Exeter boss reflects on triumph against Orient despite hosts missing two penalties

East London Advertiser: Leyton Orient head coach Ian Hendon shakes hands with Exeter City manager Paul Tisdale at full time (pic: Simon O'Connor).Leyton Orient head coach Ian Hendon shakes hands with Exeter City manager Paul Tisdale at full time (pic: Simon O'Connor). (Image: 07958 573219 simon.oconnor@virgin.net)

Exeter City manager Paul Tisdale admitted Saturday’s League Two match at Brisbane Road against Leyton Orient was very odd.

The Grecians earned all three points in a thrilling first half despite the hosts taking the lead inside the opening 27 seconds.

Ollie Palmer put the O’s in front, but some horror defending allowed Jayden Stockley to score twice and Tom Nichols to head home.

Even though the east Londoners were awarded two penalties after the break, Jay Simpson failed to convert either and they suffered a 3-1 loss.

It would prove enough to cost Ian Hendon his job as head coach, but the Exeter manager praised his opposite number on Saturday.

“They were two very different halves, but they were never both going to be the same. We conceded early, but maybe sometimes you can score too early,” said Tisdale speaking after the match.

“We responded very well and we had a very attacking and purposeful first half, and arguably we could have got a fourth – we had some really good chances there to get another.

“The second period was always going to be different. Clearly you have got 15 minutes to sit down and talk about it. They changed their setup at half-time and Ian obviously made some adjustments that got them back into the game.

“It was never going to be the same and you can’t just reproduce the same half and it became very clear that the second was going to be about us shuffling and holding space, and maybe getting them on the break.

“I couldn’t have predicted two penalty misses, but generally we defended well. An odd game, but most importantly we hadn’t won for a while in the league.”

Tisdale went on to admit that after 10 minutes of the second period, he knew Exeter needed to hold onto their lead.

He didn’t want his side committing themselves too much as Orient looked to find a way back into the encounter.

“I have no disappointment about the second half, it is human nature. We have something to lose and are well up in the game,” said Tisdale.

“Leyton Orient are more fluid in their play and take a grip of the match. I made the decision after the first ten minutes of the second half that we were going to hold our position.

“Possession doesn’t hurt you unless it gets into you penalty area and it did a couple of times and they got two penalties, but I thought that we held our position very well.”