Hendon hails Simpson
Leyton Orient forward Jay Simpson celebrates after scoring (pic: Simon O'Connor). - Credit: Archant
Orient head coach praises goalscorer and discusses Mathieu Baudry’s injury
Leyton Orient boss Ian Hendon praised the team performance against Bristol Rovers, but also hailed Jay Simpson’s all round contribution at Brisbane Road after they secured a fifth success of the season.
The 26-year-old scored the second for the O’s on the stroke of half time and it would prove crucial as they earned a 2-0 win.
It was his fourth goal of the campaign, which means he is Orient’s top goalscorer now, but it was his efforts in his own box that also impressed.
The former Arsenal man made two key defensive interventions in the second half as the visitors put some pressure on the home backline.
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Hendon was full of praise for his star forward after watching his side keep up their 100 per cent record in the division and stay top of League Two.
“Jay did great second half and I just said in the changing room that every single one of them today has defended well,” said the O’s head coach.
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“Jay ended up playing at right-back for a spell in the second half, well it looked that way. He made some crucial tackles, but it was a good team performance.
“It was a complete team performance today. Yes we want Jay Simpson up the other end doing what he did in the first half, scoring goals, but he does his fair share.
“He tracked back, worked very hard out of possession and defensively. That is why we took him off in the end because the boy was shattered.”
Mathieu Baudry was also substituted, at half time, with Alan Dunne coming on to replace him and looking assured alongside Connor Essam in the Orient back four.
Hendon revealed his captain was struggling with an injury and will miss Tuesday’s match at Luton Town in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy.
But Dunne showed why he is an adequate replacement with a solid performance against Rovers.
“Mathieu has got a nasty cut on his Achilles, he got it in the corner,” added Hendon.
“He was trying to play on, but he came out at half time and could hardly move so he will definitely be one that is missing on Tuesday night.
“Alan did show the strength of the squad. He has had a bit of an injury, he has carried that for a couple of weeks, but he came in and was steady back there. That is exactly what we need from him.”