Brisbane Road club could use more of the youth team squad this weekend when they finish campaign at Huish Park
Leyton Orient caretaker Andy Hessenthaler hinted that Aron Pollock and Sandro Semedo will start at Yeovil Town this weekend and more youngsters could be given a chance as well.
The duo impressed during last Saturday’s 1-0 League Two win over Mansfield Town where Ollie Palmer scored the only goal of the game.
Semedo, 19, was lively in the first half on his full debut, before 17-year-old Josh Koroma replaced him in the 72nd minute at Brisbane Road.
But Pollock, just 18, was the star of the show and picked up the man of the match award having looked so assured against the Stags.
He partnered Shaun Brisley at the heart of the Orient defence and looked like he had been in the team for years – not just making his first appearance.
“Of course Aron and Sandro will be in contention to start at Yeovil,” said Hessenthaler after Saturday’s match.
“We are not going to put them in for one game and then take them out. We may even introduce a couple more, we’re not sure yet.
“It’s not been a great season for us, we could end up finishing eighth just outside of the play-offs if we win at Yeovil and Cambridge United above us lose.
“It is still disappointing, but we want to go there and finish with a win. To end with back-to-back victories will be nice.”
The performance of Pollock and Semedo gave Orient fans a glimpse of the future against the Stags last weekend with both showing what they are capable of.
After the match, the young defender was quick to thank former boss Kevin Nolan on Twitter for playing a part in his development and the rest of the O’s coaching staff.
Hessenthaler added: “Aron was absolutely fantastic and should be proud of himself and his family should be because he is a good kid and good character.
“I think he has a massive future in the game and looked like he’d been in the team for many months the way he performed on Saturday.
“I’m over the moon for him and everyone connected to the football club and the youth set-up. It’s a huge positive.
“Mansfield got the ball up there and made it difficult by backing in, so it was never going to be an easy afternoon for the kid. But he did really well and had experience alongside him which helped.”
Semedo looked good as well on the left wing, before tiring after the break as he works his way back from injury, but it was a bright full debut from the youngster.
The 19-year-old made his first appearance for Orient at Luton Town in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy on September 1 – coming on in the 87th minute.
He was introduced off the bench against Wimbledon on April 23 as well, but Hessenthaler was pleased to see what the former Chelmsford City and Welling United loanee could do from the off.
“It was always in our mind that we’d probably have to substitute Sandro,” added O’s caretaker boss.
“But he’s another with a bright future. He hasn’t really had an opportunity and has been out on loan.
“It was a good chance to showcase him and see what he can do under pressure. I thought he dealt with it very well on Saturday.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here