It was even-steven(age) at Orient on Saturday

THERE WERE NO goals to enjoy at Orient’s Breyer Group Stadium on Saturday as neither side’s attack managed to break through their opponent’s defence and find the back of the net.

Orient’s James Brophy was the first to break through. He took the ball from the wing past two Stevenage defenders – only to shoot just wide of the net. Conor Wilkinson had two early shots on goal – both of which were saved, despite Angol’s efforts to score while Orient were in the box. Josh Wright had the same treatment from Stevenage keeper Paul Farman, who was having a busy game.

Just before the half hour mark, referee Lee Swabey awarded Stevenage a penalty, but after discussions with other officials Swabey withdrew from the penalty decision and awarded a corner.

It was a first half dominated by Orient. Stevenage had to wait till injury time to come close – but Kurtis Guthrie couldn’t reach a promising cross from Stokes, and the teams went in level.

The second half saw Orient strikers keeping Farman busy again. Luther Wildon, for the visitors, almost gave Orient keeper Dean Brill a challege, but his shot ended up wide.

The rest of the second half lacked excitement, despite three substitutions from Orient. One of them, Dale Gorman, got a shot on target near the end of the second half. Again Farman saved and Ling sent the rebound back into the box, but no Orient player was there to convert the cross.

There was last minute drama as Danny Newton, for the visitors, got a strong shot on goal from close range – but Brill wasn’t having any of it, got a hand to the ball and saved Orient the ignominy of seeing Stevenage rob three points from a game they had not dominated.

The score was all the more disappointing given that Stevenage were far below full strength, with eleven first team players off injured before the match and two others, Scott Cuthbert and Terence Vancooten, joining the injury list during the match. Orient Orient are back in action on Tuesday, 20th August, when they travel to Mansfield in an attempt to make a mark in League Two. Kick off is at 7.45pm. For more information and tickets, go to:
Mansfield Town -v- Leyton Orient

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