Orient midfielder looks back on draw with Mansfield and discusses doing the dirty side of the game
Lloyd James was left with mixed emotions after Leyton Orient picked up another point in League Two with a 1-1 draw at Mansfield Town.
Jay Simpson’s 16th goal of the campaign put the visitors ahead at Field Mill after 12 minutes.
But Reggie Lambe equalised for the Stags just before half time and in wet and windy conditions it finished level.
Ian Hendon’s men extended their unbeaten run to five matches, but fell one place in the division down to ninth.
“A bit of both really,” said James when asked if it felt like a point lost or gained at Mansfield.
“The conditions did play a part and on another day maybe we could have nicked it, but I guess on another day we could have lost it.
“It is a tough one really, but we’ve got the point and we move on to Tuesday against Scunthorpe United.”
Despite the Stags enjoyed lots of possession after half time at Field Mill, they failed to really test O’s goalkeeper Alex Cisak.
Krystian Pearce hit the post with a header, but the Australian international didn’t have too much to do against Mansfield.
James added: “I don’t think Alex Cisak had a save to make. I thought we defended well at times and competed well.
“It was never going to be a pretty game but we showed another side to us today where we had to dig in and go from there.”
Although James and central midfield partner Jack Payne are more known for their silky passing skills, both had to do the dirty stuff against Mansfield.
The duo certainly did that, putting in tackles and keeping good use of the ball – especially in the first half.
“Me and Jack like to do both, get the ball down and pass it, but I don’t think it was really a day for that, but oh well we go to Tuesday,” added James.
“It was a fantastic effort from the fans, they sang throughout and you can see with the conditions to make the effort to travel all this way is great, it is fantastic.
“We really appreciate it and hopefully they can come to Scunthorpe on Tuesday now!”
The next focus for Orient is tomorrow’s huge clash with the Iron at Glanford Park with the winner facing Chelsea in the next round.
It could prove to be another dramatic night involving the O’s.
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