Brisbane Road boss discusses strong defensive display in Capital One Cup and how youngster will learn from MK Dons defeat

Leyton Orient head coach Ian Hendon has revealed his delight at how organised his team were defensively on Tuesday night against MK Dons.

The O’s lost the Capital One Cup first round tie 2-1 after conceding twice late on, but looked a well drilled unit all over the pitch.

It bodes well for the future considering the Brisbane Road boss has only been in charge since May. He discussed how working under former West Ham manager Sam Allardyce has helped him too.

“Our defensive organisation is something I do pride myself on actually being a defender myself,” said Hendon.

“I learnt from one of the best in ‘Big Sam’. I try to implement the stuff that he has taught me over the years. At the end of the day you can tell players what to do, but it is them that have to take it on board and do it out on the pitch.

“We were minutes away from another clean sheet at MK Dons and that is the best thing, especially when you are coaching defenders to defend.

“They have had a couple of shots from distance but never did I think Alex Cisak was in trouble until the own-goal and right at the death one has gone under his leg and they had a bit of luck on the edge of the box as well.”

While Hendon admits he was disappointed with the defeat, he was delighted with the performance.

He hoped the supporters at stadiummk could see the effort the O’s players were putting in and expects his side to replicate that type of work rate at Dagenham & Redbridge this weekend.

The O’s will be keen to make it two wins from two in League Two, but Hendon does hope they learn from the Dons defeat.

“Ollie Palmer came in and Scotty Kashket as well, he deserves his chance and is bright and sharp. He will be a lot better for this experience,” said the Orient head coach.

“I think Scott and Blair Turgott did grow into the match. It is going to take them a little while to settle down, it is a new environment for them, especially Blair.

“Scotty is a young lad and they both would have taken a lot out of this match. It is a learning curve for the younger ones and the ones that have come in, but as I said a good performance and no qualms from me.

“Yes we were bitterly disappointed with the result but the display was excellent and the players kept going. I am sure, and hope, the supporters that were there have seen that. Come Saturday, if we put that performance in again, we will get a result.”