Player Ratings vs Leyton O

[lcfc_forever]

Martin 6 - His handling was good but his kicking left a lot to be desired - made one stunning save in the first half

Powell 5.5 - Didn't get forward enough and looked exposed against the quicker opposition players

Morrison 7 - Worked hard although he lost his head late in the first half after the opposition was awarded a free kick. Fortunately regained his composure soon afterwards

Tunchev 7 - Dealt well with crosses into the area but looked more troubled as the first half wore on. Looked his usually settled presence in the second half.

Gilbert 5 - Not his best game and their winger caused him a number of problems. Looked stronger as Leyton Orient tired.

Dyer 7.5 - Superb finish for his goal and looked a threat throughout with his pace. However, his final ball was inconsistent.

Oakley 6 - Started well but struggled as the game wore on so wasn't able to dictate the game as he would have liked

King 5.5 - Had a poor game and was caught out of position as their midfield threatened to overrun us. Never got his foot in but his goal was the result of a quality finish and gets an extra mark for it.

Gradel 5 - Didn't play well and gave the ball away on a number of occasions. He's still learning and needs to work on his final ball.

Fryatt 7.5 - Was a threat throughout the game and hit the crossbar twice before his goal. Worked tirelessly.

Howard 6.5 - Made up for a poor first half with a much stronger second. Created space for the City players to exploit and provided some neat flick-ons.

Subs:

Adams 6.5 - Improvement on Gradel. Provided a good outlet for the team and showed good energy in chasing down the ball.

Hobbs 6 - Did nothing wrong

Campbell 6.5 - Their defence struggled to cope with pace throughout the game and DJ caused them all kinds of trouble. His substitution gave City the initiative to go and win the game.

Not the best performance and City really needed a player to break up their attacks - this is not either Oakley or King's strength. We were slightly fortunate as they had a three or four good attacks in the second half before we scored as we seemed to be rocked by their goal late in the first half. However, our quality told in the end.

Officials 4 - Poor and gave far too many decisions to the home team

Ticket Office 0 - First, they told those who had booked their tickets to go to the main ticket office, and then to to smaller one at the away end. Then they told us they didn't have our tickets! They blamed City's booking office for not providing them the full list but surely they could have seen that more than eight people would have booked tickets for the game. The girl in the ticket office (who was quite cute) did not have a clue! It meant we all had to buy our tickets again and will have send those tickets to City's ticket office to get a refund - what a joke!

[James.]

Martin - 6

Fantastic tip over the bar from a powerful header the highlight of his performance. Generally looked solid and did well in the air although he struggles when the ball comes to him under pressure. Couple of sliced kicks almost caused us big problems.

Gilbert - 6

I really like Gilbert. Looks a quality footballer, always ready to get forward and can pop up when you least expect him. Struggled to get much going with Gradel though which was more to do with Gradel looking off his game.

Tunchev - 6

Generally solid but there did seem moments of utter confusion in defence in the second half. This was happening at the other end from where I was so hard to say who was at fault but I think it's fair to say both centre backs need to improve communication.

Morrison - 6

See Tunchev really. Won a lot of headers in the air but we were put under pressure and at those times he looked shaky. Sometimes has a tendency to boot it long towards Howard which I hope Pearson cuts out.

Powell - 7

Thought he had a good game particularly in the first half. Does stand off his man quite a bit but ultimately very little gets past him even if he can encourage wingers to take him on. Will be interesting to see him against better quality wingers. Overall though solid and seemed very pumped up which we needed.

Gradel - 5

Really struggled to get into the game and I wonder if his personal life is impacting his form. Might be time to give the lad a rest and give Adams his chance to shine. Flashes of the real Gradel but overall gave the ball away and ran into defenders who took the ball from him with relative ease.

Oakley - 5

SHOULD have dominated the midfield but didn't and struggled, alongside King, to get any foothold in the game. I didn't get the impression he was being particularly vocal either and as captain we needed someone to take control. Neat touches at times but we need to see more from him.

King - 6

Same as Oakley really but gets the extra point for his goal. He's quite frustrating to watch as at times he gives the ball away too easily but then at other times he looks to make things happen. Great through ball to an offside Fryatt and at other times played good simple passes along with the occasional tackle.

Dyer - 8

Quality. Always, ALWAYS, looking to run at the full back and I'm pretty sure he'll score a lot more goals this season. Very well taken goal. Man of the match for me. I like this guy a lot.

Howard - 6

As expected he won everything in the air and held up the play well. Good at getting his body between man and ball and laying off a pass. But didn't really pose much of a threat in front of goal and missed a chance or two with headers where should have done better.

Fryatt - 7

Another game another goal. Always there or thereabouts in our attacks and I think he asked a lot of question of the Orient defence. During the middle part of the game he was absent but then so were most of the team. Critical goal ups his rating to a 7.

Adams - 7

Very energetic, full of running and really looked like he was trying to earn his place in the team. Gave Orient something to think about which helped create space and stretch their defence. Needs to have more confidence to take on his man, too many times he made a sideways pass.

Hobbs - 6

Didn't see much of him but did what he needed to do calmly and effectively.

Campbell - 7

Clever running and opened up the game. His pace is obviously his main attribute and it worked today. Orient struggled to contain him and I think we need to be grateful he came on. Great move from Pearson and hopefully a sign of more to come. I want DJ to do well, I'm just not convinced he will.

[Wooly]

I thought we were lucky to win... thought we were looking like losing it to be honest! Our central midfield may as well have not existed - they walked through us when they had the ball, and we either passed down the flanks or hoofed it over their heads when we had it. Those two are so lucky to still be regular picks. The centre backs were very dominant I thought. Tunchev is quality.

Martin 5 - Kicking is disgraceful. What the fook was he doing when he caught that ball outside of the box?

Powell 6 - He was much better than he'll get credit for. Kept geeing the crowd up also. Had a great first half.

Morrison 7

Tunchev 7

Gilbert 5

Dyer 8 - Our only stand out attacking player.

Oakley 5

King 4.5

Gradel 4

Fryatt 5

Howard 5

Subs:

Adams 6

Hobbs 5

Campbell 6

[lcfc81]

Hey lcfc_forever (or Wooly now)

the radio said Martin was getting grief from the home fans for being shakey, was this true?

Do you think he did enough to remain ahead of Henderson?

[lcfc_forever]

Hey lcfc_forever (or Wooly now)

the radio said Martin was getting grief from the home fans for being shakey, was this true?

Do you think he did enough to remain ahead of Henderson?

Like I said, his handling was good throughout the game with that notably exception of handling just outside the area - luckily all we got given against us was a free kick. He got grief from the away fans for his kicking which was poor and worsened as the game went on. Henderson is the better keeper for me presently but Martin has the potential to be a much better player.

[Anish]

Martin - 5 - send him back to Liverpoo. Seriously he is dodgy, his kicking it woeful and his positioning is suspect. Ridiculous decision to handle the ball outside the box - he should have headed it away.

Powell - 6 - their right winger was very confident and ran at Powell but never beat him. Always blocked the crosses and looks reliable. Not helped by Dyer's lack of tracking-back.

Tunchev - 6 - great in the air, got turned badly once in the second half.

Morrison - 6 - like Tunchev is a powehouse in the air, but his distribution was poor and too often hoofed it.

Gilbert 6 - did well considering how poor Gradel was. I like the way he overlaps and goes forward.

Dyer - 7 - good going forward, drifted infield a lot which left Powell exposed. Great finish and his pace caused a number of problems for Orient.

Oakley - 5 - pretty poor. Overran in midfield, poor passing and slow in the tackle.

King - 6 - much better than Oakley but also gives the ball away too often. Didn't support the strikers enough until the last 10 minutes - too often Fryatt and Howard were up front and needed support but both Oakley and King were too far behind play.

Gradel - 5 - disappointing again. Needs a rest because he's just not producing the goods. Maybe all the hype is going to his head. Rightfully subbed.

Fryatt - 7 - just gets a 7 for his goal. Otherwise his finishing wasn't up to scratch although he did run the channels well and brought players into play. Still, can't complain with his goalscoring record.

Howard - 6 - Martin's woeful kicks were nowhere near Howard so Howard didn't really get much to flick on. He was well marshalled by at least 2 players challenging him on the long balls and didn't get much service. Supplied a great through ball for Dyer's goal but he just isn't quick enough anymore to get into the box when our wingers are running at pace.

Subs:

Adams - 7 - changed the game completely. Quick to chase and harry their defenders, and supported the strikers well. Start him next week.

DJ - 7 - he should have come on much earlier, but he had the desired impact and stretched the Orient defence. His pace is a big asset and he utilised it well today.

Hobbs - 6 - did nothing wrong.

[Wooly]

Hey lcfc_forever (or Wooly now)

the radio said Martin was getting grief from the home fans for being shakey, was this true?

Do you think he did enough to remain ahead of Henderson?

He was getting stick, it wasn't his keeping (one stunning save in the first half) but his kicking was embarrassing! Even out of hand he kept spooning it. Was bizarre.

[JoeyB]

He was getting stick, it wasn't his keeping (one stunning save in the first half) but his kicking was embarrassing! Even out of hand he kept spooning it. Was bizarre.

One in the second half too wasn;t their?

[Lovejoy]

Going to be generous here as we won:

Martin 6.5

Gilbert 5.5

Morrison 7.5 mom

Tunchev 7

Powell 6

Gradel 5

Oakley 5

King 6 (would have been 5 without the goal)

Dyer 7.5

Fryatt 6 (would have been significantly lower without the goal)

Howard 7

Adams 7

Hobbs 6

Campbell 5.5 (how did he not score the second )

Overall, I'd say the better team lost. Daylight robbery today imo . It feels good though.

[loverofinsanefox]

Martin - 4 - Made a great save off a header in the first half, but other than that, very suspect. Poor kicking the majority of the time and what was he doing handling it outside the box?

Powell - 6 - Solid if unspectacular.

Tunchev - 7 - Impressed. Looking forward to seeing him paired with a better centre half.

Morrison - 5 - Not convinced. Won his fair share of headers, but distribution was terrible. And following Martin handling, should have just shut up instead of moaning at the referee.

Gilbert 6 - See Powell.

Dyer - 7 - Great pace and finish but drifted out of the game for large portions of the game. Will have to improve his first touch though.

Oakley - 5 - Hardly a captains performance. When the going got tough...well he didnt really.

King - 6 - Good finish for the goal, but other than that the majority of the game passed him by.

Gradel - 5 - A confidence player and at the moment, hes lacking. Didn't come up with the goods today, maybe needs to come on as an impact sub for the next few games.

Fryatt - 7 - Should have scored more without question, however ran tirelessly for the team and I'm glad hes coming good this season.

Howard - 6 - Started off great but then faded, like most of the team. Good assist for Dyers goal, but after that didnt have much luck.

Subs:

Adams - 7 - Came on and wanted to stake a claim for place in the first team, which I think he did well. Put in some decent crosses, my only concern is his physicality in this league.

DJ - 7 - Did the job, came on and added some pace to a severely slow front line. Whilst I dont think DJ can shoot for s***, he unsettles defenders and had a major influence on us winning this game.

Hobbs - 6 - Played out of position at right back when he came on, but I think this lad has bags of ability. Should be starting alongside Tunchev IMO.

Overall an OK performace, started off great and really should have been three up before Orient knew what hit them. However once momentum shifted, we were very poor and thankfully we are in a league where teams can have golden chances like they did, but lack the killer instinct to put those chances away. For me Henderson, Hobbs and Adams deserve a starting berth in the next league game.

[Pegosteve]

Find it a bit strange all the criticism of Martin, according to the radio made two blinding saves, is this not the equivalent of 2 goals and 3 points or am I missing something!!!!!!

All pre season the word was Hendo is not good enough!!!!!

Who is the best?

[James.]

Find it a bit strange all the criticism of Martin, according to the radio made two blinding saves, is this not the equivalent of 2 goals and 3 points or am I missing something!!!!!!

All pre season the word was Hendo is not good enough!!!!!

Who is the best?

I rated him higher than most because of his saves. The problem is that his kicking could quite easily have offset those saves and caused us a lot of problems. Overall I thought he was ok and fairly solid in the air. The focus, rightfully in a way, from many will be his kicking though.

[loverofinsanefox]

I rated him higher than most because of his saves. The problem is that his kicking could quite easily have offset those saves and caused us a lot of problems. Overall I thought he was ok and fairly solid in the air. The focus, rightfully in a way, from many will be his kicking though.

Aside from the finger tip header save he made, I dont see how you could rate him so high. His kicking was dreadful, I know his confidence must have been shot to pieces, but ultimately it could cost us goals. I mean the slice he did was laughable. His handling was OK, but for corners he leaves me extremely worried too.

[SamL]

Martin - 5 - send him back to Liverpoo. Seriously he is dodgy, his kicking it woeful and his positioning is suspect. Ridiculous decision to handle the ball outside the box - he should have headed it away.

Powell - 6 - their right winger was very confident and ran at Powell but never beat him. Always blocked the crosses and looks reliable. Not helped by Dyer's lack of tracking-back.

Tunchev - 6 - great in the air, got turned badly once in the second half.

Morrison - 6 - like Tunchev is a powehouse in the air, but his distribution was poor and too often hoofed it.

Gilbert 6 - did well considering how poor Gradel was. I like the way he overlaps and goes forward.

Dyer - 7 - good going forward, drifted infield a lot which left Powell exposed. Great finish and his pace caused a number of problems for Orient.

Oakley - 5 - pretty poor. Overran in midfield, poor passing and slow in the tackle.

King - 6 - much better than Oakley but also gives the ball away too often. Didn't support the strikers enough until the last 10 minutes - too often Fryatt and Howard were up front and needed support but both Oakley and King were too far behind play.

Gradel - 5 - disappointing again. Needs a rest because he's just not producing the goods. Maybe all the hype is going to his head. Rightfully subbed.

Fryatt - 7 - just gets a 7 for his goal. Otherwise his finishing wasn't up to scratch although he did run the channels well and brought players into play. Still, can't complain with his goalscoring record.

Howard - 6 - Martin's woeful kicks were nowhere near Howard so Howard didn't really get much to flick on. He was well marshalled by at least 2 players challenging him on the long balls and didn't get much service. Supplied a great through ball for Dyer's goal but he just isn't quick enough anymore to get into the box when our wingers are running at pace.

Subs:

Adams - 7 - changed the game completely. Quick to chase and harry their defenders, and supported the strikers well. Start him next week.

DJ - 7 - he should have come on much earlier, but he had the desired impact and stretched the Orient defence. His pace is a big asset and he utilised it well today.

Hobbs - 6 - did nothing wrong.

Agree with pretty much most of those.

A bit harsh on Martin though, he made some decent saves and kept us in it at times. He needs to work on his kicking though. One dodgy moment in the first half I think but apart from that I thought he commanded his area well.

[mmarkie]

Martin-6 Made a stunning save and good handling.

Gilbert-5 Was alright but looks a bit shaky.

Tunchev-7 Absolute class looked comfortable all game.

Morrison-6 Was alright but aswell looks a bit shaky and always hoofs it.

Powell-6 Solid enough and got forward well did what he needed to do.

Gradel 3-Absolutely terrible did nothing and poor final ball.

Oakley-6 Gave it away a bit too much but looked OK.

King-7 Reminds me very much of Fabregas and a great goal.

Dyer-8 Brilliant well taken goal and worked hard all game.

Howard-6 Didn't do that bad but everythings just hoofed up to him.

Fryatt-7 Worked really hard and was unlucky with two attempts is a bit greedy but good that he got his goal.

Subs:

Adams-7 Good player keeps everything simple and gets stuck in definitely should start instead of Gradel.

Hobbs-6 Didn't really need to do anything but di alright.

Campbell-7 Looked lively and i tihnk he should be upfront with Fryatt looked good.

My first away game for ages and i have to say i was impressed with our crowd especially the Oh Maxi Gradel!

[James.]

King-7 Reminds me very much of Fabregas and a great goal.

Bloody hell.

[mmarkie]

Bloody hell.

What he's abit lazy but has good vision and scores good goals

[Sods]

Martin 6 -Poor kicking but my word that save in the first half was good, the handling outside the box in the first half was harsh, I thought the Orient player pushed him but maybe I was wrong.

Gilbert 6 -Didn't really link up with Gradel at all as much has he has done in the past, i love the lads pace though

Morrison 6- Won most headers an alright game, one problem I had with him was when he got involved with Martins handling outside the box.

Tunchev 7- Thought the lad made very important interceptions and led from the back. The lad dosent give the ball away much either.

Powell 6- Too many times I thought the Orient lad on the right hand side had the better of him.

Gradel 5- Ineffective, I think the lad has a lot to offer but sometimes his decision making isn't the best. I wish he just kept running at the defence as well.

King 6- Not his best game this season, gave the ball away too many times and sometimes shyed away from getting stuck in. Looked tired towards the end however scored a lovely goal.

Oakley 6- I thought he played alright, didn't help the defence much though I thought.

Dyer 9 - Great game, ran at the defenders played some nice crosses in that our forwards should of got themselves at. Got stuck in, run his socks off. What I liked this week was the fact that we had a different outlet rather then looking for Gradel everytime like against Millwall.

Howard 6- Won the headers, didn't have many chances if any! Get yourself in the box big man thats my only problem with him oh and he gives it away a bit too much.

Fryatt 7 This would have been a 5 but the last 20 has got himself in my good books. Missed a handful of chances, didn't work with Howard. Howard went off he then decided to get stuck in and bagged himself a goal.

Subs

DJ 7 Great attitude, should of scored I know but for me hes really put himself in the picture for a starting place. Hes one of these players you want to do well but really has let himself down so come on Deej big game on Tuesday for you. Bag a hat trick

Adams 6 Likewise thought he contributed well when he came on, offered us something different to be honest which is great. Wouldnt mind seeing him in a centre midfield role on Tuesday

Hobbs - Didnt realise he came on.

[Father Ted]

If Martin starts the next match then I will begin to lose faith in Big Nige!

[loverofinsanefox]

If Martin starts the next match then I will begin to lose faith in Big Nige!

Agreed, his ratings have been a lot higher than I thought. Hendersons no world beater as we know, but for me he is the better keeper.

[Sods]

Still think Martin is the better keeper, two great saves today. Caught everything, just his kicking was poor. Hmmm Hendersons kicking is just as bad.

[Father Ted]

Still think Martin is the better keeper, two great saves today. Caught everything, just his kicking was poor. Hmmm Hendersons kicking is just as bad.

When Henderson kicks it stays in play and it's accurate. It also has decent distance. Martin has none of them. Henderson also communicates with his defence - Martin does not. Martin is sometimes brainless and a bit slow to react - Henderson is more experience and keeps more of a cool head.

[Bert]

Martin 6 - One world class save and good handling, sometimes looked shaky, poor kicking. Hendo please.

Gilbert 6 - Always solid and supports the attack well, still carrying a knock though.

Powell 6.5 - Never got beat by a tricky oppenent, still has a great engine on him, clearly just loves to play.

Tunchev 7 - Rarely looked troubled, did things safe and simple. Showed what defending is about.

Morrison 7 - Loses his head at least once every game and did so again today, earned himself a stupid booking, otherwise very solid.

Gradel 5 - Got into good positions, but final ball was poor generally, and was always quick to be closed down.

Dyer 7.5 - Another great performance, always looked to attack and beat his man, left Powell well exposed at times though.

Oakley 5 - Struggled to get a real hold on the game sometimes did some good things, but gave the ball away too many times and looked frightened to tackle sometimes.

King 6 - In a game where i thought their midfield dominated he still put himself about well and grabbed himself a goal.

Fryatt 7 - Hit the bar twice, ran the channels well and scored.

Howard 6 - Got some harsh treatment today, constantly fouled, won what he could, but with officials like that, what chance does anyone have.

Adams 6 - Gave us a different outlet on the right wing, and as he got more into the game he looked good.

Hobbs 6 - Dealt with everything he had to.

Campbell 7 - He must be frustrated being on the bench, but still applied himself really well with the time he got on the pitch, was very lively, he gave us what we lacked up front the whole game, pace. Should've scored? Of course. Great work for Kings goal.

All in all, the result flattered us, we started off strong, and seemed to be cruising, but slack marking let them back in the game, they had more than their fair share of possession, but we dealt with it quite well.

[Corky]

Martin- 6

Gilbert- 6

Tunchev- 7

Morrison- 6

Powell- 6

Gradel- 6

Oakley- 7

King- 7

Dyer- 9

Howard- 7

Fryatt- 8

Subs

Adams- 7

Hobbs- 7

Campbell- 6

They may seem a little harsh. I thought Dyer was excellent, very threatening, and Fryatt played well, scored, hit the bar twice and made intelligent runs.

[Sods]

When Henderson kicks it stays in play and it's accurate. It also has decent distance. Martin has none of them. Henderson also communicates with his defence - Martin does not. Martin is sometimes brainless and a bit slow to react - Henderson is more experience and keeps more of a cool head.

Are you serious Hendersons kicking is shocking.

Communication I disagree again, Henderson looks like hes playing with a back four he hasn't seen before, Im not saying that Martin dosent communicate. But can i ask how you are making this judgement?

Id agree with Martin being sometimes slow to react which comes down to experiance I guess.