Striker discusses his partnership with Paul McCallum and lauds performance of Morecambe goalkeeper Barry Roche

East London Advertiser: Leyton Orient's Paul McCallum and Jordan Bowery celebrate at Morecambe (pic: Simon O'Connor)Leyton Orient's Paul McCallum and Jordan Bowery celebrate at Morecambe (pic: Simon O'Connor) (Image: 07958 573219 simon.oconnor@virgin.net)

Jordan Bowery got a slice of luck with his winning goal at Morecambe, but the Leyton Orient forward deserved it in the end.

The 25-year-old had to hold his own at times on Saturday, especially in his running battle with Kevin Ellison, who was trying his best to wind up the ex-Aston Villa striker.

Morecambe’s experienced winger was grappling with Bowery at every opportunity on set-pieces and even after the match tried to poke some fun at the forward when he was conducting his post-match duties.

But the O’s match-winner stayed composed when Ellison walked past him and made a sheep noise as he was talking to the press.

“It is always nice to get that goal and especially the winner. We could have got more, but we’ll take the 2-1 victory,” said Bowery.

“Morecambe’s goalkeeper Barry Roche was their man of the match. He made some great saves, especially in the second half.

“We could have won by more, but I’ve got my first goal, so hopefully I can kick on now and get more.”

Bowery’s 55th-minute strike from just inside the area deflected off Shrimps defender Alex Whitmore.

It occurred after Liam Kelly had a long-range shot blocked and Paul McCallum’s follow-up was scuffed into his team-mate’s path.

Bowery was more than grateful to latch on to the shot and enjoy some fortune, adding: “Paul has scuffed the left-foot shot – which is what he always does with his weaker foot! – but it has fallen to me.

“I’ve tried to whip it into the bottom corner and it has taken a deflection, but I’ll take it.”

McCallum will probably claim an assist for the winner and why not? It was a scuffed shot, but it was great to watch Orient play with two men up front.

Boss Andy Hessenthaler had started the campaign with a 4-2-3-1 formation and while it has worked at times, having another forward on the pitch certainly helps.

Bowery and McCallum linked up on a number of occasions in the 3-1 win over Stevenage in the EFL Trophy last Tuesday too, and although it is early days, this looks to be a good partnership.

“In pre-season, me and Paul never really played much together, but I know what he is capable of,” said the former Oxford United forward. “He knows my strengths and we’ve been working well together so I like the partnership.

“We were playing a 4-4-2 but when we haven’t got the ball one of the strikers drops in so we’re solid and nobody can play through us - it is difficult for the opposition.”