Leyton Orient player ratings: Substitutes turn the tide

George Sessions provides player ratings following the 2-2 draw with Oxford United on Saturday

Leyton Orient fought back brilliantly against Oxford United after a disappointing first half performance to earn a point at Brisbane Road.

Kemar Roofe and former O’s loanee John Lundstram put the Yellows up two in east London and they seemed set for all three points.

Ian Hendon had other plans, however, and introduced Jack Payne and Ollie Palmer at half time and they inspired the turnaround.

Jay Simpson scored after Payne and Palmer linked up before another substitute, Scott Kashket, scored his first professional goal for the club to salvage a 2-2 draw.

Alex Cisak (8) – The Australian was back to his best against the Yellows and his two vital second half saves from Liam Sercombe virtually earned the O’s a point.

Sean Clohessy (7.5) – Solid display by the full-back despite being fairly subdued during the first half. After the break he got forward more, but didn’t shirk his defensive duties too many times.

Mathieu Baudry (6.5) – Poor mistake by the skipper for Oxford’s opening goal, only he will know what he was trying to do, but played his part in the comeback with pass to Palmer for the second.

Connor Essam (7) – Unlucky to have the away teams second deflect off him, other than that did a decent enough job, but lack of pace was demonstrated on a few occasions.

Adam Chicksen (7) – Left-back got forward well after the interval and delivered some dangerous balls into the box, was generally steady at the back too.

Blair Turgott (6) – Former West Ham United man was given his first start, but things didn’t click for him and he was subbed at the break.

Sammy Moore (6.5) – He struggled in the first half as Oxford were winning the midfield battle, but got on the ball more after the interval.

Bradley Pritchard (6.5) – Another that didn’t show his ability during first 45 at Brisbane Road, but improved after Hendon’s tactical changes.

Dean Cox (6) – Frustrating afternoon for Orient’s talisman as he picked up needless booking and wasn’t at his usual high standards.

Jay Simpson (7.5) – Excellent second half performance capped by scoring the first and working extremely hard, which was needed following a poor first period.

John Marquis (7) – Millwall man made his full debut for the club and although things didn’t come off for him, you couldn’t fault his effort and endeavour.

Substitutes:

Jack Payne, for Turgott 46. (8.5) – Just a joy to watch him on the football. His pass to Palmer for Simpson’s goal was excellent and he dominated midfielder after his introduction.

Ollie Palmer, for Cox 46. (8.5) – The big man put himself about and really unsettled a previously composed Oxford defence. He won so much in the air and was key to both Orient goals. Superb impact.

Scott Kashket, for Marquis 79. (7.5) – Hendon’s faith in youth was rewarded when the 19-year-old rifled in off the post in the first minute of injury time to equalise. Great cameo from the youngsters.