Jacob Ranson provides player ratings following the 2-0 loss to Hartlepool United
Leyton Orient suffered a disappointing 2-0 loss to Hartlepool United in League Two at Brisbane Road yesterday (Monday).
After a goalless first half, Kevin Nolan’s men allowed Billy Paynter to tap in at the back post to open the scoring in the 49th minute.
Unfortunately for O’s, the visitors Nathan Thomas doubled their advantage midway through the second period and that was how it finished.
Alex Cisak (6) – Although he let two past him, the Australian international did not have much to do and pulled off a couple of good saves late on.
Sean Clohessy (5) – The right-back struggled crossing the ball into the box and didn’t create much down his side, and also didn’t fit the formation on the afternoon.
Jerome Binnom-Williams (6) - The Crystal Palace youngster didn’t do much wrong, but when he was pushed up onto the wing he really struggled and misplaced many passes when Orient pushed forward.
Nicky Hunt (5.5) – Former Bolton Wanderers ace never looked too comfortable, which might have been down to him playing out of position. Although he was solid in the air, at the back he hoofed the ball forward to no-one numerous times.
Peter Ramage (5.5) - Much like his stand-in partner at centre-back, he was fairly solid, but struggled with the formation and hoofed the ball forward all afternoon.
Nigel Antangana (6) – French midfielder broke up the play well in the middle, winning many tackles and blocking passes, but sat too deep and didn’t get too involved.
Jack Payne (6.5) – He was one of the bright sparks and probably my man of the match in a poor performance for the O’s. Peterborough loanee led the midfield and wanted to get involved in the play more than he did. Although he made a lot of backwards passes, he looked like he wanted it and made strong tackles.
Kevin Nolan (5) – The player-manager didn’t seem to get involved at all in the game, other than one master-class flick on and a good track back in the first half. Overall the former Hammer failed to impress and missed a great chance.
Jay Simpson (6) – League Two’s top goal scorer showed some glimpses of class with his first touch and by creating shots for himself. The front man played more of a number 10 role, but had little help and wasn’t given much service to capitalise or create anything.
Ollie Palmer (6) – The striker worked hard, but little came from his effort, other than a glimmer of hope when he drove down the left wing and cut in for a shot. He also had some great flick-ons, but his partner didn’t get onto them.
Armand Gnanduillet (4) – Was an afternoon to forget for the French forward after a lazy performance, a missed header and lack of aerial battles won. The big striker was outmuscled on numerous occasions and had a heavy touch all game.
Substitutes:
Blair Turgott, for Gnanduillet 61. (5.5) – He came on to give the side pace and width, but the former Hammer didn’t get enough service out on the flank, therefore failing to get involved. However, he did look fairly energetic when pressing the opposition.
Frazer Shaw, for Nolan 61. (5) – An unfortunate day for the youngster. He came on to change the shape of the side, struggled to get involved, before he was eventually left for dead for the oppositions second goal.
Lloyd James, for Payne 75. (7) – It’s a shame the former Wales under-21 midfielder came on so late in the game, as it was too late to change the encounter, although he created Orient’s best chances of the afternoon and opened up Hartlepool’s defence with his corners and balls into the box.
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