Leyton Orient Post Match

[loverofinsanefox]

Is it just me or do we need another midfielder in our ranks? The ones we have dont seem to have any bite, no fighting spirit, noone to put in some strong tackles when they are under pressure. For me we lacked that a lot today in the periods when the momentum was with Orient and whilst I want to say Wesolowski can do it for us, the lad seems a bit too injury prone

[SamL]

Just got in.

It was very frustrating at times but we scored 3 well taken goals. We hit the cross bar twice so it could've been more. After we got the first goal, we went in search of a second, hitting the crossbar in the process but let Leyton Orient back in it. In the end, we're very lucky to come away with the win but 3 points is 3 points.

[Unabomber]

Is it just me or do we need another midfielder in our ranks? The ones we have dont seem to have any bite, no fighting spirit, noone to put in some strong tackles when they are under pressure. For me we lacked that a lot today in the periods when the momentum was with Orient and whilst I want to say Wesolowski can do it for us, the lad seems a bit too injury prone

I would like to see Weso given a few more games, but atm I think we are ok in the middle, when Oakley is at the top of his game he really can control it, would like to see it happen more often though.

And King is scoring goals which is great to see.

[Sods]

Just Got back.

First Half we didn't deserve to be drawing. Fryatt had a few chances he should of buried.

Second Half, Orient dominated for Half Hour I would say. Howard and Fryatt wasn't really working, I wanted Fryatt off i really did. Deej came on and fair play to the lad gave us something different. Fryatt pulled his socks up and had a great last 15. Deej really should of scored but Fryatt was waiting for it to fall for him. Last goal was an absoulte joy to watch. Loved it.

I dont want to hear 'oh we didn't deserve that'. fook that we won. Im really taking to Pearson, right time and choice to put Deej and Adams both on. Both played their part and to me changed the game to 3 points for us. Im loving the fact were now killing games off. Im so delighted great day

[breadandcheese]

A good 3 points considering we could have been 3-1 down, but for some poor finishing from Leyton Orient.

Our midfield lost the crucial battles. I was disappointed that Oakley and King weren't dominating. Adams made some good runs when he came on and Dyer's pace was a constant threat, but the problem was in the middle of the park.

All the plaudits for DJ are basing his performance against that of Howard. DJ is still useless. He should have buried our second goal, but he is inept, fluffed the tap-in and so Fryatt put it away.

Gilbert was disappointing today. I'm assuming he was still carrying a slight knock. Rest of the defence were solid, especially bearing in mind they had little protection from King or Oakley.

The keeper Martin is a great shot-stopper, as his save in teh first half showed. However I feel he isn't commanding enough and not confident when crosses come into the box.

[Ultra]

The turning point was late on when Orient broke clear and looked certain to score (according to RL), only for Martin to make an incredible block.

In that instant he probably justified Pearson's decision to pick him ahead of Henderson.

We then sneaked ahead and added a third just to add insult to injury. We've chucked away enough points in recent seasons not to be grateful when some teams do it aginst us.

Despite King's goal, I'm still not convinced that he and Oakley are the best central midfield combination. Maybe it's time to give Weso a start, and not just in cup ties.

[Thracian]

Because they were on top for most of the game. A draw WOULD have been a fair result. Put it like this, if the game had ended a draw many fans, me included, would be thankful we didn't lose. We really weren't very good. We should be absolutely delighted (and a tad relieved) to have come away with 3 goals and 3 points.

You don't get points for territorial advantage as Blackpool proved when they opened our season at the Walkers last year.

It seemed to me that, while we went all cautious after scoring, Pearson was the one who really tried to win it in the closing stages with the introduction of attackers Adams and Campbell and that he probably deserved his success if only for being so positive.

Whatever our individual shortcomings three goals away seems a reasonable achievement.

And if players like King can only manage meagre ratings of 5 or 6 for a well taken goal and a hand in the opener too then I can't wait for the days when we don't become less adventurous once we take the lead.

[James.]

You don't get points for territorial advantage as Blackpool proved when they opened our season at the Walkers last year.

I never said you did.

And if players like King can only manage meagre ratings of 5 or 6 for a well taken goal and a hand in the opener too then I can't wait for the days when we don't become less adventurous once we take the lead.

With all due respect 1. you weren't at the game and 2. you have rose-tinted spectacles whenever King is mentioned.

[Anish]

The turning point was late on when Orient broke clear and looked certain to score (according to RL), only for Martin to make an incredible block.

In that instant he probably justified Pearson's decision to pick him ahead of Henderson.

We then sneaked ahead and added a third just to add insult to injury. We've chucked away enough points in recent seasons not to be grateful when some teams do it aginst us.

Despite King's goal, I'm still not convinced that he and Oakley are the best central midfield combination. Maybe it's time to give Weso a start, and not just in cup ties.

Bit of an exaggeration on the radio then. Their striker was clean through and overran the ball and Martin blocked it, so it was hardly incredible. They should have buried it to be honest.

As for our midfield, we don't have enough aggression and bite - too many times Oakley and King fail to get in quick enough to make any challenge. We need somebody who will put his foot in (a bit like Wesolowski, but I don't think his passing is good enough for him to be in the starting XI). Orient overran our midfield today with ease at times.

[loverofinsanefox]

You don't get points for territorial advantage as Blackpool proved when they opened our season at the Walkers last year.

It seemed to me that, while we went all cautious after scoring, Pearson was the one who really tried to win it in the closing stages with the introduction of attackers Adams and Campbell and that he probably deserved his success if only for being so positive.

Whatever our individual shortcomings three goals away seems a reasonable achievement.

And if players like King can only manage meagre ratings of 5 or 6 for a well taken goal and a hand in the opener too then I can't wait for the days when we don't become less adventurous once we take the lead.

Thracian please stop this love for King if you didnt actually go today. I'm not doubting hes a promising player and has put in some very good performances, but hes still learning. I think commenting on his "meagre ratings" (which are justified), considering you didnt go, is rather foolish.

[Sods]

And if players like King can only manage meagre ratings of 5 or 6 for a well taken goal and a hand in the opener too then I can't wait for the days when we don't become less adventurous once we take the lead.

I really like Andy King think hes a player with a lot of potiential.

However nothing really happened for him today, I want him to get forward more and unleash the shot he has.

He didn't get stuck in, he gave the ball away and was definsively poor today. Probably his worst game ive seen him play this season.

[James.]

As for our midfield, we don't have enough aggression and bite - too many times Oakley and King fail to get in quick enough to make any challenge. We need somebody who will put his foot in (a bit like Wesolowski, but I don't think his passing is good enough for him to be in the starting XI). Orient overran our midfield today with ease at times.

Spot on. And to be honest I'd rather see Weso replace Oakley. Given Oakley is captain I can't see that happening though.

[Thracian]

The turning point was late on when Orient broke clear and looked certain to score (according to RL), only for Martin to make an incredible block.

In that instant he probably justified Pearson's decision to pick him ahead of Henderson.

We then sneaked ahead and added a third just to add insult to injury. We've chucked away enough points in recent seasons not to be grateful when some teams do it aginst us.

Despite King's goal, I'm still not convinced that he and Oakley are the best central midfield combination. Maybe it's time to give Weso a start, and not just in cup ties.

How would Weso starting help our much-improved goalscoring? We've been desperate for creative assistance from central midfield for years and King has got two goals and an assist so far in eight games.

Even that doesn't count his part in our first goal at Orient today or indeed, the part he played in creating his goal today. Weso has his strengths but he's not really an attacker.

As for being an alternative starter to Oakley I just don't see it happening seeing as Oakley is captain, we're in the top six with a game in hand, have lost just once in the League, have been fairly mean in defence and are scoring for fun.

Weso's best hope right now is a starting place against Lincoln and half-an-hour second half in our next League game.

[Asha]

Just got back.

Thought we were pretty lucky to get the points, overall the performance wasn't great and I was frustrated as ever watching that. The equaliser was always coming but they came close to winning it several times.

Gradel was piss poor today, and Adams made all the difference when he came on. Went completely mental when Fryatt scored. Class.

[Tilley]

Very lucky to win.

Great day out, even though the train company had my pants down for £21 on way there.

Tube was too hot, but ah well, cut the queue.

Gradel & Oakley were ****ing awful today, today's performance showed once again Oakley is no captain.

Would like to say well done to Adams when he came on, looked very lively, far more interested than Gradel.

DJ, well done aswell, played a part in the last two goals, hopefully he starts against Lincoln.

[Corky]

Just got back. Had an excellent day. Always great to win, and I thought we shaded a very entertaining match. Orient look a useful side, so this is a good three points. Our first and third goals were superbly created and taken, bad goal to concede though.

Went mental and fell over when Fryatt scored. I thought our support was brilliant today, great turn-out and a fantastic noise created throughout the whole match.

We needed to bounce back and we did. It's lovely to see us playing football on the floor as well.

Well done to the team and all the fans who made the trip. You did our club proud.

[Ultra]

How would Weso starting help our much-improved goalscoring? We've been desperate for creative assistance from central midfield for years and King has got two goals and an assist so far in eight games.

Even that doesn't count his part in our first goal at Orient today or indeed, the part he played in creating his goal today. Weso has his strengths but he's not really an attacker.

As for being an alternative starter to Oakley I just don't see it happening seeing as Oakley is captain, we're in the top six with a game in hand, have lost just once in the League, have been fairly mean in defence and are scoring for fun.

Weso's best hope right now is a starting place against Lincoln and half-an-hour second half in our next League game.

Weso might ensure we won more of the ball and kept it, thus improving our ability to score.

My contact at the game confirmed the impression given on the radio that King was anonymous for long spells. With Oakley also going AWOL (again!) and Gradel struggling to get into the game, the defence was put under pressure far too often. Although we got away with it today, I doubt we would be so fortunate against a team like Leeds or Oldham.

"Scoring for fun"? Only against tiring teams. We've drawn blanks twice already this season, and although we're more prolific than last season, a failure rate of one game in three is still way too high for this level.

But with three very winnable games in the next ten days, the opportunity is there to build up more momentum.

By the way, does anyone know why Dickov wasn't in the squad today?

[Tommeh]

Fantastic day out as always, but to be honest a pretty terrible performance albeight with 3 vital points.

Would prefer to list the main points as opposed to go into too much detail.

Get Martin out and Hendo back in asap! He should really have been sent off for the handball had the ref gone by the law.

Tunchev was fooking immense, class apart, without him we'd have lost.

The midfield were non existant in the challenge.

Fulham and Tranmere seem along way away for Max Gradel, the next few games will show what he's really made of.

Brilliant substitutions, Adams and Campbell both got in their faces and did the stuff all fans like to see. Both staked excellant claims to start next game.

The tube was chaos after....oh and hot.

[Father Ted]

When we play the likes of Millwall and Orient we need to get Weso in their somewhere...

[Tilley]

When we play the likes of Millwall and Orient we need to get Weso in their somewhere...

Instead of Oakley, because he is shit.

[RowlattsFox]

A good smash and grab victory, we were poor for large parts but saying that, we scored 3 and could have scored a few more. Fryatt could have had 4 or 5 including twice hitting the bar.

Our problems occured because we gave the Orient midfield far too much space and allowed them to run at the defenders, the defence got no protection at all. Lloyd Dyer was a constant threat, Andy King was dire for large parts, Gradel was poor and Fryatt and Howard were decent at times. Nicky Adams was the difference, we looked so much better when he came on and fair play to DJ who had a hand in the two late goals although he should have scored himself on the line but made a right mess of it.

All the decent teams win when not playing well, and its usually late goals that win them. Excellent 3 points.

[Granno]

Just got back.

Fantastic effort from the fans as usual. On the pitch it wasn't the best performance, but we bucked our ideas up and got the reward at the end.

[Uncle Albert]

Instead of Oakley, because he is shit.

How?

Someone who has played at a high level for most of his career in the Premier League is hardly shit is he?

[surrifox]

nice day out in the sunshine. Orient have a beautiful playing surface and moved the ball around on the deck well without an end result.

After 3-1 away criticism seems churlish but I believe we are entitled to look for signs that we are building a side which can sustain a promotion challenge and then compete back in the championship, what we got today was a strong start and good last 5 minutes with much dross in between- our default attacking move (which is meat and drink even at this level to defenders) is the lump up to Howard who's flicks and lay offs are rarely anticipated by team mates.

Howard was cursed every time he touched the ball today by a handful of supporters behind me but in fact he won virtually every aerial challenge and led the line as well as most forwards would- taking the knocks in the process- time to change the system methinks as the 2 goals coming soon after his departure would suggest.

Plusses:-

Adams- this lad will be good. High energy, gets into good positions always looking for the ball. Mishit a scoring chance but no-one else would have got into position for it

Dyer- good goal , good pace - generous acknowledgement of supporters

Minuses:-

Martin - sorry but how did he get a prem club contract? No understanding shown with defenders, panicky and woeful distribution

Midfield- when the game called for us to slow things down on a hot afternoon and keep possession they pretty much failed to do that and misplaced passes kept turning promising attacking moves into frantic defence (OK King and Oakley weren't the only culprits)

Gradel- seems to be on the crest of a slump at the moment and needs to be rested- did produce a very good save trapping the ball and shooting in one movement but too little of that

Churlish - yeah ok- but I want to see us chew up sides like Orient (0-3 against Tranmere in their last home game) and spit them out

[Thracian]

Weso might ensure we won more of the ball and kept it, thus improving our ability to score.

My contact at the game confirmed the impression given on the radio that King was anonymous for long spells. With Oakley also going AWOL (again!) and Gradel struggling to get into the game, the defence was put under pressure far too often. Although we got away with it today, I doubt we would be so fortunate against a team like Leeds or Oldham.

"Scoring for fun"? Only against tiring teams. We've drawn blanks twice already this season, and although we're more prolific than last season, a failure rate of one game in three is still way too high for this level.

But with three very winnable games in the next ten days, the opportunity is there to build up more momentum.

By the way, does anyone know why Dickov wasn't in the squad today?

So why did we have such a lousy scoring record over recent seasons, when Weso played quite often? Weso, while combative on the ground, offers nothing in the air. He rarely scores or makes goals and the lack of central midfield involvement in our goals has long been a major shortcoming.

Eighteen goals in nine games is all but double what we averaged last season whether the opposition is weaker, tiring or anything else and our goals conceded is also less than a goal a game so something has changed for the better and King's goal and assist on what most seem to think was an ordinary day today is seemingly a factor.

And in fact we've failed to score only twice in our nine games, or once in 4.5 games not the one in three you mention and there really is a significant difference.

As for your friend's view of King, one goal and one (arguably two) assists on an indifferent day can hardly be dismissed especially as we won by two clear goals away from home.

Weso, meanwhile, has played twice this season - a 1-0 cup win at home to Stockport and a 3-2 defeat at Fulham. Overall aggregate 3-3 in two games. In matches when he hasn't played the aggregate is 15-4 (in seven games). So we've actually conceded only one goal more in seven games than in the two Weso has featured in.

Nothing against Weso, I like the guy, but the evidence is hardly convincing by any yardstick and why we would ever go back to playing with two defensive midfielders after the events of recent seasons I cannot imagine.