Attacker delighted with 3-0 win for the O’s against league rivals that takes them to the summit

East London Advertiser: Leyton Orient striker Jay Simpson gets in a header against Stevenage (pic: Simon O'Connor)Leyton Orient striker Jay Simpson gets in a header against Stevenage (pic: Simon O'Connor) (Image: 07958 573219 simon.oconnor@virgin.net)

Dean Cox praised the tactical astuteness of Leyton Orient head coach after the O’s defeated Stevenage 3-0 at Brisbane Road last night to claim top spot in the League Two table.

Cox assisted the opener for Jay Simpson in the 74th minute before substitutes Blair Turgott and Ollie Palmer wrapped up the points for the hosts.

The duo were introduced by Hendon to good affect against Teddy Sheringham’s Borough and demonstrated that the E10 outfit have a plan B.

“If I am honest I am surprised by how quickly we have gelled this summer. A lot of bodies have come in, but we have found a way of playing and I think it is working,” said Cox.

“You see as well when it wasn’t quite right the gaffer has changed it, gone 4-4-2 and we have then got the goal. Tactically the gaffer is very aware.

“So is ‘Hessy’ and ‘Nuge’ and they changed it and you could say, I don’t want to big them up too much but that change could well have won us the game.

“Blair come on and scored his goal, we were getting balls out wide and causing problems in different ways. I have read that maybe we don’t have a plan B, well I think you saw that we do against Stevenage.”

Orient had to wait before opening the scoring, but once they did the confidence started to flow again and they producing some incredible football towards the end of the match.

Before Simpson’s opener it was a tight clash and Stevenage could have gone ahead as they hit the woodwork on a couple of occasions.

Cox was pleased to see Hendon’s side hold firm, though, and insisted things won’t be easy for the O’s this season despite their encouraging start.

He added: “In the first half it took us a while to get the ball down and get going but in games it is not always going to be black and white, we can’t have it all our own way.

“It is going to be like that throughout the season and we have just got to make sure we stay in the match, like we did, come in at half time and a moment of brilliance with Jay’s header and you get your foothold in the contest.

“I thought Blair took his goal very well, it was a cracking finish and Ollie worked his socks off to get on the end of one and flick it round the goalkeeper so you work hard and you get your rewards.”

As is the territory with Cox, speculation over his future always seems to surface during the transfer window despite the 28-year-old already committing his future to the club this summer.

But the former Brighton winger was happy to reiterate the point that he won’t be departing Brisbane Road.

Cox said: “I knew this transfer speculation question was going to come up. Listen the transfer window is open, you know what football is like some teams might try and pinch us, but we are hoping that everyone stays.

“I have committed my future and I am not going anywhere so I can’t be any clearer than that. Obviously it is the shop window so anyone can come in and the vultures might come in and pick some up.

“That is over my head and down to the chairman Francesco Becchetti and the manager to keep the squad, but we are happy and I hope everyone stays and I hope we have a good year.”

On Orient’s current form, that “good year” could well turn out to be a promotion winning one.