On the one hand a narrow 0-1 defeat to Sheffield Wednesday flattered Orient yesterday and yet on the other Wednesday probably didn't deserve much more than their solitary goal. In the grand scheme of things it is probably fair to say that, neither set of fans left the ground particularly satisfied albeit the visitors had the comfort of three points in the bag. Only those in the dressing room really know whether the manager has sent out a negative team or whether the players haven't carried out his instructions but yesterday's post-match comments indicate that Russell Slade sent the team out with very modest ambitions. It seems that Slade hoped to keep it at 0-0 or even 0-1 for as long as possible and hope that we would be able to do a smash and grab at the other end.
After leaking bucketfuls of goals in recent games Slade's caution is understandable but there are ways to improve your resiliency without reducing your attacking options to practically nothing. Orient defended heroically but had to do so because the tactics invited Wednesday to attack at will in the belief that that we could absorb the pressure heaped upon us. With the only 'out ball' being a long punt up to Lisbie who had four towering defenders around him at all times, the Os had little hope of retaining possession and creating anything themselves. It has been rare for Orient to have as many attacking players in the team as they did yesterday and yet the likes of Cox, Campbell-Ryce and Jimmy Smith were barely able (or allowed) to get out of their own half, their defensive duties paramount.
None of which says very much for Sheffield Wednesday, who will be happy with the win but not the performance and a better team might have hammered us. Wednesday were everything you'd expect of a team constructed by Gary Megson - almost to a man, tall, strong and quick and Orient were simply unable to compete with them physically. Skipper Rob Jones gave the most dominating defensive display I've seen at Brisbane Road since Brian Kilcline visited with Darlington at the end of his career. At times it seemed that he was the only person to touch the ball in the Wednesday half. But for all that they created very few clear cut chances. You can defend with as many players as you like but everyone to work hard and stick to their tasks, which every single one of the Orient players did. Cuthbert and Chorley were immense and whilst his pace was exposed on a couple of occasions, Terrell Forbes stuck to it and almost completely nullified the threat of Michail Antonio. Paul Rachubka was rarely fully extended and most of the saves he made were comfortable, although he made them look anything but with a few more spills that put hearts in mouths. Unfortunately his best save, from a point blank header by Reda Johnson resulted in the same player turning in the rebound for the only goal.
This final stretch at the end of a disappointing season is going to require more cool heads and fewer squeaky bums. The Os have an unenviable run in and still have to face 3 of the current top 6 over the next 6 games, with Notts County thrown in for good measure. From the outside a degree of desperation seems to have crept into the decision making of the management. The last two games have seen highly questionable substitutions, with Campbell-Ryce and George Porter employed as centre-forwards - whilst centre forward David Mooney played in Campbell-Ryce's position on the wing at MK Dons! Even less understandably all of the tactical changes yesterday seemed designed to allow Jimmy Smith to stay on the pitch, despite him having little impact on the game. I think Smith attracts a lot of unfair stick but it wasn't his day and the team set up wasn't suited to his game. Aside from the goalkeeping problem I think we have a squad that shouldn't be getting dragged into a relegation battle, although the sooner that Ryan Dickson is fit again the better. But we've seen the team shuffled game after game, as if at this crucial stage of the season Slade is still trying to find out what his best team is. This isn't pre-season and we haven't got the time to find our best eleven. With the late introduction of a number of loanees to cover for injuries, suspensions and departures I think Slade has been drawn into constant firefighting and the bigger picture has become obscured. He and the players need to regroup and focus on what is going to be required to get the points required to stay out of trouble, plus a few more for the sake of comfort.
The same applies to fans. After the game a large minority ran out of patience with Slade and decide that for them, it was time for a change. Slade was appointed manager at a similar stage of the season in 2010 and some believe that is required again if the Os are to scrape out of trouble. For one thing I can't see see him leaving unless Orient's freefalling form completely nose dives. With the games that are coming up it is entirely possible for that to happen. It might be difficult but the fans may have to swallow a couple more days like yesterday and avoid pouring oil on the fire. The games against Yeovil and especially Rochdale and Exeter
Sunday 25 March 2012
Sunday 18 March 2012
The old Orient and the new Tommy Carroll emerge
It didn't really matter how Orient played yesterday, we were just desperate for a win, the first in over a month and the first at home in 2012. A good performance but no three points wasn't enough after our recent run and we badly needed a victory before playing each of the top six in the next 8 games. Exceeding a lot of expectations Orient managed both, a deserved win resulting from a confident performance.
For the first time in weeks (or even months) the Os provided a constant attacking threat, with the midfield and attack looking as balanced as it has been in any game this season. Spurred by some fine individual performances Orient scored two home goals for only the third time in 19 league games at Brisbane Road this season. Kevin Lisbie played as the sole striker instead of Calvin Andrew and rewarded Russell Slade's faith by scoring only his second home goal from open play for Orient. He was supported by a fluid attacking midfield line up, with Dean Cox and Jamal Campbell-Ryce lining up on the left and right wings respectively but with the pair often swapping over or supporting each other on the same side. Brentford's defence and midfield were unable to pick up the runners coming from different places and when they did manage to, it left space for Jimmy Smith coming from behind them.
Jimmy Smith benefitted most from the confusion it caused and thought he had scored early on when he turned in the rebound when Dean Cox's shot hit the post, only to be flagged offside. He got his goal just before half time, the Brentford defence standing and watching as Cox's cross was laid off by Chorley for Smith to pass into the net with ease. For the first time this term the Os looked something like the side from last season, with Matt Spring and Adam Reed (the new Tommy Carroll) pulling the strings behind the attacking midfielders and orchestrating the attacks with their pinpoint passing. Orient not only found out how to win again but how to do it with a little bit of style.
Before the game there were particular concerns about the defence and mainly the keeper. Those fears were almost realised when Paul Rachubka dropped a simple catch but Saido Berahino missed the open goal presented to him. A few minutes later Rachubka made a comfortable save down to his left, eliciting sarcastic cheers from both Brentford and Orient supporters and all the ingredients were there for a nervy afternoon for both keeper and fans. But Rachubka went on to make a smart save from Niall McGinn and despite a preference for punching rather than catching he looked confident in everything he did after that. After weathering something of a rally from the Bees at the start of the second half Orient looked totally in control, the ability to keep possession the perfect recipe for holding onto a rare two goal lead without inviting pressure.
The defence bears watching though. There was a lack of understanding between keeper and defence yesterday and it needs addressing. In the first half Leon McSweeney made a clearance from under Rachubka's nose and when the keeper claimed he called for it he was ignored, Ben Chorley slapping McSweeney on the back. No problem with a defender taking responsibility and clearing the ball but the lack of acknowledgement for the keeper was concerning. Just before half time Chorley conceded a corner kick from right over by the corner flag and yet turned around and strangely berated Rachubka for not coming out for the ball. Even at the end of the game Chorley and Rachubka were in animated discussion.
Matt Spring is the temporary custodian of the captains armband and Russell Slade will decide in the summer whether he or someone else gets it permanently. He could do worse than Scott Cuthbert. Recognising the division in the ranks Cuthbert attepted to pull things back together, making a point of shaking hands with both Chorley and Rachubka at half time and full time to recognise a job well done by the team, in which they had all played a part. A player with that sort of attitude could go a long way to filling the void that Stephen Dawson's departure has left behind.
For the first time in weeks (or even months) the Os provided a constant attacking threat, with the midfield and attack looking as balanced as it has been in any game this season. Spurred by some fine individual performances Orient scored two home goals for only the third time in 19 league games at Brisbane Road this season. Kevin Lisbie played as the sole striker instead of Calvin Andrew and rewarded Russell Slade's faith by scoring only his second home goal from open play for Orient. He was supported by a fluid attacking midfield line up, with Dean Cox and Jamal Campbell-Ryce lining up on the left and right wings respectively but with the pair often swapping over or supporting each other on the same side. Brentford's defence and midfield were unable to pick up the runners coming from different places and when they did manage to, it left space for Jimmy Smith coming from behind them.
Jimmy Smith benefitted most from the confusion it caused and thought he had scored early on when he turned in the rebound when Dean Cox's shot hit the post, only to be flagged offside. He got his goal just before half time, the Brentford defence standing and watching as Cox's cross was laid off by Chorley for Smith to pass into the net with ease. For the first time this term the Os looked something like the side from last season, with Matt Spring and Adam Reed (the new Tommy Carroll) pulling the strings behind the attacking midfielders and orchestrating the attacks with their pinpoint passing. Orient not only found out how to win again but how to do it with a little bit of style.
Before the game there were particular concerns about the defence and mainly the keeper. Those fears were almost realised when Paul Rachubka dropped a simple catch but Saido Berahino missed the open goal presented to him. A few minutes later Rachubka made a comfortable save down to his left, eliciting sarcastic cheers from both Brentford and Orient supporters and all the ingredients were there for a nervy afternoon for both keeper and fans. But Rachubka went on to make a smart save from Niall McGinn and despite a preference for punching rather than catching he looked confident in everything he did after that. After weathering something of a rally from the Bees at the start of the second half Orient looked totally in control, the ability to keep possession the perfect recipe for holding onto a rare two goal lead without inviting pressure.
The defence bears watching though. There was a lack of understanding between keeper and defence yesterday and it needs addressing. In the first half Leon McSweeney made a clearance from under Rachubka's nose and when the keeper claimed he called for it he was ignored, Ben Chorley slapping McSweeney on the back. No problem with a defender taking responsibility and clearing the ball but the lack of acknowledgement for the keeper was concerning. Just before half time Chorley conceded a corner kick from right over by the corner flag and yet turned around and strangely berated Rachubka for not coming out for the ball. Even at the end of the game Chorley and Rachubka were in animated discussion.
Matt Spring is the temporary custodian of the captains armband and Russell Slade will decide in the summer whether he or someone else gets it permanently. He could do worse than Scott Cuthbert. Recognising the division in the ranks Cuthbert attepted to pull things back together, making a point of shaking hands with both Chorley and Rachubka at half time and full time to recognise a job well done by the team, in which they had all played a part. A player with that sort of attitude could go a long way to filling the void that Stephen Dawson's departure has left behind.
Sunday 11 March 2012
Tehoue : Cult Hero
Football fans love a stat and as with all statistics they can use them to prove what they already think. We've learned this week that Jonathan Tehoue was a great asset to Orient because his goals to starting appearance ratio was so good. Conversely he was ultimately a disappointment because the majority of those goals came from the bench and he rarely scored when he started a game.
Some players achieve something so momentous in a single game or even in a single moment that not only are they remembered because of it, everything they do subsequently is viewed through the prism of that moment. I thought that daring to say I didn't think Jonathan Tehoue leaving the club was that big of a disappointment earlier this week would be met with howls of derision. However, since he left he has been critical of his time at Orient and it has been enough for quite a few people to remove their Arsenal tinted spectacles - particularly his comment that he would like to come back to Brisbane Road with Swindon and score a goal against his old club. As panic sets in this week, some fans wouldn't mind just still being in League One so that it is a possibility.
It was appropriate that Tehoue's most famous moment in an Os shirt came as a substitute, a role he was more than familiar with in his time at the club. You can't argue that Tehoue was a player who could come on and make a real impact on a game and he turned around matches that seemed beyond redemption on a number of occasions. But the romantic notion of the super sub masked the fact that over a long period of time he was unable or unwilling to get himself properly fit. There were times at the end of last season when he was downright embarrassing, wheezing in the centre circle, unable to join an attack just 15 minutes after coming on as sub. Russell Slade's problem became that Tehoue 'could' come on and change a game but he could equally come on and look entirely disinterested in anything happening more than 5 yards away from him. It becomes a dilemma for a manager - better the devil you know or look for someone you hope is more consistent and reliable.
The rumour going around for a year or so now is that Tehoue was the highest paid player in the club, picking up three grand a week for these 20 minute cameos. That shows a massive underestimation of Barry Hearn and would be contrary to every other dealing he has had at the club since becoming Chairman. It is entirely possible that Tehoue receives that sort of money if he starts a game, scores, Orient win and are in a play-off position and he turns up for training on time all week. But it defies logic that Hearn would agree to pay a man with a long history of injuries and a string of ex-clubs, one of whom he was in dispute with shortly before joining the Os. It would be a gamble completely out of character for the club and thankfully so.
After leaving for Swindon people have speculated that he must have fallen out with Russell Slade and was quickly on his way. But I felt he was on his way out as soon as he made a number of starting appearances for Orient, starting with the away win at Bournemouth, his first league start this season. Whenever this happens people immediately assume that a player is being given a chance having been on the far fringes of the squad for as long as anyone can remember. More often than not they are actually being put in the shop window - their time is up, they aren't in the manager's long term plans and if they can be removed from the pay bill the sooner the better and no one is going to be interested in a reserve team player. Isn't it amazing, as soon as someone is playing for a move away from the club they are suddenly able to look interested for 90 minutes and play consecutive games? I don't think being subbed at half time against Walsall in what was potentially his last game for the club had as much to do with Tehoue's departure as much as Slade's need to free up space in the squad for much needed fresh blood. It has been a surprise though that he has so far chosen to bring in three midfielders to replace him. Slade's plans will become apparent over the next few games but he is currently hamstrung by accumulating injuries and suspensions.
Russell Slade appears to have a very clear idea of the mix of characters he thinks he needs at the club and isn't shy of moving people on if they don't live up to his expectations. Tehoue had more time than most and he may complain now that Slade never rated him but he had longer than some to convince the manager that he really wanted to be part of what he is trying to do at the club. The manager who is able to get 100% from Jonathan Tehoue is going get a great return from the striker. He is an unstoppable cannon ball who terrifies defences when he is in the mood, you just need to know how to light his fuse. You can almost guarantee there will be fireworks at Swindon, Paulo Di Canio will either fire up Tehoue and he'll be the player we wanted him to be or it'll be a partnership that backfires spectacularly.
But Tehoue will rightly always be a cult hero to Os fans. However high his wages he re-paid it and more by earning a replay at the Emirates (not to mention we were only still in the competition thanks to his last minute equaliser against Droylsden). For all of the frustrations there is that unrivalled moment of sheer joy as he crashed his shot past Manuel Almunia. I just watched it again and it still brings a tear to the eye. For the Brisbane Road faithful Jonathan Tehoue will always be a riddle, wrapped in an enigma, wrapped in an Os shirt.
Some players achieve something so momentous in a single game or even in a single moment that not only are they remembered because of it, everything they do subsequently is viewed through the prism of that moment. I thought that daring to say I didn't think Jonathan Tehoue leaving the club was that big of a disappointment earlier this week would be met with howls of derision. However, since he left he has been critical of his time at Orient and it has been enough for quite a few people to remove their Arsenal tinted spectacles - particularly his comment that he would like to come back to Brisbane Road with Swindon and score a goal against his old club. As panic sets in this week, some fans wouldn't mind just still being in League One so that it is a possibility.
It was appropriate that Tehoue's most famous moment in an Os shirt came as a substitute, a role he was more than familiar with in his time at the club. You can't argue that Tehoue was a player who could come on and make a real impact on a game and he turned around matches that seemed beyond redemption on a number of occasions. But the romantic notion of the super sub masked the fact that over a long period of time he was unable or unwilling to get himself properly fit. There were times at the end of last season when he was downright embarrassing, wheezing in the centre circle, unable to join an attack just 15 minutes after coming on as sub. Russell Slade's problem became that Tehoue 'could' come on and change a game but he could equally come on and look entirely disinterested in anything happening more than 5 yards away from him. It becomes a dilemma for a manager - better the devil you know or look for someone you hope is more consistent and reliable.
The rumour going around for a year or so now is that Tehoue was the highest paid player in the club, picking up three grand a week for these 20 minute cameos. That shows a massive underestimation of Barry Hearn and would be contrary to every other dealing he has had at the club since becoming Chairman. It is entirely possible that Tehoue receives that sort of money if he starts a game, scores, Orient win and are in a play-off position and he turns up for training on time all week. But it defies logic that Hearn would agree to pay a man with a long history of injuries and a string of ex-clubs, one of whom he was in dispute with shortly before joining the Os. It would be a gamble completely out of character for the club and thankfully so.
After leaving for Swindon people have speculated that he must have fallen out with Russell Slade and was quickly on his way. But I felt he was on his way out as soon as he made a number of starting appearances for Orient, starting with the away win at Bournemouth, his first league start this season. Whenever this happens people immediately assume that a player is being given a chance having been on the far fringes of the squad for as long as anyone can remember. More often than not they are actually being put in the shop window - their time is up, they aren't in the manager's long term plans and if they can be removed from the pay bill the sooner the better and no one is going to be interested in a reserve team player. Isn't it amazing, as soon as someone is playing for a move away from the club they are suddenly able to look interested for 90 minutes and play consecutive games? I don't think being subbed at half time against Walsall in what was potentially his last game for the club had as much to do with Tehoue's departure as much as Slade's need to free up space in the squad for much needed fresh blood. It has been a surprise though that he has so far chosen to bring in three midfielders to replace him. Slade's plans will become apparent over the next few games but he is currently hamstrung by accumulating injuries and suspensions.
Russell Slade appears to have a very clear idea of the mix of characters he thinks he needs at the club and isn't shy of moving people on if they don't live up to his expectations. Tehoue had more time than most and he may complain now that Slade never rated him but he had longer than some to convince the manager that he really wanted to be part of what he is trying to do at the club. The manager who is able to get 100% from Jonathan Tehoue is going get a great return from the striker. He is an unstoppable cannon ball who terrifies defences when he is in the mood, you just need to know how to light his fuse. You can almost guarantee there will be fireworks at Swindon, Paulo Di Canio will either fire up Tehoue and he'll be the player we wanted him to be or it'll be a partnership that backfires spectacularly.
But Tehoue will rightly always be a cult hero to Os fans. However high his wages he re-paid it and more by earning a replay at the Emirates (not to mention we were only still in the competition thanks to his last minute equaliser against Droylsden). For all of the frustrations there is that unrivalled moment of sheer joy as he crashed his shot past Manuel Almunia. I just watched it again and it still brings a tear to the eye. For the Brisbane Road faithful Jonathan Tehoue will always be a riddle, wrapped in an enigma, wrapped in an Os shirt.
Sunday 4 March 2012
The Referee's a Banker (no, really he is)
I know there are some close contenders but has there even been a referee more determined to make sure he gets noticed than Andy D'Urso? The Essex banker has made a virtue of incompetence to such a degree that he is one of the most familiar names on the referees list, solely due to the regularity with which he shows his ineptitude. Contrary to what some might think after yesterday, the man is not a cheat and the Os have previously benefited from his inability to engage his brain and apply common sense. Two years ago he insisted our game with Gillingham kick off at 7:45, despite a monster traffic jam around the Blackwall Tunnel which prevented half of Gillingham's team, fans and kit from reaching the ground on time. Unsurprisingly the players that did make it were disorganised and unfocused and Orient raced into a two goal lead that could easily have been more.
Yesterday's team sheets brought unwelcome news that the intended referee Pat Miller was no longer officiating and had been replaced by the nearest available ref - one Andy D'Urso. And true to form D'Urso made sure everyone knew he was there, handling the game with typical fussiness and inflexibility. Five bookings may not seem a lot but the game was so uncompetitive I'd be surprised if any other referee could have given five fouls in the entire match. That was the least of our problems as the stunned mullet of refereeing took little more than half an hour to change the face of the game.
Walsall skipper Andy Butler clashed in the air with Jonathan Tehoue, the Frenchman left rubbing his head on the floor. None of the Os players reacted particularly but D'Urso booked Butler. He may have been the only person in the ground to think that Butler challenged Tehoue recklessly with his forearm, but having done so he decided to show only a yellow card for it. That was just two minutes before his major cock up. At first sight it appeared that Taiwo stretched for a tackle but won the ball cleanly, one footed, from the side and on the ground. Replays show that more or less to be true, although in slow motion in looks as though he clipped the ball rather than making a proper connection but that he still reached it before Cuvelier. At worst it was mistimed and a yellow card and D'Urso's decision to show a straight red was inexplicable.
But that is the problem with D'Urso, his ability to use his own judgement is non-existent. He saw a tackle, the conclusion of which looked like something he'd seen people sent off for on TV recently and decided he was obliged to show the red card. Russell Slade has already said that Orient will appeal the decision but that would seem to be a futile act. The FA never overturn a decision based on a referee's judgement and like Charlie Daniels and Matt Spring before him he is unlikely to have his ban overturned. Only the fact that it is D'Urso may play in our favour as he is one of the few referees I can recall to be demoted from the Premiership for his incompetence.
The game itself would have been a non-event were it not for the refereeing controversy. You have to worry for Dean Smith and Walsall. They turned in a performance as poor as I've seen at Brisbane Road for a long time. It is hard to believe that a team led by Dean Smith could look so unmotivated and completely lacking any kind of cohesion. In truth it was like watching a school side playing - a school side where half of the team had been forced to play. The Saddlers players looked completely disinterested, rarely chasing or tackling and giving the ball away with alarming regularity. In particular Jon Macken is an embarrassment and how the hardworking Ryan Jarvis can't get in the team as Macken plods around contributing nothing to the team is beyond me.
Unfortunately Orient weren't much better and despite being a man down should have put the game beyond doubt. Lisbie failed to take a one-on-one chance to score his first home goal in 6 games and Jimmy Smith failed to score in injury time, the otherwise erratic Grof denying him with a good save. Sub debutant Calvin Andrew looked useful and took the paint off of one of the posts as a half chance whistled wide. But even without a second goal the Os should have been able to contain such a poor side quite easily. Instead they took their foot off of the pedal and allowed silly mistakes to creep into their game. On loan keeper Marek Stech is definitely a cause for concern. He rarely looked comfortable and on three ocassions in the second half he came and either got nowhere near a cross or barely made a connection with a punch. The fourth time he flapped, missed and Oliver Lancashire headed into the empty goal with the keeper blaming his team mates for failing to rescue him from his own mistake. Butcher's replacement looks like a decent shot stopper but a liability from crosses.
There is still a 7 point cushion between Orient and the relegation zone but that gap will start getting uncomfortably small if, as it now appears, the Os have developed a fully fledged complex about playing at home. As ever, In Slade We Trust and all eyes will be the teamsheet on Tuesday night to see how he will address the absence of Taiwo and maybe Dickson. If Leon McSweeney isn't on it the quiet muttered questions about his unexplained absence will start to get very loud.
Yesterday's team sheets brought unwelcome news that the intended referee Pat Miller was no longer officiating and had been replaced by the nearest available ref - one Andy D'Urso. And true to form D'Urso made sure everyone knew he was there, handling the game with typical fussiness and inflexibility. Five bookings may not seem a lot but the game was so uncompetitive I'd be surprised if any other referee could have given five fouls in the entire match. That was the least of our problems as the stunned mullet of refereeing took little more than half an hour to change the face of the game.
Walsall skipper Andy Butler clashed in the air with Jonathan Tehoue, the Frenchman left rubbing his head on the floor. None of the Os players reacted particularly but D'Urso booked Butler. He may have been the only person in the ground to think that Butler challenged Tehoue recklessly with his forearm, but having done so he decided to show only a yellow card for it. That was just two minutes before his major cock up. At first sight it appeared that Taiwo stretched for a tackle but won the ball cleanly, one footed, from the side and on the ground. Replays show that more or less to be true, although in slow motion in looks as though he clipped the ball rather than making a proper connection but that he still reached it before Cuvelier. At worst it was mistimed and a yellow card and D'Urso's decision to show a straight red was inexplicable.
But that is the problem with D'Urso, his ability to use his own judgement is non-existent. He saw a tackle, the conclusion of which looked like something he'd seen people sent off for on TV recently and decided he was obliged to show the red card. Russell Slade has already said that Orient will appeal the decision but that would seem to be a futile act. The FA never overturn a decision based on a referee's judgement and like Charlie Daniels and Matt Spring before him he is unlikely to have his ban overturned. Only the fact that it is D'Urso may play in our favour as he is one of the few referees I can recall to be demoted from the Premiership for his incompetence.
The game itself would have been a non-event were it not for the refereeing controversy. You have to worry for Dean Smith and Walsall. They turned in a performance as poor as I've seen at Brisbane Road for a long time. It is hard to believe that a team led by Dean Smith could look so unmotivated and completely lacking any kind of cohesion. In truth it was like watching a school side playing - a school side where half of the team had been forced to play. The Saddlers players looked completely disinterested, rarely chasing or tackling and giving the ball away with alarming regularity. In particular Jon Macken is an embarrassment and how the hardworking Ryan Jarvis can't get in the team as Macken plods around contributing nothing to the team is beyond me.
Unfortunately Orient weren't much better and despite being a man down should have put the game beyond doubt. Lisbie failed to take a one-on-one chance to score his first home goal in 6 games and Jimmy Smith failed to score in injury time, the otherwise erratic Grof denying him with a good save. Sub debutant Calvin Andrew looked useful and took the paint off of one of the posts as a half chance whistled wide. But even without a second goal the Os should have been able to contain such a poor side quite easily. Instead they took their foot off of the pedal and allowed silly mistakes to creep into their game. On loan keeper Marek Stech is definitely a cause for concern. He rarely looked comfortable and on three ocassions in the second half he came and either got nowhere near a cross or barely made a connection with a punch. The fourth time he flapped, missed and Oliver Lancashire headed into the empty goal with the keeper blaming his team mates for failing to rescue him from his own mistake. Butcher's replacement looks like a decent shot stopper but a liability from crosses.
There is still a 7 point cushion between Orient and the relegation zone but that gap will start getting uncomfortably small if, as it now appears, the Os have developed a fully fledged complex about playing at home. As ever, In Slade We Trust and all eyes will be the teamsheet on Tuesday night to see how he will address the absence of Taiwo and maybe Dickson. If Leon McSweeney isn't on it the quiet muttered questions about his unexplained absence will start to get very loud.
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