O’s boss far from happy with showing after the interval at Magpies

Manager Andy Hessenthaler was frustrated Leyton Orient were unable to match their level of display in the first half at Notts County with a disappointing second half showing that ultimately led to a 3-1 defeat at Meadow Lane.

The east Londoners had started brightly, with the recalled Jay Simpson going close in the opening five minutes, but the first 45 minutes ended goalless.

Two quick-fire goals handed County momentum in the second half, with Jonathan Forte and Jon Stead netting, before Louis Laing was given his marching orders for a second bookable offence.

Tht offered O’s a glimmer of hope, and Paul McCallum headed home to set up a tense finale, before Aaron Collins struck in stoppage time to seal the win for the Magpies.

And having done well enough during the first half, Hessenthaler admits he felt let down by hus squad after the interval.

“As the game went on in the first half, it became a bit scrappy, but we still looked a threat,” said the O’s boss.

“They were looking frustrated early on and it was perfect for us, being away from home, to come in 0-0 at half-time.

“Any away game where you come in 0-0 at half-time, you take that, but we shot ourselves in the foot second half.

“To come out after the break and start the way we did, we said it all at half-time, but unfortunately we didn’t do it on the pitch.

“We conceded two goals in nine minutes.”

The first County goal came in the 53rd minute when Forte’s header was adjudged to have crossed the line despite a valiant attempt to save it from O’s stopper Alex Cisak.

And despite nearly keeping it out, Hessenthaler believes the Australian was to blame, having elected not to come for the initial cross.

“At half-time, we said we had to make sure we start the second half right, it’s been a recent pattern and we have to stop that,” added the Orient manager

“The first goal, Alex has got to be disappointed. For me, where it’s been headed in from six yards, he has to come and help the back four out there.

“I’ve told him that, the goalkeeping coach has told him that and he knows that.

“He’s made a mistake and that’s given them that bit of impetus and momentum.

It could have been worse for O’s when Yvan Erichot looked to foul Forte in the box soon Stead’s goal, but referee Brendan Malone waved play on.

And Hessenthaler admits the visitors may have been fortunate not to concede a spot kick.

“It could well have been a penalty, I’m not going to the dispute that.”