Australian reflects on 1-0 success against Newport and his key save in the first half
Leyton Orient goalkeeper Alex Cisak has praised player-manager Kevin Nolan after they kept consecutive clean sheets for the first time this season.
The Australian was able to mark Australia day by earning his sixth shut-out of the League Two campaign so far.
Jay Simpson scored the only goal of the game against Newport County to give the O’s boss more success after winning 2-0 at Wycombe Wanderers on Saturday.
Prior to Nolan’s appointment, the east Londoners had only registered four clean sheets in League Two all year.
But under him they have now kept two out of two to move up to sixth in the table and delight the Orient goalkeeper.
Cisak said: “I think we have gone back to the basics really and been working in training every day on our shape and communication.
“It has fallen into place perfectly in these last two games. Obviously what he has done with us has worked.
“We know we are good enough to get clean sheets and win matches, but for whatever reason in the previously fixtures we couldn’t get enough consistency or clean sheets and that is why we are in the position that we are.”
The O’s were 11th when Nolan took over last Thursday, but back-to-back victories has given them some momentum.
A unchanged defence in each match might have played a part in them not conceding against Newport or Wycombe.
But Cisak was quick to warn that nobody will be resting on their laurels now, adding: “I think having a settled back four does help.
“We had a lot of injuries and suspensions before so it was chopping and changing, but we want to keep the same 11, well at least the same back four and get some consistency going.
“The more you play together the easier it is, but we need to keep on our toes because the gaffer can always change it so we need to take it one game at a time.”
While Orient have been much improved defensively under Nolan, they only kept a clean sheet last night thanks to Cisak.
He didn’t have too much to do at Brisbane Road, but on the stroke of half time he was called into action.
The ball dropped in the box and Newport’s Conor Wilkinson smashed towards goal, but Cisak brilliantly tipped over the crossbar.
Orient’s number one was typically modest after the match, but did concede it was an important moment.
Cisak added: “It was more of a reflex save really - you have obviously got to be on your toes and ready to get something on it.
“I am quite happy with that one and it helped the team get a win so I am pleased about it.”
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