Full-back scored his first goal since April 2012, yet was more keen to praise O’s squad and two-goal hero

East London Advertiser: Leyton Orient full-back Nicky Hunt leaps for joy after scoring just the third goal of his professional career at Colchester United (pic: Simon O'Connor).Leyton Orient full-back Nicky Hunt leaps for joy after scoring just the third goal of his professional career at Colchester United (pic: Simon O'Connor). (Image: Simon O'Connor Photography)

Nicky Hunt was happy to step aside and let Jay Simpson take the headlines for Leyton Orient after Saturday’s League Two victory.

The full-back found the net for only the third time in his professional career in O’s 3-0 win at Colchester United.

Simpson scored his first since April before hitting a stunning second and the ex-Bolton Wanderers defender hailed the forward.

“Jay should get the headlines because he works his absolute socks off so he deserves the headlines,” said Hunt.

“He is paid to score goals and that is what he did on Saturday at Colchester so long may it continue.”

Although it was fantastic to see the former Arsenal youngster back on target, Hunt’s second was crucial.

Orient doubled their advantage just two minutes after the break and it knocked the stuffing out of their rivals.

“Going in 1-0 up at half time is always a dodgy score, but getting the second so early on in the second half helped,” said Hunt.

“Jay finished it off in typical Jay Simpson style with a 25-yard screamer so we were very pleased in the changing room, but we’re not getting ahead of ourselves.

East London Advertiser: Leyton Orient forward Jay Simpson is all smiles at Colchester United (pic: Simon O'Connor).Leyton Orient forward Jay Simpson is all smiles at Colchester United (pic: Simon O'Connor). (Image: Simon O'Connor Photography)

“One win doesn’t win the league. We’re fully focused on getting the maximum amount of points from every game we play. That is what we need to do.”

It was an excellent afternoon for Hunt who helped the back four keep their first clean sheet since October 1 at Barnet.

The former Mansfield Town captain also found the net for the first time since April 2012 after curling into the corner from just outside the area.

Hunt added: “The full-back has showed me down the line, but I didn’t want to go there so I cut inside.

“It opened up for me and I just curled it into the bottom corner and it hit the post and went in so I got to celebrate with the O’s faithful.

“It is one every five-years so my next will be when I’m 38! We will see how it goes, it is great to score, but the team performance is ultimately what we needed.”