Orient midfielder made first appearance in just under a month, but couldn’t help get a win against his former club

East London Advertiser: Leyton Orient forward Armand Gnanduillet looks to head towards the AFC Wimbledon goal (pic: Simon O'Connor).Leyton Orient forward Armand Gnanduillet looks to head towards the AFC Wimbledon goal (pic: Simon O'Connor). (Image: Simon O'Connor Photography)

Leyton Orient midfielder Sammy Moore admitted his return to former club AFC Wimbledon turned out to be a frustrating afternoon.

The 28-year-old spent five seasons with the Dons and got a great reception from the home fans at the Cherry Red Records Stadium.

It wasn’t a day to remember for O’s, though, as Lyle Taylor scored the only goal of the game to hand them another defeat.

And that means they can’t mathematically qualify for the play-offs now, which added to the disappointment for the ex-Dover Athletic ace.

Moore said: “I missed a massive period in the season with a virus and I’m disappointed I wasn’t there to help the team.

East London Advertiser: Leyton Orient forward Ollie Palmer challenges for the ball with two AFC Wimbledon opponents (pic: Simon O'Connor).Leyton Orient forward Ollie Palmer challenges for the ball with two AFC Wimbledon opponents (pic: Simon O'Connor). (Image: 07958 573219 simon.oconnor@virgin.net)

“It was a frustrating afternoon on Saturday, we didn’t have that cutting edge and we could have been out there all night and don’t think we would have scored.

“You couldn’t fault the players effort, though, and at the end of the day, we’ve got beat one nil and we are all disappointed.”

The O’s number 14 went on to praise the 809 away fans that made the trip across London to support the Brisbane Road club.

He admitted he is gutted that the players haven’t been able to reward them with more wins and a spot in the play-offs.

East London Advertiser: Leyton Orient's Blair Turgott is tackled by AFC Wimbledon captain Barry Fuller (pic: Simon O'Connor).Leyton Orient's Blair Turgott is tackled by AFC Wimbledon captain Barry Fuller (pic: Simon O'Connor). (Image: Simon O'Connor Photography)

Moore pulled no punches, however, and conceded Orient haven’t been good enough throughout the league campaign.

“We had a great following again from the fans and we feel we’ve let them down, but there is not one person in the dressing room that hasn’t given their all,” added the former Wimbledon favourite.

“I think everyone did that and we’re just disappointed we haven’t returned the favour to the fans. I must say they’ve been magnificent all season.

“They’ve travelled in their numbers and sang their hearts out. Even at home they’ve been superb and I feel, personally, we haven’t been good enough and it’s such a shame.”

It was the first time Moore had featured for Orient since the defeat at Accrington Stanley on Good Friday. He has been missing recently with a virus, but was picked to start against his former club on Saturday.

Andy Hessenthaler along with his coaching staff and president Francesco Becchetti selected the team for the clash at the Cherry Red Records Stadium.

But Moore didn’t want to discuss what he thought of O’s owner being involved in picking the side, adding: “I’m not going to comment on stuff like the committee selecting the team, that’s none of my business.

“I’m professional enough to turn up day in, day out at the training ground, work my socks off to try and get in the team and that’s all I’ll do.

“That’s what all the players will do, what goes on is nothing to do with us. We are here to put the O’s shirt on and give 110 per cent every game – that’s what I’ll keep doing.”

Moore has done that throughout and it’s a shame injury and illness has restricted him to 30 appearances this season.