Tehoue fires Orient one step closer

A weekend of bank holiday sun seems to have done wonders for the Orient team as two games, two wins and six points over the space of three days has thrown us back into the play-off race.

We went into today's game against Carlisle with a patched up side, Jamie Jones the latest player to miss out due to injury.

Injuries and maybe a slightly sore and/or tired Scott McGleish saw Jonathan Tehoue promoted to the starting line-up and it was the French striker who grabbed our winner, his first goal this season after starting a game.

The game didn't start well though for the O's as Elliot Omozusi conceded a penalty in the 8th minute for a push in the area. James Berrett stepped up but stand-in keeper Lee Butcher made an excellent stop to keep the scores level.

Butcher has had little match time since joining the club so it was a big moment for the young keeper and the O's.

There were few clear-cut chances for either team after that as the long journey for the O's and busy schedule for both teams probably hampered the game.

But Orient did take the lead in the 36th minute thanks to Tehoue. Dean Cox grabbed yet another assist (his 22nd of the season) to feed Tehoue, the striker finishing off a good move by beating keeper Adam Collin.

On an individual note it is good that Tehoue grabbed the winner after being given the responsibility of leading the line and starting a game.

Tehoue's problem, along with fitness, has always been is lack of effectiveness when on the pitch from the start so it was good to see Tehoue's contribution today.

Getting that second goal is always key in the lower leagues and the O's had their chances in the second-half, most falling to the unlikely target of defensive midfielder Adam Chambers.

Firstly Chambers hit the post with a good shot and then only a good block by Carlisle's Peter Murphy denied him an opportunity for a second goal.

At the other end Carlisle had their best chance of the second period late on, Rory Loy heading wide from a cross in injury time.

But the O's held on for a fantastic and possibly crucial three points. Whilst Bournemouth coming back to win their game slightly dented what was nearly a perfect day for the O's, nothing can be taken away from the team.

To still be fighting for a play-off spot with 180 minutes of football to go is amazing. Looking at the team-sheet before the game I was sceptical on what we could achieve but full credit to the players and Russell Slade for another excellent away display.

We currently sit in 7th, three points behind Bournemouth but have already guaranteed a top 10 finish.

If we can win the last two games (against already safe Tranmere and relegation threatened Plymouth) then I think we will claim 6th place.

Whilst it will still require a final slip by Bournemouth or possibly a big stumble by MK Dons, the last two wins for the O's have put our chances of a trip to Old Trafford within reach.

The Teams:

Carlisle: Collin; Simek, Michalik, Murphy, Robson; Taiwo (Madden 62), Thirlwell, Berrett; Curran, Noble (Bowman 80), Zoko (Loy 85)

Leyton Orient: Butcher; Omozusi, Forbes, Barrett, Daniels; Spring; Crowe, Chambers, Dawson, Cox (Jarvis 83); Téhoué (McGleish 71)

"That was a phenomenal effort on the grounds that we were completely patched up. To be honest we were not 100%. Carlisle were the better side in the first period and we were reduced to just a couple of chances."

Slade added on eurosport.yahoo.com: "But in the second half we looked a real threat when we broke forward, although a second goal would have made life more comfortable for us in the dying minutes."

How important do you think our win today could be in the play-off race? Leave your comments below...



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