Leyton Orient produced a superb second-half fight back to see off Swindon Town and make it through to the second round of the League Cup.
Orient started the match very slowly and quickly found themselves chasing the game. Jo-Paul McGovern put the Robins ahead in the 35th minute before Ryan Jarvis replied after the break with a thumping finish to the top corner. Alex Revell then netted his second goal of the season for the club with a clever free kick that turned out to be the winner.
Swindon dominated the early part of the match and could have been ahead inside the third minute. The O`s defence backed off and allowed Michael Rose the time and space to have a shot from all of 25 yards. Fortunately for Orient Terrell Forbes got in the way and deflected the ball over.
Paul Caddis started the game well and seized on some poor ball control from the Orient midfield. Ben Chorley and Forbes found themselves on the ground regularly as they slid in to make last second stops to dangerous crosses supplied from Caddis on the wing.
Orient were looking very poor. Dean Cox had a shot from just inside the left wing but the O`s could not put together in form of half chance. They were made to pay for giving the ball away just before the break when McGovern steered the ball into the corner of the goal after a David Ball cross.
Jamie Jones then produced a superb stop just before the break as Charlie Austin looked certain to tap the ball in from close range. Jones stuck out a foot to get a block on the ball. Swindon should have been out of sight by half-time.
Russell Slade would not have been blamed for breaking a tea cup or two at the break and Orient again looked a little sluggish as soon as the second 45 started. Austin played in Ball who shot on the turn only to smash the ball into the side netting.
Orient`s first sign of real danger came just before the hour mark. Revell controlled the ball well out on the left before moving inside and smashing the ball towards goal. Swindon goalkeeper Paul Smith did well to touch the ball over the top, making his first save of the evening.
The excitement hit the O`s and burst them into life. A few Orient corners built up some pressure before Ryan Jarvis raced onto a through ball from Matthew Spring in the 67th minute. Jarvis did not panic and fired the ball into the top corner of Smith`s goal to level the scores.
The goal put Swindon on the back foot and Revel put the O`s ahead just five minutes later. Stephen Dawson was pushed on the edge of the box and Revel stepped up to curl the ball around the wall and beyond Smith who scrambled to make a save at the near post. Orient fans and staff went up as Revell taunted the Swindon faithful for the abuse he`d had to endure all evening.
Swindon`s best chance to get back in the game came just before the last ten minutes of the match. Austin hit a well timed shot that looked to be troubling Jones but the O`s stopper did well to stick out a hand and push the ball out for a corner.
Orient then managed to keep the ball for short spells at a time as they managed to secure the win. This win is vital to the confidence of the team ahead of a big match against Charlton Athletic on Friday night.
Player Ratings
Jamie Jones 7/10
A much improved performance after the mistake against Yeovil. Caught the ball well, handled the ball well and made two vital saves to keep the O’s in the game.
Elliott Omozusi 6/10
Will have better games in an Orient shirt. Got forward quite well but is too intent on hoofing the ball forward instead of looking inside. Mistake cost Orient the goal.
Ben Chorley 8/10
Very good display from the former Orient captain. Got stuck in throughout the match and played quite well in the first-half to keep Swindon from scoring more than one goal.
Terrell Forbes 7/10
Looks to be a very reliable player in an O’s shirt. In the right place at the right time to get blocks and vital tackles on opposition players.
Mike Cestor 7/10
Very good debut for the first team. His inexperience showed at times but he got across well to make some vital interceptions when others had fallen out of position.
Jimmy Smith 6/10
Gave the ball away far too often in the first-half. Got some vital tackles in but did not look at all threatening throughout the match.
Stephen Dawson 7/10
The Orient captain really got stuck in throughout the match. Seems content to sit in front of the defence and get forward when he can. Looks to be a right pain for the opposition to get through.
Matthew Spring 7/10
Superb through ball for Jarvis’ goal. However, he gave the ball away too much like Smith in the first half. Clearly has quality but lacks consistency.
Dean Cox 6/10
Orient need more from this winger. Did nothing during the first-half but grew as the game went on and gradually brought more players into the play.
Ryan Jarvis – 7/10
Took his goal very well. Never stops running when he plays from the start and the goal will give him confidence heading towards Friday.
Alex Revell 8/10
Starting to look dangerous every time he gets the ball (apart from the first-half!) Took the free kick calmly but quickly and looks as though he’ll bag quite a few goals this season. Never gives up.
Adam Chambers 6/10
Did his usual superman act late on by running all over the pitch and making a nuisance og himself. More of the same please.
Scott McGleish 7/10
Came on and genuinely tried to get a goal for the last quarter of an hour. Experience showed late on.
This guy will get better. Came on and chased the ball down, won headers, looks a real problem for the opposition.
Manager Rating
Russell Slade 7/10
Must have given the team a talking to at half-time. The only worrying aspect is that the O’s must play for both halves and not just one. A better side would have had more than a one goal lead at the break.
Vital Leyton Orient on:
Vital Leyton Orient on:
