George Sessions provides player ratings following the 1-0 defeat to Southend United at Roots Hall
Leyton Orient matched Southend United for large parts of their Southern Group G English Football League Trophy tie, but ended up on the wrong side of the scoreline.
Marc-Antoine Fortune scored the only goal of the game in the 82nd minute to give new O’s boss Alberto Cavasin a losing start.
It was a dull encounter at Roots Hall with chances few and far between throughout, but there were some positives.
Sam Sargeant (6.5) – A pretty good night’s work for the young goalkeeper, although would have hoped to do better for the winner. Nevertheless his kicking was solid, he tried to be a presence from crosses and did well.
Nicky Hunt (7) – Solid as always at right-back before moving inside to centre back and doing decent job, but might have prevented Fortune turning for the goal.
Aron Pollock (7) – Nervy opening moments at Roots Hall and made one or two mistakes, but grew in confidence and finished the match very well looking like the promisingly young talent we saw last season.
Tom Parkes (6) – Shaky display from the first team regular as he got caught in possession on a few occasion and gave away some silly fouls before forced off through injury.
Callum Kennedy (7.5) – Left-back always look so assured and tried his best to influence Orient going forward, but defended well and spoke a lot with back four.
Gavin Massey (6) – Birthday boy couldn’t make his mark at Roots Hall and was replaced at half time having failed to get on the ball enough.
Liam Kelly (7.5) – Engine of the midfielder is incredible and he has been so consistent for Orient this year and was solid once more at Southend.
Robbie Weir (7.5) – Good to see the captain involved and he battled well throughout and ensured O’s didn’t get overrun in midfield.
Ulrich Nnomo (6.5) – Some bright moments for the French winger, although some to forget as well like his shot which went over the stand and a header at the back post he really should have scored.
Ollie Palmer (5.5) – A strange performance from the big forward, he looked lethargic and a neat nutmeg in the first half aside, the ex-Mansfield Town striker did very little and didn’t work anywhere near as much as he usually does.
Jordan Bowery (6) – Massively frustrating evening for summer signing and despite plenty of good build-up play, just seemed to lack quality in the final third. One very good effort from edge of the area, though, and more effective than his attacking partner.
Substitutes:
Alan Dunne, for Parkes 46. (7.5) – Brilliant to see the ex-Millwall captain involved and he did a very good job at right-back. Tough in the tackle and produced a wonderful cross, which should have created the winner.
Jens Janse, for Massey 46. (7) – Versatility ace looks a lot better playing right midfield compared to in defence and did a decent enough job out wide.
Jay Simpson, for Weir 87.
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