott McGleish. That was about it going forward, as you’d expect from a side that clearly set itself up for a 0-0 draw.

Hartlepool, as poor a side at home as any in the division (well, except Stockport. i wonder who their only home win this season was against?) ran riot against the O’s back line, with returning star striker James Brown missing a hat-trick of chances before the break, including smashing a shot into the side netting when it was probably easier to score.

Second half attempts from Boyd, Brown and Sam Collins were all well saved by Morris who also produced a brilliant stop to deny Andy Monkhouse’s curling effort. Alas his efforts were to be in vain, as Boyd popped up to toe-poke the late winner. Jeff Stelling got his wobbly doll out and another poor away day will ahve given Geraint Williams much to ponder.