Orient will take a slender lead into the second leg of the FA Trophy semi-final, though it could have been more of an advantage.
Leyton Orient Starting XI: Brill, Ling (Coulson 45), Ekpiteta, Happe, Turley, Brophy, Clay, Gorman (Koroma 67), McAnuff ©, Bonne, Harold (Dayton 80)
AFC Telford Utd Starting XI: Wycherley, White, Morley (Daniels 20), Royle, Sutton, Streete, Barnett (Smith 83), McQuilkin, Morgan-Smith (Brown 64), Udoh, Knights
Summary
Orient made two changes to the team with Gorman and Turley coming in for Coulson and the injured Widdowson.
Orient started the stronger team and could have taken an early lead after five minutes. A free-kick was taken by Gorman, his shot on target was parried by the Telford goalkeeper and straight into Bonne’s path, but unfortunately he could not direct his header on target as it came at him quickly.
Orient controlled the 1st half with ease and had most of the possession, thirty minutes into the half Harrold could of continued his fine goal scoring in this competition when a McAnuff cross from the right created a chance for the striker, who was free in the box but his header was weak and straight into the goalkeepers arms.
Just before the break Bonne could have broken his eight game drought without a goal. A Brophy run on the left led him to pass to McAnuff on the edge of the box who had a shot, but keeper parried it. His fumble fell right to Bonne, he took a touch and then somehow put the shot wide.
The second half started with Coulson coming on for Ling with Turley moving out to right wing back. Telford had their first chance of the game when Udoh broke through the defence but his shot went wide of the post when under pressure from Ekpiteta and Coulson.
Orient finally broke the deadlock in the 54thminute. Turley who had been really bright since his move to right wing back put a cross in and Harrold managed to head the ball down to Bonne who swivelled in the box and fire Orient into a 1-0 lead to the relief of all the home fans.
Ten minutes after the goal, Gorman was replaced by Koroma who got a standing ovation for his first game back from injury. This lifted the crowd and the team as he went to play behind the strikers and McAnuff slotting into centre midfield.
Both Orient wing backs almost gave Orient a 2-0 lead when another Brophy run down the left found Turley in the box, his header almost went in at the back post but a defender managed to clear off the line in the nick of time.
With 10 minutes to play, Orient made their final chance with Dayton coming on for Harrold. Orient looked comfortable towards the final whistle with neither team really carving out any real chances to test either goalkeeper. The final whistle was blown and Orient keep back to back home clean sheets and take a slender 1-0 advantage into the second leg.
In my opinion, I thought we would comfortable score a few more as Telford really threatened us all game. Most of their chances came from our own mistakes and complacency and I think that is the only reason we might not go through to Wembley. It was clear to see Bonne’s confidence in front of goal was getting to him and I think every Orient fan was relieved when he scored in the second half. Edinburgh has a tough decision next week on what team comes out with such an important fixture on a Tuesday night in the league following the second leg next week.
Ratings
Brill (6) – Did what he had to but a few erratic punches towards the end when he could have caught the ball and taken the pressure off us
Ling (6) – Ok first half but struggled to get into the game and could see why he was replaced at half time
Turley (8) – Was brilliant when he moved to right wing back and I think he should stay there till the end of the season. Was my man of the match, every cross was a successful one and is a lot stronger and quicker then Ling
Ekpiteta (6) –Not one of his best performances with a few mistimed passes and lack of concentration
Happe (7) – Mr consistent again, first name on the team sheet at the moment
Brophy (7) – Created a few chances for the team and was at hand for his defensive work
Clay (7) – Reliable in the centre as usual, wish he would shoot with a bit more power though
Gorman (6) – A good free kick in the first half but didn’t really grab his chance with a rare start in the team
McAnuff (7) – Made a few good runs and captained the team well, his experience will be key in the second leg
Harrold (7) - A key assist for the goal and played well for the team
Bonne (7) – Finally scored and hopefully that gets his confidence back as the chances in the first half he should have scored and probably would have at the start of the season
Subs
Coulson (6) – Calm influence in the back line but a mix up with Ekpiteta nearly cost us in the second half
Koroma (7) – Gave the crowd and team a lift on his return and worried Telford’s defence with his direct running, hopefully he starts next week
Dayton (N/A) – good to see him get some more minutes under his belt after his injury lay off
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