George Sessions provides player ratings following the 2-0 win over Bristol Rovers at Brisbane Road
Ian Hendon watched his Leyton Orient team ease to a fifth consecutive League Two win on Saturday after two goals in the first half help defeat Bristol Rovers.
The Pirates hadn’t been beaten away from home in almost a year, but left east London unhappy after struggling to break down the O’s.
Lloyd James scored a penalty in the 23rd minute and Jay Simpson doubled Orient’s advantage on the stroke of half time by coolly slotting into the corner.
That was how it finished as Hendon’s men defended strongly after the break to keep a third clean sheet of the campaign.
Alex Cisak (7) – The Australian made a good save early on and although he did come for a cross and miss it during the first half, he was solid for much of the afternoon.
Sean Clohessy (7) – Less of an impact as usual because the game was very scrappy for long periods, but whenever he did have the ball he looked a threat and he defended extremely well.
Mathieu Baudry (6.5) – Skipper had to leave the field at half time after struggling with injury, but had looked assured up to that point.
Connor Essam (7.5) – Young defender was colossal in the air and snubbed out the threat of the Rovers forwards throughout the contest, despite their pace seeming like it would give him problems.
Frazer Shaw (7) – Strong performance by former West Ham man, although like Clohessy didn’t get forward too much. When he did, however, he remained composed and did well down the other end.
Lloyd James (7.5) – A shaky start to the match, but the penalty settled him down and his class shone through. Great composure to score from the spot and nobody can pick a player out with a pass quite like him.
Bradley Pritchard (7.5) – Typical all-action display by the Zimbabwean, who is thriving under Hendon’s management. He picked up another caution, but helped O’s dominate in midfield.
Sammy Moore (8) – His confidence is growing with each passing game and some of his passing was of the highest quality. Former AFC Wimbledon man is looking like a top signing and helped win battle in the middle.
Dean Cox (7) – Quieter afternoon for Orient’s talisman, but he still managed to get another assist and worked tirelessly for the cause of the team.
Paul McCallum (7.5) – Did well to win the penalty and linked play up really well by coming short when required or pushing into the back of the Rovers defence.
Jay Simpson (8.5) – He was quiet during the first half but come alive in stoppage time to score a stunning goal. After the break was when he was most impressive, making two key interventions inside his own box as he was forced to defend.
Substitutes:
Alan Dunne, for Baudry 46. (7) – Such a composed performance and relished the battle with the Pirates frontline. Former Millwall man marshalled the defence excellently.
Ollie Palmer, for Simpson 70. (6.5) – Only a small cameo for the big striker, but he worked so hard and helped defend from front.
Blair Turgott, for Pritchard 79.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here