Cambridge were giants says Orient midfielder after debut
Leyton Orient midfielder Jack Payne made his debut for the club against Cambridge United (pic: Simon O'Connor). - Credit: Archant
Peterborough United ace reflects on first start for the O’s and what tactics to employ against big League Two sides
Leyton Orient players celebrate after Jay Simpson's equaliser at Cambridge United (pic: Simon O'Connor). - Credit: Archant
Leyton Orient midfielder Jack Payne admitted Cambridge United did seem like giants when they walked out at the Abbey Stadium alongside Ian Hendon’s side, but was pleased he and his team mates were able to implement their game against the U’s.
The O’s made the trip back down the M11 with a point on Saturday after Jay Simpson’s strike in the 73rd minute cancelled out Jacob Blyth’s opener for the hosts.
Richard Money’s team had been on the back foot, though, for large parts of the second period and in the opening 45 as well.
Payne, who was making his Orient debut after his season-long loan move from Peterborough United on transfer deadline day, discussed how the Brisbane Road outfit need to play when up against big sides.
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The 23-year-old admitted it is key to be patient and was pleased that was the case on Saturday and Hendon’s team were able to pick up a point.
“When we came to Cambridge we knew they were a massive side. They were like giants against us when we walked out,” said Payne.
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“I think we got hold of the second balls and when we did that we were able to pass the ball a little bit and drag them around and big teams can’t really move that well.
“If we get someone in the hole and knock it into them then we are through. Sometimes you have got to be patient when you have got the ball and just keep it and keep it because the opening will come.”
And it certainly did when O’s captain Mathieu Baudry picked out Simpson and he fired past Cambridge goalkeeper Chris Dunn.
Orient had introduced Blair Turgott by then, which meant Payne had gone back to a role he is familiar with – the deepest midfielder in the diamond formation.
He also felt the U’s double substitution at half time, where they introduced an extra midfielder, was because the visitors were so impressive in the first period.
Payne added: “I think them changing formation was a compliment to us. We were so good in the first half they had to do something.
“As soon as we worked it out we were fine. We just needed to get the ball wide and our full backs got forward well and that was all we needed to do, just keep switching the play and create chances from it.
“When Lloyd James come off I got pushed back a little bit, but I don’t mind that because that is where I have been playing. I do like to get forward when I can, but if I have to do more of a defensive job I will do the job.”