Brisbane Road manager discusses Saturday’s draw and the tactics of the visitors

East London Advertiser: Leyton Orient captain Mathieu Baudry clears off the line against Wycombe Wanderers (pic: Simon O'Connor).Leyton Orient captain Mathieu Baudry clears off the line against Wycombe Wanderers (pic: Simon O'Connor). (Image: 07958 573219 simon.oconnor@virgin.net)

Leyton Orient head coach Ian Hendon complimented Wycombe Wanderers boss Gareth Ainsworth after seeing the Chairboys earn a 1-1 draw at Brisbane Road on Saturday.

Matt Bloomfield bundled the visitors ahead in east London before Jay Simpson scored his sixth league goal of the campaign to give both sides a share of the spoils.

The away side were on top during the first period and didn’t allow the O’s to get into their stride.

But Hendon’s men responded well after changing formation at the beginning of the second half and might have taken all three points, but for a fine save by Matt Ingram off Simpson.

Orient’s manager was satisfied following the end of the game, though, and paid tribute to the tactics of the Chairboys.

“I think Wycombe tried to stifle us. They got men behind the ball and slowed the game down at every opportunity,” said Hendon.

“We couldn’t get any momentum going, they frustrated us first half and we couldn’t get through them with our passing. The times we did I think we had one or two half chances in the first half, but not too much clear cut.

“Second half I thought we were the team in the ascendancy. We did get a bit of momentum and the crowd were up and got going and if anyone was going to win the game in the end it was us, but it was a fair point.”

Wycombe finished just outside the automatic promotion places last season and then went on to lose on penalties in the play-off final.

Hendon praised Chairboys manager Ainsworth, but revealed it was comforting knowing that Orient were still top after the tough encounter.

“Gareth knows what he is doing. He is experienced at this level and has a good squad of players there,” added the O’s head coach.

“They have already shown they are difficult to beat, especially on the road, and they did that against us.

“Still being top of the table was the comfort when we were coming off the pitch. There have been a lot of draws and as I said from day one – the games keep ticking off and we are still top.

“We are eight games in now and still at the top and there is a reason for that. This one is done now and we’re looking forward to Northampton Town next weekend.”