28 August 2010

Leyton Orient 3 Exeter City 0, 28/8/10

A game in which... Orient began the game like a ravenous mouse out to devour Exeter's Swiss cheese of a defence. Still, when an opposition teamsheet bears the name Billy Jones - the second Matt Lockwood understudy to return to Brisbane Road in a week - there's always going to be chances. Eventually Orient took three of them in a convincing and comfortable win.

Moment to savour... Dean Cox's celebration after his sumptuous goal, in which he was greeted by Russell Slade in the manner of a proud grandfather about to reward his six-year-old grandson with a packet of Werthers Originals for coming third in the school egg-and-spoon race.

Head in hands moment... It's not often that Scotty McGleish misses the target from six yards with his head - that's Ryan Jarvis's job - but he did so in the first half, before making amends in the second.

King for a day... Chorley, Revell and McGleish all shone, but it's hard to look beyond another all-action display by captain Stephen Dawson, who nearly scored a wonder volley in the first minute and was class throughout.

Boo boy... Elliot Omozusi appears to be following in the tradition of sporadically ponderous Orient right backs - Stephen Purches, Justin Miller, Donny Barnard - and while mostly solid during this game, still has a bit of convincing to do.

In the dug out... Big Russ has developed a habit of looking to the heavens - or, more specifically, directly at Barry Hearn sat in the exec seats - whenever Orient score. Presumably when we next concede he'll hide behind Kevin Nugent and squeak, "It was his fault, it was his fault."  

You're supposed to be away... According to their scarves, Exeter City are the 'Pride of Devon'. Well, there isn't much else to be proud of in the county (Barnstaple town centre? Traffic jams on the A30?) Still, the Grecians at least showed a bit of gallows humour by launching into "We can see you sneaking out" while 3-0 down.

What would Martin Ling have done? Taken the opportunity of being 3-0 up to make a final attempt to 'blood' Derek Duncan, claiming "He's got a big career ahead of him."

Going down? Well, if Orient can't beat Exeter at home then there really is no hope. But they did - and with some style - so still look nailed on for the safety of 20th spot.