O’s boss discusses ‘lap of appreciation’ following Saturday’s match

East London Advertiser: Mathieu Baudry scores for Leyton Orient against Sheffield United (pic: Simon O'Connor)Mathieu Baudry scores for Leyton Orient against Sheffield United (pic: Simon O'Connor) (Image: Simon O'Connor Photography)

Fabio Liverani praised Leyton Orient’s fans for their support, despite watching their team edge closer to relegation from League One after a 1-1 draw with Sheffield United at Brisbane Road.

Mathieu Baudry gave O’s the lead in the 71st minute, but a deflected strike by Bob Harris from outside the area six minutes later levelled it up.

The Blades came close to a winner as well when Jose Baxter curled a free kick against the post, but both teams were forced to settle for a point apiece.

East London Advertiser: Leyton Orient players celebrate with Mathieu Baudry after he opened the scoring against Sheffield United (pic: Simon O'Connor).Leyton Orient players celebrate with Mathieu Baudry after he opened the scoring against Sheffield United (pic: Simon O'Connor). (Image: Simon O'Connor Photography)

Orient remained in the drop zone following the draw and Liverani was surprised the fans were so generous in their applause as the players completed a lap of appreciation.

He said: “I can only thank the supporters again. This is something I have never witnessed before. At the end of a game, which sees us in an almost compromised position in the table, we still have the lap around the pitch and most of the supporters clapped.

“This is something I have never experienced before and I learn from England and I learn from Leyton Orient supporters. Again a big thanks to them and the only message is we are going to go to Swindon to win and to hope other teams don’t, so at least on Sunday, after the game, we have no regrets.”

East London Advertiser: O's captain Nathan Clarke at the end of the Sheffield United match (pic: Simon O'Connor)O's captain Nathan Clarke at the end of the Sheffield United match (pic: Simon O'Connor) (Image: Simon O'Connor Photography)

The reaction from the O’s supporters was mixed towards the players and booing appeared to be gestured towards Liverani.

More boos would have been heard at Brisbane Road had they been relegated, but the display of Alex Cisak ensured that wasn’t the case.

Cisak made three excellent saves in the first half to keep O’s in the game, before Baudry met Dean Cox’s corner to power home an excellent header.

East London Advertiser: Orient's Josh Wright looks down as he completes his 'lap of appreciation' following the draw with Sheffield United (pic: Simon O'Connor).Orient's Josh Wright looks down as he completes his 'lap of appreciation' following the draw with Sheffield United (pic: Simon O'Connor). (Image: Simon O'Connor Photography)

But poor defending by the hosts allowed Harris to equalise and they couldn’t create any significant chance to win it.

It means they need to beat Swindon on Sunday and hope Notts County, Crawley and Colchester all fail to win.