George Sessions provides player ratings following the 1-0 defeat at home to Newport County on Saturday
Leyton Orient’s first League Two match of the season at Brisbane Road was meant to be a joyous occasion.
Newport County, among the favourites for relegation, were the visitors to east London and Andy Hessenthaler started Paul McCallum and Dean Cox.
Unfortunately the Exiles didn’t follow the script and instead delivered an impressive defence display and won the match.
After Jamie Turley put them ahead in the 34th minute, they limited Orient’s chances, but the hosts did have a great opportunity late on through Ollie Palmer.
He failed to hit the target from four-yards and Newport survived to hand O’s a first league loss of the campaign.
Alex Cisak (6) – Not much for the Australian to do and left frustrated with his defence for the only goal of the game.
Sean Clohessy (5.5) – Allowed Newport’s Jennison Myrie-Williams far too much time and space on the ball plus failed to get forward enough.
Yvan Erichot (5) – Two key mistakes and ultimately it cost Orient. He needlessly gave away corner kick and then lost Turley in the box and as a result Newport won the match.
Tom Parkes (6) – Looked far more composed compared to his fellow central defender and appeared to recover well from his dislocated shoulder.
Sandro Semedo (6) – One or two shaky moments in the first half and lucky it didn’t result in Newport scoring, but improved as game wore on and created excellent chance for Palmer late on.
Gavin Massey (6) – A couple of bright moments in first half and unlucky not to get assist, however got dragged inside too much after the break.
Robbie Weir (5.5) – Captain struggled at times and doesn’t look to be 100 per cent over his illness.
Liam Kelly (6.5) – Vice-skipper got better as match progressed and made some excellent tackles in midfield while came close to scoring on two occasions.
Dean Cox (6) – Orient’s talisman struggled to make an impact on the game and similar to Massey, come inside too much. A couple of decent efforts, but found it tough.
Paul McCallum (5.5) – After making such a good impact on Tuesday, this was perhaps a match too early for the striker. Didn’t get any service and become frustrated with referee.
Ollie Palmer (5.5) – Lots of effort and endeavour from the big forward, but missed crucial chance at the end when he had to at least hit the target and instead headed wide of goal. It cost Orient a draw.
Substitutes:
Jordan Bowery, for McCallum 60. (6) – Held the ball up well after his introduction and played lovely pass into Kelly, but midfielder struck effort wide. Decent cameo.
Nigel Atangana, for Cox 72. (7.5) – What an impact the Frenchmen had, was everywhere all over the pitch and helped Orient dominate final 20 minutes. I very much expect him to start tomorrow.
Harry Cornick, for Weir 72. (7) – Youngster added much needed urgency to O’s play and his trickery and spill nearly earned them a point.
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