Brisbane Road manager hails performance of Northampton goalkeeper, but felt his side played well at Sixfields

East London Advertiser: Dean Cox runs off to celebrate his last gasp equaliser for Leyton Orient at Northampton Town (pic: Simon O'Connor).Dean Cox runs off to celebrate his last gasp equaliser for Leyton Orient at Northampton Town (pic: Simon O'Connor). (Image: Simon O'Connor Photography)

Leyton Orient head coach Ian Hendon felt their game plan was spot-on at Northampton Town and that it was only the performance of Cobblers goalkeeper Adam Smith that prevented them picking up another three points in League Two.

The first half at Sixfields Stadium was quite subdued with neither side having many opportunities, although the visitors definitely shaded proceedings.

However the second period was a different story as the O’s began to test Smith and force him to make a number of stunning saves.

Jay Simpson had at least three great chances to open the scoring, but was thwarted every time by the Cobblers custodian who was inspirational for the hosts.

Hendon said: “When you come away from home it is going to be difficult and Northampton have just come off the back of two wins.

“They are on a high and playing good football and scored lots of goals against Morecambe recently.

“You go to grounds away from home and it is not going to be easy, you have to dig in and put your marker down and then second half the game opens up a bit because they want to get forward and they start leaving a few holes.

“I thought the game plan was spot-on from us just at the end of it we couldn’t finish them off.”

As mentioned, on another day Simpson could have walked off with the match ball. Orient’s top goalscorer has rescued them draws against Wycombe Wanderers and Cambridge United recently, but couldn’t find the net at Sixfields.

It left Hendon to bemoan the fact opposition goalkeeper’s are having excellent matches against his side with the U’s Chris Dunn also excelling recently against the O’s.

Although disappointed to not win and see his side remain at the top of the table, they are only a point off league leaders Portsmouth.

“Jay on another day could have had three or four goals. The keeper has pulled off some great saves,” admitted Hendon.

“When the goalkeeper is pulling out saves like he is pulling out, there is not a lot you can do. He has earned his money this week, let’s say that.

“We had the same at Cambridge to be fair. We have played Cambridge and Northampton away and both times the goalkeeper has won man of the match.

“It was a superb performance by Smith and I shook his hand at the end. Some days goalkeepers get inspired.”