Ling-Win Was Vital

Martin Ling was understandably delighted with his side`s 1-0 victory over Huddersfield Town on Saturday afternoon. The O`s jumped off bottom spot with the win and bounced back from the disappointing defeat at home to Bradford on Tuesday night.

Ling was particularly happy with Gary Alexander`s 6th goal of the season whilst the O`s manager also had words of praise for Brian Saah who enjoyed an impressive performance at the heart of the Orient defence.

Speaking after the game to leytonorient.com, Ling said: "We controlled the game and always looked like the victors but it kept tight with the 1-0 scoreline. They missed an absolute sitter on the stroke of half time and Alton Thelwell knocked one off the line too, but we were the better side and we got the right result. The loss against Bradford on Tuesday made this a massive game so a win was vitally important."

Ling went on to add: "We talked in the week about the need to get crosses into the box a bit more quickly, and Cords has picked Gary out for the goal.Gary did what a good striker does and he needed that because the goals haven't been flowing for him on the other strikers. It's a satisfying win and when you're down at the bottom you're not going to be scintillating every week, but you need to scrap it out and that's what we did today".

Ling was far happier with his side`s performance with the midfield and strike pairing looking far more effective against Peter Jackson`s side than during the game last Tuesday.

"Our ball retention was also better than in recent weeks and James Walker's partnership with Gary Alexander worked up well - there was some good link-up play there."

However, Ling`s final words of praise were for Brian Saah, the youngster replaced the injured John Mackie in central defence and impressed his manager with another mature display.

"All the staff here have a great belief in Brian, but he just couldn't seem to get on a winning side. Often he'd end up getting the man of the match award but not get the three points - so it was excellent for him today. He played well and got his reward in terms of three points and that will do his confidence a world of good."

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