George Sessions provides player ratings following the 3-2 defeat to Fulham in the first round of English Football League Cup
Leyton Orient fans left Brisbane Road on Tuesday night in positive spirits despite being on the wrong end of a five-goal thriller with Fulham.
The two London clubs produced an exciting spectacle in the first round of the English Football League Cup.
Dennis Adeniran put the Whites ahead at half time and Cauley Woodrow’s quick brace made it 3-0 to the visitors.
But Paul McCallum and Dean Cox were introduced and combined brilliant on two occasions for the former to net a double for Andy Hessenthaler’s team.
Although the east Londoners couldn’t complete the comeback, there was plenty of positives to take from the encounter.
Sam Sargeant (6.5) – Not much he could do about any of the goals, but looked nervous at times. No doubt has a big future and coped well with a lot of flack from away supporters.
Nicky Hunt (7) – Typical solid display by the ex-Bolton Wanderers man, didn’t get forward too much, but defended ok throughout.
Aron Pollock (5.5) – A tough night for the 18-year-old in terms of mistakes, but his overall performance wasn’t that bad. Lost his man for opener and was brushed off ball too easily for the third, but brilliant to see him marshalling back four at such a young age.
Yvan Erichot (6) – French defender probably could have done more to stop Woodrow getting shot off for third goal and looked shaky at times.
Callum Kennedy (6.5) – Left-back’s first competitive start of the season and did more than adequate job and tried to get forward when he could.
Robbie Weir (6) – Captain still struggling for fitness it appears after feeling force of back illness last week, but good to see him so vocal on pitch – O’s have needed someone like that.
Liam Kelly (6.5) – Ex-Oldham Athletic skipper showed some nice touches and looks so composed on the ball. Unlucky with effort just before half time, if it had been lower I suspect it would have found the net.
Harry Cornick (6.5) – AFC Bournemouth loanee started on right this time and was direct with his running, but appears to lack confidence when it final third. Definitely got potential and surprising one quite a bit in the air.
Gavin Massey (6.5) – Played just behind forward so different role for the usual winger and got involved in play well.
Sandro Semedo (6) – Quiet evening for the exciting Portuguese youngster, didn’t get on the ball enough, but worked hard.
Ollie Palmer (8) – Again so much effort and desire with the big man, but lacked quality in final third. He did show, however, that he is capable of doing lone role effectively.
Substitutes:
Paul McCallum, for Cornick 62. (8) – What an impact the former West Ham United striker had. Just colossus in the air and showed superb aerial technique for both goals.
Dean Cox, for Semedo 62. (8) – Both crosses for McCallum were of the highest quality and O’s talisman looks back to his best now.
Nigel Atangana, for Weir 73. (7) – Played his part in helping Orient finish strongly by adding energy in midfield.
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