Liverani delights at Orient win

Dean Cox celebrates his goal for Leyton Orient against Port Vale (pic: Simon O'Connor) (Image: Simon O'Connor Photography)

Leyton Orient boss Fabio Liverani was delighted with the second-half performance of his side against Port Vale.

The visitors took the lead on 28 minutes when Chris Birchall slotted past Alex Cisak from Michael O’Connor’s lofted pass.

But O’s drew level soon after the restart when Vale keeper Chris Neal was sent off for bringing down Chris Dagnall and David Mooney scored from the spot.

A Neill Collins own goal put the home sied ahead and Dean Cox sealed the points after Mooney had a second penalty saved by substitute keeper Sam Johnson.

Liverani said: “We were a bit scary in the first half, we didn’t play as we know, but I’m very pleased with the performance in the second half, and the players’ reactions. The attitude was very different then.

“Of course episodes play a big role in football and we had a favourable episode with a penalty and it turned the game over.”

Neal was giving his marching orders after hauling down 12-goal Dagnall when clean through and Liverani felt referee Darren Hadley got the decision right.

He added: “He was the last man on the pitch. He rounded him and he pulled him down.

“I think it’s a clear chance to score direct at goal so it should have been a red card, yes.”

Orient were gifted their second goal too when Vale debutant O’Neill turned Gary Sawyer’s cross past Johnson, but Liverani felt it was no more than his side deserved.

He said: “It’s also true that we hit the post three times so if we look at all the episodes I don’t think we are indebted to the luck.”

Cox fired home from 25 yards late on to leave O’s one point adrfit of safety with a game in hand ahead of their trip to Coventry on Wednesday.

And Liverani is hoping the diminutive winger can have more of a say in the closing weeks of the season.

“He scored an amazing goal and we all know the qualities and technical abilities of Dean,” said Liverani.

”He’s definitely a player that can play a very important part in this end of the season.”

Darius Henderson had made a big impact alongside Dagnall in recent games, but was held up en route to Brisbane Road and named on the bench instead.

Liverani was sympathetic towards his big striker but is sure the former Millwall man can still play his part in the fight for survival.

He said: “It was a possibility for him to start, but I think the other possibility was fine.

“He got caught in a road accident that kept him for hours so he couldn’t make it any earlier. I’m not too concerned about that because we have a wide squad with quality players, so he was replaced and I’m pleased with the performance with the player in his place.

“It was a disappointment he was late, but it wasn’t his fault.

I think he’s considered an important player and I’m sure he can help us to the end of the season. The thing is about now, we’ve got one month left and I think we have to focus on the positive aspects of the game.”