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.
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