George Sessions provides player ratings following the 1-0 win at Morecambe
Leyton Orient got back to winning ways in League Two thanks to a fortuitous goal from Jack Payne as they defeated Morecambe 1-0 at Globe Arena.
It wasn’t a classic but Ian Hendon’s side did enough to earn all three points at the seaside after keeping their first clean sheet since August 22.
Chances were few and far between, but O’s could have extended their advantage through Bradley Pritchard and Jay Simpson.
They were forced to see off some late pressure from the hosts, but held on for a deserved victory and one which moves them just a point behind second in the table Portsmouth.
Alex Cisak (8) – Orient’s number one didn’t have much to do at Globe Arena but was called upon twice late on and made two very fine stops. They earned the points.
Sean Clohessy (7) – Solid display by the normally adventurous right-back. He still bombed forward when he could, but didn’t get caught out of position.
Mathieu Baudry (6.5) – A couple of nervy moments from the skipper, including a late penalty shout against him. Overall, though, dealt well with the Morecambe forwards.
Connor Essam (7) – Young defender made some important clearances and won a lot in the air. Improved performance compared to previous weeks.
Adam Chicksen (6.5) – Left-back was good for much of the match, but made incredibly rash tackle late on. He picked up a booking, but fortunately Morecambe couldn’t make the most of the free kick.
Jack Payne (8) – Assured performance once again from the Peterborough midfielder with his influence growing by each passing week. He scored the only goal of the game and deserved that bit of luck.
Bradley Pritchard (7) – Full of energy as usual despite a tough week having played the whole match against Oxford United and Luton Town. Put himself about and hit crossbar, although it seemed like a cross.
Sammy Moore (7.5) – Former AFC Wimbledon man really put a shift in against Morecambe and worked his socks off. Did a lot of closing down in midfield and tracked back well.
John Marquis (7) – Millwall man appeared disappointed to come off after running himself into the ground. He is desperate to do well and I think he will start to show his ability in front of goal soon.
Jay Simpson (6.5) – Quiet afternoon for the leading scorer in the division, although he did have two sights of goal. The first he could only poke wide from close range and the second curled past the post.
Ollie Palmer (7.5) – The big man worked really hard at Globe Arena and caused a lot of problems for the Morecambe defence. One of his best performances when starting and seems to be getting fitter now.
Substitutes:
Lloyd James, for Marquis 63. (7) – This was James’ longest run-out since starting against Wycombe Wanderers on September 19 and he helped the O’s keep the ball in midfield.
Blair Turgott, for Simpson 87.
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