George Sessions provides player ratings following the 3-1 defeat at home to Colchester United in League Two on Saturday
Leyton Orient’s last home match of the campaign and last in the Football League for at least a season ended in controversial circumstances after a dramatic day in E10.
Colchester United eventually ran out as 3-1 winners at Brisbane Road, but the result was almost insignificant come full time, which occured close to 7pm.
But before the pitch protest, there were a number of encouraging performances from O’s players in the club’s penultimate game of the season.
Sam Sargeant (6.5) – O’s young stopper conceded three goals, but in hindsight there was not a lot he could have done for any of them with the cross in for the opener excellent, the second down to Jens Janse and the third a very good finish. Punched a dangerous free kick clear and his handling was largely good.
Michael Clark (6) – Talented defender was involved in Colchester’s second and third with a couple of poor passes, but defended well on a whole when called upon and looks so assured at the back. Great to hear he is in talks with the club about staying at Orient for next season.
Aron Pollock (7.5) – Another good performance by the 19-year-old, who is growing with confidence. Strong in the air, good on the ball and has habit of getting in good areas to block efforts. There was one moment where he lost the flight of the ball in first half, but again was very impressive.
Tom Parkes (6.5) – Pushed off the ball too easily for Colchester’s third, but fairly solid other than that moment and really assured in possession, with his composure playing a big part in Sandro Semedo’s goal. A back three seems to suit him, as it allows him to bring ball forward from defence.
Jens Janse (5) – Strange decision to play Dutch defender as a wing-back and he failed to provide O’s with an attacking outlet going forward while going the other way, his positioning was not great all game before terrible back pass led to visitors second, which virtually handed them the three points.
Michael Collins (5.5) – Experienced midfielder was not at his best on Saturday despite putting in plenty of effort and endeavour. His passing wasn’t as good as usual and he got caught in possession on a couple of occasions, but never stopped trying.
Sandro Semedo (8) – A brilliant performance by the Portugal youngster, who played in the centre of midfield instead of his usual position on the wing. Not only did he score a stunning goal from 30-yards, but his defensive work was very impressive too, as he put in several crucial tackles to thwart Colchester attacks. An encouraging display and potentially a long-term position for the 20-year-old.
Callum Kennedy (6.5) – Ex-AFC Wimbledon defender started slowly before growing into the game and producing some decent crosses from the left with his delivery for Paul McCallum’s chance excellent. Despite not being a traditional wing-back, he did pretty well in the position.
Tristan Abrahams (7.5) – Good showing from talented forward and what impressed me most was his desire to get on the ball and always try to make things happen. He went close on a couple of occasions in the first half and caused Colchester plenty of problems.
Steven Alzate (6) – Another classy display, although tightly marked by the U’s and it seems opposition teams have clocked on to his potential, so it is a problem the teen will have to solve in the future. Despite not getting much time on the ball, he tried his best to have an influence.
Paul McCallum (6) – Former West Ham United forward won his fair share of balls in the air and several free kicks, but couldn’t get involved too much and didn’t link up enough with Abrahams or Alzate. He showed great movement for chance just before half time and applauded all four corners of the ground after his substitution.
Substitutions:
Victor Adeboyejo, for McCallum 67. (6.5) – Powerful striker put himself about and did make life difficult for Colchester’s defenders during his short cameo before the pitch protest.
Josh Koroma, for Janse 79.
Freddy Moncur, for Collins 85.
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