National League: AFC Fylde 1 Leyton Orient 3

A brace from Josh Koroma inspired Leyton Orient to a fantastic 3-1 win away to AFC Fylde in the National League this afternoon.

The O’s headed to Mill Farm looking to make it five matches without a defeat in the division since the 1-0 reverse at home to Sutton United on September 29.

Although at times Justin Edinburgh’s team had to stand firm under pressure from the Coasters, they secured an impressive victory which moved them up to second.

Orient had problems to contend with before kick-off with usual right-back Myles Judd suspended and potential deputy Sam Ling still out injured.

It meant Craig Clay played out of position while Dale Gorman made his first league start for the O’s and Joe Widdowson returned after a three-game ban.

Despite having to shuffle his pack, Edinburgh saw Orient make the best possible start as they took the lead in the fifth minute.

Koroma dribbled into the area and after battling with Jordan Tunnicliffe, the ball come for Macauley Bonne and he fired home from 12-yards to continue his excellent form with his 13th goal of the campaign.

Fylde did respond and in pretty quick fashion as Ryan Croasdale found Danny Rowe in space and the lethal hitman made no mistake to level with 20 on the clock.

By this point, O’s had already been forced into a change as Charlie Lee picked up an injury and James Brophy replaced him which saw captain Jobi McAnuff move into the middle to partner Gorman.

As half time approached, it seemed the contest would remain level at the break, but the supremely talented Koroma had other ideas.

Two minutes before the interval, the teenager, who turns 20 on Thursday, dribbled past two Fylde opponents before curling into the top corner for his fourth goal of the season.

It was a wonderful effort and ensured Orient held the upper-hand at half time, but the next goal in Wesham would be crucial.

The 2,142 spectators inside the stadium didn’t have to wait long for the fourth goal of the encounter to arrive and much to the delight of the 394 travelling O’s faithful, it went to the visitors.

Widdowson’s clearance come for Bonne and he found Koroma, who showed superb composure to fire home and complete his brace.

Fylde pushed for a way back into the match afterwards, but despite going close on a few occasions, they were unable to beat Dean Brill or the dogged Orient defence.

James Alabi came on for the away side with 10 minutes left as they stuck to their task and claimed a fantastic three points.

The result moved O’s up to second with Salford City only drawing 1-1 at Eastleigh, and it means Edinburgh’s men now go into a two-week break on a real high and with plenty of positivity around the club.

Leyton Orient: Brill; Clay, Coulson, Ekpiteta, Widdowson; McAnuff ©, Lee (Brophy 9), Gorman, Dayton (Alabi 80); Koroma, Bonne.

Unused substitutes: Sargeant, Happe, Harrold.

Attendance: 2,142 (394 Leyton Orient supporters).