Orient ease past Pilgrims to end winless run

Orient got back to winning ways with a comfortable 2-0 victory over bottom of the league Plymouth Argyle on Tuesday night.

The game was won within the first 15 minutes thanks to Scott McGleish and Dean Cox and whilst there was still a few nerves for the remaining 75 minutes, Plymouth rarely looked like mounting a comeback as Orient recorded their first win in five games.

Orient got the perfect start thanks to McGleish in the 4th minute. A terrific cross from Cox on the left found the head of Jimmy Smith, who guided the ball back across the box for McGleish to glance home.

Orient so nearly got a second goal in similar fashion six minutes later but this time Alex Revell couldn't direct his header from another Cox delivery. Revell looked annoyed at himself for the easy miss as he looked for that elusive goal. Unfortunately it proved to be another frustrating night for Alex.

Orient did get a second goal that the good start deserved, this time it was Cox who put the finish on a sweeping O's attack. Revell burst down the right and drilled a low cross across the box for Cox to easily tap home.

It was an efficient first-half display only soured by the loss of Revell. The striker seemed to fall awkwardly and had to stretched off. It didn't look good from the west stand and I just hope the injury doesn't end his productive first season early. Jonathan Tehoue came on to replace Revell.

Into the second-half there was few moments of note as the O's looked happy with their lead and Plymouth struggled to challenge it.

Stephen Dawson should have won a penalty for Orient when he did one of those familiar surging runs from midfield, only to be nudged over in the box by a Plymouth defender.

But referee Michael Naylor didn't agree as he seemed unwilling to give any possibly contentious decisions on the night that he could possibly get criticised for.

Plymouth's best chance drew a fine save from Jamie Jones when he caught Rory Fallon's close-range header when falling the other way.

As a spectacle the game offered little but we didn't need that, we needed a win to hopefully set off another good run. It was at best an efficient performance from the O's against a team that looked at times like they know how to play, they just lack the confidence.

The O's ended up easing to victory with a much-needed three points to guide us back into the play-off race (three points off with a game in hand), though we stay in 8th.

The next two home games against Southampton and Carlisle will be key to us possibly beating Rochdale to the punch and catching MK Dons or Bournemouth. If we can get through those games without defeat (hopefully two wins, though a draw and win would still be ok) then that 6th spot will still be within our reach.

The Teams:

Leyton Orient: Jones; Whing, Omozusi, Barrett, Daniels; Chambers; Smith, Dawson, Cox; Revell (Téhoué 40), McGleish (Kane 85)

Plymouth: Button; Duguid, Nelson, Zubar, N'Gala; Patterson (Walton 69), Fletcher, Peterlin, Bolasie; Fallon, Mason (Harper-Penman 83)

There was no stand-out stars for Orient last night in an professional team performance. But for his contribution in the match-winning moments of the game, I have gone for Dean Cox.

He had a hand in McGleish's opener with a pin-point cross and nearly set-up a second for Revell with another perfect delivery. Only minutes later Cox stayed calm to convert the O's second and seal the points. 'Our early burst made it difficult for Plymouth. To come back from two goals down is always difficult, especially when you defend resolutely, like we did.

'The clean sheet was the most pleasing thing really, because Jamie didn't really have a crucial save to make tonight.' 'It was a good response to Saturday and then getting the second goal so soon settled us down, and allowed us to pass the ball. We passed it lovely for the first 35 minutes.

'It was nice to get to 200 and it was sentimental that it came against Charlton, but it was soured by the result at the end of the day, so I was delighted that we won on Tuesday.'

Do you think this result puts us back in the play-off race? Leave your comments below...



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