Pair have impressed with several goals and assists this season already, but experienced boss is delighted with their defensive work too

East London Advertiser: Leyton Orient manager Andy Hessenthaler looks on at Carlisle alongside assistant Andy Edwards (pic: Simon O'Connor).Leyton Orient manager Andy Hessenthaler looks on at Carlisle alongside assistant Andy Edwards (pic: Simon O'Connor). (Image: 07958 573219 simon.oconnor@virgin.net)

Andy Hessenthaler praised the work rate of Harry Cornick and Gavin Massey after Leyton Orient’s 2-2 draw at Carlisle United.

Paul McCallum opened the scoring at Brunton Park in the 44th minute, but Charlie Wyke equalised for the hosts 25 seconds into the second half.

A piece of individual brilliance from Cornick put the O’s in front again with 26 minutes remaining.

But the Cumbrians were awarded a penalty when Liam Kelly handled Reggie Lambe’s cross and Danny Grainer made no mistake from the spot with three minutes to go and that was how it finished.

“I’ve seen Harry in training and he is capable of doing that and gets into some really good areas,” said Hessenthaler.

“Sometimes that final pass lets him down and again on Saturday, he got round the back of the full-back. I think he could have slide it along the floor and instead he’s hit it high and we’ve headed it wide.

“He knows the stuff he needs to work on, but that is a great bit of individual brilliance to be fair to the kid and he is a handful so I’m really pleased for him plus he puts a shift in defensively as well.

“Both him and Gavin, they have been excellent and not just on the ball, but without it and they work so hard to get it back.

“We have a good dressing room in there and you can tell, they’re really together and pulling each other along.”

Orient only made two substitutes at Carlisle having made none at Morecambe the previous weekend.

Hessenthaler included various youngsters on the bench for both fixtures, but hopes to have two senior players back in the squad on Saturday.

Jay Simpson is expected to return to training this week while Nigel Atangana should be fully fit for the visit of Yeovil Town.

“I’m hoping Jay will be training on Monday and if he has a good week, along with Nigel, who is missing as well with a slight groin problem, I’m convinced both of those will be in contention for Saturday,” said Hessenthaler.