Leyton Orient boss Andy Hessenthaler wants strikers to get back among the goals while Jay Simpson remains injured
Jay Simpson has been unavailable for Leyton Orient's first three games of the season (pic: Simon O'Connor). - Credit: Archant
Experienced manager discusses defeat to Mansfield Town, lack of leaders and Jay Simpson with Southend United still interested in forwards
Leyton Orient manager Andy Hessenthaler wants his forwards to get back amongst the goals after watching the O’s lost 2-1 to Mansfield Town this afternoon.
The Stags left east London with all three points after goals from Mitchell Rose and Matt Green cancelled out Liam Kelly’s 73rd minute equaliser.
Kelly has two goals this year while Gavin Massey has three from out wide, but not many of Orient’s forwards have found the net.
Paul McCallum struck a brace against Fulham while Ollie Palmer netted at Grimsby Town last weekend, but both Jay Simpson and Jordan Bowery have yet to hit the target.
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“I’m a little bit concerned with the lack of goals from our strikers, but it is good we’re scoring from other areas,” said Hessenthaler.
“We weren’t doing that last year, but we need to keep going, keep working with them and hopefully the goals will come from the centre forwards.”
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Meanwhile Simpson was again absent at Brisbane Road due to a back problem, although it remains to be seen where he will wear an Orient shirt again with Southend United set to have made a big for the forward.
Hessenthaler added: “Jay was injured, he’ll hopefully be back in training during the week and we’ll see what happens from there.”
One of the O’s major problems this season and in recent years has been conceding sloppy goals.
Yvan Erichot was at fault for the penalty against the Stags, which Green blazed over the crossbar and struggled throughout.
But the former Gillingham manager didn’t want to single out individuals, just admitted they need more people to talk at the back.
“I think we are a bit quiet as a team, we do need a leader and people to talk and organise,” said Hessenthaler.
“When the ball is moving around, that is when you are at your most vulnerable going from side to side so you’ve got to defend properly.
“We didn’t do that so maybe we are lacking a leader type to get us organised and be vocal because we’ve got too many players that don’t say enough for me.”
