LEYTON ORIENT 2 - 1 PORT VALE

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COMMMMME ON YOU O'S!

Orient came from behind to defeat ten-men Port Vale and keep themselves clear of the relegation zone.

Better late than never goes the saying but Orient really did leave it late with Jabo Ibehre`s winner coming just four minutes from time. The O`s had trailed since the 12th minute as Ross Gardner thrashed the ball home but Matt Lockwood`s 68th minute equaliser brought the O`s level before Ibehre notched his third goal in his past four games to give the O`s three vital points.

It was far from impressive from Orient after a quite dire first half display. The O`s looked a shadow of the side that had won so convincingly at Crewe last weekend. The hosts were unable to pass the ball whilst an average looking Port Vale suddenly looked like world beaters.

The visitors took the game by the scruff of the neck early on as the O`s were slow out of the blocks once again. Vale were ahead with their first real attack of the game as Gardner latched on to Sonner`s pass and with his back to goal the midfielder swivelled before rifling an effort high past Garner.

The O`s stopper will be disappointed that he didn`t save the effort considering he got a hand to it but the power was perhaps too much for the Welsh international.

To their credit their was plenty of endeavour from Orient but the quality of passing was nothing short of dreadful as Port Vale picked the ball up with ease. It made for a frustrating afternoon and with Mr Singh stopping the game at any opportunity that was afforded to him, the O`s failed to click into any real rhythm.

Yet, Orient did make chances despite not playing with the same verve and tenacity that was present at Gresty Road last weekend. Jabo Ibehre saw his effort tipped around the post by Anyon after good work from Tudor whilst Justin Miller also went close as his fierce effort was deflected inches past the upright.

Port Vale seemed content with their one goal lead but the visitors really should have had a second mid-way through the first half. Some intricate work down the right hand side saw Constantine cross for Whittaker but the midfielder bundled his effort wide when he really should have hit the target.

That was a let-off for the O`s and Vale must have been cursing their luck as Luke Rodgers left the field of play before the break after pulling up sharply with a hamstring problem.

The O`s created one further chance before the break as Tudor came close with a point blank effort but Anyon was equal to the task and saved well.

Mr Singh brought a frustrating first half to a close, perhaps the best thing he did all afternoon.

The second half saw the O`s continue in similar vain much to the frustration of the home fans. Craig Easton was forced off with injury so Luke Guttridge came on but failed to make a large impression.

The turning point of the second half was the introduction of James Walker in place of the ineffective Gary Alexander. The O`s number nine had an afternoon to forget and after missing the simples of chances early in the second half it was with palpable relief that he was withdrawn.

Walker was welcomed vociferously and suddenly Orient had a goal threat. The young striker showed his speed and skill in this cameo appearance as Port Vale`s defence seemed to panic in the face of class.

It was little surprise that when Orient did equalise the on-loan youngster was involved as he received a pass from Ibehre before spreading the ball wide for the dangerous Tudor who saw his cross expertly headed home by the unlikely figure of Matt Lockwood.

Lockwood has shown the strikers up this season at Orient and did it once again as stole a yard in the box before heading home with great precision past the helpless Anyon.

That goal galvanised Orient and from that point there was only one side that was going to win the game as Vale seemed to crumble in front of Orient`s very eyes.

The O`s were rampant and their cause was helped further on 77 minutes as Shane Tudor was taken out by a wild challenge from Jason Talbot which saw the Vale left back red-carded for a second bookable offence.

Quite why the Vale players were arguing with Mr Singh remains a mystery, it was the only decision he got right all afternoon as he once again reminded everybody how consistent he is in his performances.

Despite the O`s pinning their visitors back, Glyn Garner was called into action with just seven minutes remaining as Sodje found enough space to rifle an effort towards goal from inside the penalty area but the O`s stopper made an impressive block.

It proved a crucial save as just 3 minutes later Shane Tudor got down the right and having cut back inside on to his left foot the winger curled an inch perfect cross for Ibehre to nod past Anyon to seal all three points.

It was nothing less than Orient deserved against a cynical Port Vale team whose gamesmanship eventually cost them dear.

Tudor could have and should have made the game safe as he shot hopelessly wide from inside the area and Vale nearly snuck an equaliser at the death as Pilkington wasted a superb chance with a free header at the back post.

That would have been harsh on Orient who fully deserved to beat Vale who were average to say the best. However, there is still much to do for Martin Ling`s side if they are to avoid the drop.


The italic bit brings a smile to my face, after he turned us down for port vale last week , should have seen the cheers .

Leyton Orient 2-1 Port Vale

Matthew Lockwood 68 Ross Gardner 12
Jabo Ibehre 86

Attendence: 4295 Referee: Singh
MONTY PANESAR IS A POOR REF.

Teams:
Leyton Orient Starting

• 1 Glyn Garner
• 15 Justin Miller
• 27 Alton Thelwell
• 3 Matthew Lockwood
• 26 Adam Chambers
• 21 Brian Saah
• 7 Shane Tudor
• 8 Craig Easton
• 25 Wayne Corden
• 9 Gary Alexander
• 19 Jabo Ibehre

Port Vale Starting

• 12 Joseph Anyon
• 16 Mark McGregor
• 5 Michael Walsh
• 2 George Pilkington
• 3 Jason Talbot
• 32 Malvin Kamara
• 14 Danny Whitaker
• 4 Danny Sonner
• 27 Ross Gardner
• 10 Leon Constantine
• 7 Luke Rodgers

Sorry for the long post, im just so happy!
MY MOTM: Shane tudor, indifferent season, 2 crosses, 2 goals, his trickery got a player sent off for vale.

3 words.

TUDOR FOR ENGLAND .

[Jordie]

Good Result For Orient, Starting To Put A Nice Little Run Together Now

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Yup , Bournemouth away next week than Millwall the tuesday after, MASSIVE 2 games for us, if we win, we are practically safe, its a long way but we will be about 18 points off the bottom if we do, i can't go to neither, but i bloody hope we win .