Ex-Portsmouth ace captained the east Londoners on Saturday and insists he’ll be ready to perform at Cheltenham this weekend if called upon

East London Advertiser: Leyton Orient forward Jordan Bowery celebrates with Gavin Massey (11) after opening the scoring against Gillingham. Pic: Simon O'ConnorLeyton Orient forward Jordan Bowery celebrates with Gavin Massey (11) after opening the scoring against Gillingham. Pic: Simon O'Connor (Image: 07958 573219 simon.oconnor@virgin.net)

Nigel Atangana was pleased to see Jordan Bowery and Jay Simpson on target for Leyton Orient during Saturday’s pre-season clash with League One side Gillingham.

The match was abandoned in the 84th minute after Lee Martin suffered a suspected broken and dislocated ankle injury at Brisbane Road.

Andy Hessenthaler’s men were 2-0 up at that point as Bowery opened the scoring in the 32nd minute after excellent wing play by Gavin Massey.

Harry Cornick, on the opposite flank, won a penalty two minutes before half time after a brilliant run by Atangana and Simpson fired the spot-kick into the top corner.

It stayed that way until the match was abandoned late on, but Orient’s midfielder and stand-in skipper for the afternoon was pleased with their display at home.

“Both strikers scored so it is a big confidence boost for them before the first game of the campaign away to Cheltenham Town,” said Atangana.

“I hope they score many goals this season. We just need to keep going and play like we did against Gillingham and stay together.”

With Robbie Weir struck down by illness and a knee problem, Orient were captained by Atangana and he admitted it was a great feeling.

The midfielder appeared to be inspired by having the armband and shone in the centre of the park against Gills skipper Josh Wright.

Atangana delivered an all-action display and showed that the extra competition in his position is clearly inspiring him to improve.

He added: “It is always nice to be captain, obviously I know I won’t be for the league, but it is good to have the confidence of the gaffer.

“I just try to do my best for the team and we won so I’m happy with that for our last pre-season game.”

The ex-Portsmouth midfielder played all of Saturday’s match prior to its abandonment.

With Weir a doubt for the weekend, Atangana could start at Cheltenham and will be ready, adding: “My fitness is all right, I’m not 100 per cent because I’ve missed a few 90 minutes, but if I start in the league it will get better.

“It is nice to keep two clean sheets against League One teams and we need to keep going, press and then score.

“I know last season we didn’t score too much in the last four months. On Saturday we got two and that is very good for the team.”