Young goalkeeper impressed against Maidstone United and will look to do well at Bromley tomorrow evening
Steve Davis hailed the performance of Leyton Orient goalkeeper Charlie Grainger after Saturday’s 2-0 win over Maidstone United in the National League.
The young O’s custodian earned his first clean sheet of the season by denying forward Joe Pigott on two occasions.
Grainger’s first crucial stop occurred when the score was goalless and his second just before Rommy Boco added to David Mooney’s opener.
The low save from Pigott in the 89th minute was especially impressive and even though Delano Sam-Yorke fired in the rebound, he was ruled to be offside.
Davis said: “Charlie has been good and he knows he could have done better on Tuesday against Solihull Moors.
“I think he just anticipated it a little bit too early, but we have seen what he can do against Maidstone.
“He came and collected crosses, he was brave and his kicking is tremendous and he kicks it three quarters up the pitch and that’s a great asset for us to have; a goalkeeper who can do that off the ground and out of his hands.
“Obviously he made a terrific save for the offside goal, which I haven’t seen, but he is fine and Sam (Sargeant) is the same.”
Grainger’s crucial stop from Pigott allowed Boco to add some gloss to the scoreline with an excellent finish.
First-team captain Charlie Lee initially did well in the middle of the pitch before he played a perfect ball into the wingers’ path.
With Boco one-on-one with Stones stopper Lee Worgan, there was only one outcome in Davis’ mind.
He added: “Charlie was on the front foot and anticipated the ball down and took it with him.
“I thought he timed his little slip into Rommy well and once he got in I thought he would score as he takes them in training.
“Rommy has the experience of scoring in the league above and he is another one who has been unlucky, but he needs to be patient because he will get his opportunities and we have seen what he can do once he gets on the pitch.”
Boco will be pushing for a starting berth tomorrow when Orient make the short trip to London rivals Bromley.
Davis hinted on Saturday that he may make changes, as O’s prepare to play on another 3G surface.
Orient struggled on the opening day of the season at Sutton United, but now have more confidence and belief.
“The first two away games have been on astro, but we have got to play on it like everyone else,” said Davis.
“We are not complaining and we have just got to go there and perform well and get three points, so that is all we are focusing on.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here