League Two: Colchester United 2 Leyton Orient 1

East London Advertiser: Hector Kyprianou, Leyton Orient closed down by Michael Folivi, Colchester United during Colchester United vs Leyton Orient, Sky Bet EFL League 2 Football at the JobServe Community Stadium on 14th November 2020Hector Kyprianou, Leyton Orient closed down by Michael Folivi, Colchester United during Colchester United vs Leyton Orient, Sky Bet EFL League 2 Football at the JobServe Community Stadium on 14th November 2020 (Image: ©TGS Photo tgsphoto.co.uk +44 1376 553468)

A Jevani Brown brace handed Leyton Orient a fourth consecutive defeat in all competitions as they lost 2-1 to Colchester United despite a late fightback with a Sam Ling goal.

Head coach Ross Embleton made eight changes to the starting that suffered a narrow 2-1 defeat to Charlton Athletic in the EFL Trophy in mid-week for the trip to the JobServe Community Stadium.

The visitors had an early chance as captain Jobi McAnuff tried his luck from range, but his low effort was denied, but did force Dean Gerken down to his right and make a save in the sixth minute.

Despite a bright start from the O’s they found themselves trailing after the 11th minute as Jevani Brown was found in space and converted from close range.

East London Advertiser: Jevani Brown, Colchester United celebrates the opening goal for the hosts during Colchester United vs Leyton Orient, Sky Bet EFL League 2 Football at the JobServe Community Stadium on 14th November 2020Jevani Brown, Colchester United celebrates the opening goal for the hosts during Colchester United vs Leyton Orient, Sky Bet EFL League 2 Football at the JobServe Community Stadium on 14th November 2020 (Image: ©TGS Photo tgsphoto.co.uk +44 1376 553468)

Orient failed to give up hope and tried to find an equaliser but Gerken came to the rescue in the 24th minute as he rushed off his line to clear the ball as young Cypriot midfielder Hector Kyprianou set right wing-back Jordan Thomas away in acres of space.

Colchester then mounted another dangerous attack of their own, but captain Harry Pell’s final volley was deflected wide by the O’s, who then dealt with the resulting corner.

Norwich City loanee Thomas then raced into a good area and laid the ball off to attacker Conor Wilkinson who then found captain McAnuff.

The former Reading captain volleyed a shot goal bound but it was deflected safely into the hands of Gerken to mean they were trailing by one heading into the half-time break.

East London Advertiser: Leyton Orient's Louis Dennis (left) and Colchester United's Cohen Bramall battle for the ball during the Sky Bet League Two match at the JobServe Community Stadium, Colchester.Leyton Orient's Louis Dennis (left) and Colchester United's Cohen Bramall battle for the ball during the Sky Bet League Two match at the JobServe Community Stadium, Colchester. (Image: PA Wire/PA Images)

Early in the second-half James Brophy crossed to Thomas who then picked out the skipper but again his volley went into the hands of 35-year-old shot-stopper Gerken.

The U’s counter attacked shortly after and almost grabbed a second but Brown was denied by Lawrence Vigoroux from close ranger.

Brown then did grab his second of the match to double Colchester’s advantage in the 72nd minute of play and leave Orient with lots of work to do.

Orient gave themselves a lifeline in the 89th minute as substitute Sam Ling found the back at the back post for his first goal of the season.

East London Advertiser: Tommy Smith, Colchester United plays back under pressure from Connor Wilkinson, Leyton Orient during Colchester United vs Leyton Orient, Sky Bet EFL League 2 Football at the JobServe Community Stadium on 14th November 2020Tommy Smith, Colchester United plays back under pressure from Connor Wilkinson, Leyton Orient during Colchester United vs Leyton Orient, Sky Bet EFL League 2 Football at the JobServe Community Stadium on 14th November 2020 (Image: ©TGS Photo tgsphoto.co.uk +44 1376 553468)

McAnuff with a corner which almost caught Gerken out, as Orient looked to force a late equaliser, but they couldn’t find one.

Colchester United: Gerken, Welch-Hayes, Eastman, Smith, Bramall, Chilvers, Pell, Poku, Folivi (Bohui 83), Senior (Cowan-Hall 89), Brown (Norris 85).

Unused subs: George, Sowunmi, Clampin, Marshall-Miranda.

Leyton Orient: Vigouroux, Thomas (Ling 77), Akinola (Johnson 55), Coulson, Happe, Brophy, Cisse, Kyprianou (Maguire-Drew 68), McAnuff, Dennis, Wilkinson.

Unused subs: Sargeant, Widdowson, Wright, Dayton.