Published for Ilford Recorder on http://www.ilfordrecorder.co.uk/content/LeytonOrient/story.aspx?brand=RECOnline&category=spLeytonOrientFC&tBrand=reconline&tCategory=spLeytonOrientFC&itemid=WeED29%20Jul%202010%2010:19:27:580
Also published for Leyton Orient FC on http://www.leytonorient.com/page/NewsFeatures/0,,10439~2105767,00.html
ORIENT earned a 2-2 draw with Tottenham Hotspur XI, despite at one stage holding a two-goal half-time lead in a tightly-fought contest.
After sustaining early Tottenham pressure, Orient took the advantage. Scott McGleish's goal-bound effort was handled on the line, before a confident Ben Chorley slotted home the resulting penalty.
The hosts then doubled their lead as an impressive Matthew Spring provided a defence-splitting pass to McGleish who calmly chipped the ball past David Button in goal.
Orient had four more chances to add to their led, yet the woodwork denied them each time.
The visitors proved tougher opposition in the second-half, creating several half-chances.
Spurs had the first chance, as a clever through ball by Dean Parrett found Harry Kane, forcing O's keeper Jamie Jones to extinguish the threat.
Good skill from in-form Jonathan Obika on the byline split the O's defence, before his cut-back to Ryan Mason beat Jones.
Orient soon conceded again, as Obika's deft flick-on from a deep Nathan Byrne cross fooled substitute goalie Lee Butcher, landing in the bottom corner of the net.
The match's last chance fell to O's captain Stephen Dawson, who's cross-shot required quick reflexes from sub keeper Oscar Jansson to push the ball onto the bar.
Both teams battled hard, but as the final whistle blew both had to settle for the draw - a fair reflection on an evenly-fought contest at the Matchroom Stadium.
Orient managed Russell Slade said: "It was a good workout, players got decent pitch-time. For players like Jonathan Téhoué to get 45-minutes is good."
"I think we're well prepared for the coming season. We need to maintain a focus and a certain level of performance going into the next few weeks."
Téhoué added: "We could have created a bigger goal margin in the first half, we did really well. I think as a team we are close to being match-ready."
Friday, 30 July 2010
Vuvuzela Ban?
Due for publish in Nerve* Magazine (September 2010 issue) for Bournemouth University.
Dean Court has ensured it remains a vuvuzela-free zone this season after Bournemouth AFC has banned the use of the musical instrument. Since the arrival of the infamous vuvuzela this summer during the World Cup, the African musical instrument has caught on in numerous countries where a ball can be kicked and a television turned on. However, its arrival for many people has been far from welcoming, including an always-increasing list of English football clubs, with Bournemouth AFC banning it way back in June.
The ban won’t be easily adhered to though, for over 100,000 Britons reportedly own a vuvuzela. Although most will, quite plainly, end up in a landfill, there’s sure to be one or two that make their way into a stadium somewhere nearby, causing havoc to any unlucky (or Blackpool) fans nearby.
With the amount of clubs banning the horn from the stands could easily be mistaken for a county-wide shopping list these days. In fact, the odds that the musical nuisance will be banned from all Premier League grounds this season were a whoppingly-low 7/4 as far back as June.
Many football teams both home and abroad speedily enforced the ban, including seasiders Bournemouth and Southampton as well as Premier League starlets Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal. Borussia Dortmund became the first German club to oppose the horn back in July, alongside London rugby outfit Harlequins whilst the trumpet was firmly kicked out of the recent Wimbledon Tennis Championships.
The vuvuzela is part of South Africa, and went some way into making the recent World Cup into the atmospheric spectacle that it was. In fact, taking it away is arguably like taking the Mexican wave away from the ’86 tournament. However, on a worldwide scale, the instrument is being pushed into extinction, and fast.
FIFA have repeatedly rejected calls of a global ban on the trumpet however many clubs – both from inland and abroad – are taking heavier action on the case. Back in October last year, the Japanese Football Association tried to ban the instruments from their World Cup qualifiers, yet their words fell on deaf ears.
Now however, the voice of the nation seems to be getting more luck. With support coming from all angles of the globe, the instrument is to be given the red card when the World Cup 2014 kicks off in Brazil for a start.
Talks are also well under way regarding a ban on them for the Rugby World Cup next year, and with the horns already being banned from previous Tri-Nations matches, the future of the musical instrument remains very much uncertain indeed…
Dean Court has ensured it remains a vuvuzela-free zone this season after Bournemouth AFC has banned the use of the musical instrument. Since the arrival of the infamous vuvuzela this summer during the World Cup, the African musical instrument has caught on in numerous countries where a ball can be kicked and a television turned on. However, its arrival for many people has been far from welcoming, including an always-increasing list of English football clubs, with Bournemouth AFC banning it way back in June.
The ban won’t be easily adhered to though, for over 100,000 Britons reportedly own a vuvuzela. Although most will, quite plainly, end up in a landfill, there’s sure to be one or two that make their way into a stadium somewhere nearby, causing havoc to any unlucky (or Blackpool) fans nearby.
With the amount of clubs banning the horn from the stands could easily be mistaken for a county-wide shopping list these days. In fact, the odds that the musical nuisance will be banned from all Premier League grounds this season were a whoppingly-low 7/4 as far back as June.
Many football teams both home and abroad speedily enforced the ban, including seasiders Bournemouth and Southampton as well as Premier League starlets Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal. Borussia Dortmund became the first German club to oppose the horn back in July, alongside London rugby outfit Harlequins whilst the trumpet was firmly kicked out of the recent Wimbledon Tennis Championships.
The vuvuzela is part of South Africa, and went some way into making the recent World Cup into the atmospheric spectacle that it was. In fact, taking it away is arguably like taking the Mexican wave away from the ’86 tournament. However, on a worldwide scale, the instrument is being pushed into extinction, and fast.
FIFA have repeatedly rejected calls of a global ban on the trumpet however many clubs – both from inland and abroad – are taking heavier action on the case. Back in October last year, the Japanese Football Association tried to ban the instruments from their World Cup qualifiers, yet their words fell on deaf ears.
Now however, the voice of the nation seems to be getting more luck. With support coming from all angles of the globe, the instrument is to be given the red card when the World Cup 2014 kicks off in Brazil for a start.
Talks are also well under way regarding a ban on them for the Rugby World Cup next year, and with the horns already being banned from previous Tri-Nations matches, the future of the musical instrument remains very much uncertain indeed…
Archive: Augusta Open - Review (01/04/10)
Published in Nerve* Magazine (April issue) for Bournemouth University.
The 2010 Augusta Open proved a tense affair, with a tightly-contested battle resulting in 2nd seed Phil Mickelson claiming the prestigious green jacket. A mesmeric 16 under par over the three-day event ensures the American clinched the title ahead of Britain’s Lee Westwood. James Hartnett provides Nerve with the story of the first major golfing tournament this year.
After what seemed like a never-ending two horse race between two of golf’s top seeds, American Phil Mickelson picked up his third green jacket in six years, after edging the Augusta Masters this April. Briton Lee Westwood was only three strokes behind the 39-year-old throughout, and with the final hole looming was just two shots back before Mickelson held his nerve to win with an impressive 16 under-par.
Mickelson’s third title at Augusta, after wins in both 2004 and 2006, makes him only one of a select few to hold the title three or more times.
With three consecutive top-three finishes, British hopes lay strong with home-grown talent Lee Westwood. After holding the lead going into the final day alongside fellow countryman Ian Poulter, the Brit put himself in strong standing for the championship. However, following a one-under par 71 on the final day, Westwood could not match Mickelson’s continued dominance on the course. The American finished three shots clear of Westwood to claim his fourth major title after trailing by one going into the final day.
American Anthony Kim also posted an impressive 12 under, finishing one shot behind Westwood, after clocking up a faultless 65 on his final round.
Tiger Woods made a strong comeback from an extended break from the sport, and placed fourth with 11 under par. Following revelations regarding his private life, Woods had previously pulled himself out of several championships, yet following his display at Augusta, has signed himself up for the US Open in June to compete in the season’s second major tournament.
Several big names failed to make the cut going into the final day, whereupon golfers must manage a score no more than 10 shots behind the current leader. Following surprisingly poor shows, 11th seed Irishman Padraig Harrington and 12th Seed Rory McIlroy both had to sit out of the third day at the Augusta Masters alongside Paul Casey, Ross Fisher and Luke Donald. Jim Furyk and Martin Kaymer amongst others were also forced to drop out previously.
The US Open, held at Pebble Beach, USA, will take place next month whereupon Woods, Poulter and Harrington to name a few will be fighting for the coveted major once more.
The 2010 Augusta Open proved a tense affair, with a tightly-contested battle resulting in 2nd seed Phil Mickelson claiming the prestigious green jacket. A mesmeric 16 under par over the three-day event ensures the American clinched the title ahead of Britain’s Lee Westwood. James Hartnett provides Nerve with the story of the first major golfing tournament this year.
After what seemed like a never-ending two horse race between two of golf’s top seeds, American Phil Mickelson picked up his third green jacket in six years, after edging the Augusta Masters this April. Briton Lee Westwood was only three strokes behind the 39-year-old throughout, and with the final hole looming was just two shots back before Mickelson held his nerve to win with an impressive 16 under-par.
Mickelson’s third title at Augusta, after wins in both 2004 and 2006, makes him only one of a select few to hold the title three or more times.
With three consecutive top-three finishes, British hopes lay strong with home-grown talent Lee Westwood. After holding the lead going into the final day alongside fellow countryman Ian Poulter, the Brit put himself in strong standing for the championship. However, following a one-under par 71 on the final day, Westwood could not match Mickelson’s continued dominance on the course. The American finished three shots clear of Westwood to claim his fourth major title after trailing by one going into the final day.
American Anthony Kim also posted an impressive 12 under, finishing one shot behind Westwood, after clocking up a faultless 65 on his final round.
Tiger Woods made a strong comeback from an extended break from the sport, and placed fourth with 11 under par. Following revelations regarding his private life, Woods had previously pulled himself out of several championships, yet following his display at Augusta, has signed himself up for the US Open in June to compete in the season’s second major tournament.
Several big names failed to make the cut going into the final day, whereupon golfers must manage a score no more than 10 shots behind the current leader. Following surprisingly poor shows, 11th seed Irishman Padraig Harrington and 12th Seed Rory McIlroy both had to sit out of the third day at the Augusta Masters alongside Paul Casey, Ross Fisher and Luke Donald. Jim Furyk and Martin Kaymer amongst others were also forced to drop out previously.
The US Open, held at Pebble Beach, USA, will take place next month whereupon Woods, Poulter and Harrington to name a few will be fighting for the coveted major once more.
Archive: ATP World Tour - Review (01/01/10)
Published in Nerve* Magazine (January issue) for Bournemouth University.
Davydenko snatched victory to become the unlikely champion of the ATP World Tour Finals in London this December.
As the last major event in the annual tennis calendar, it’s every tennis player’s dream to star in the prestigious ATP World Tour Finals. Traditionally held in December, though for the first time O2 Arena in London, this year’s tournament progressed in arguably one of the most electrifying fashions. James Hartnett reports on an extremely exciting end to an action-packed tournament. New-found champion Nikolay Davydenko said it was “amazing” to be part of the roll of honour at the ATP World Tour Finals - watched by sell-out crowds all week - whilst also becoming the first ever Russian to win the trophy in the process.
Before the competition, there was no question that it would be one of three of the elite would clinch the title – be it local boy and World No.4 Andy Murray, the injury-plagued World No.2 Spaniard Rafael Nadal or the seemingly unstoppable Swiss World No.1 Roger Federer. It’s no surprise therefore that, after already winning an impressive four times in this tournament, Federer was heavily tipped for the title.
Skip forward one week however, and it is the World No.6 with his hands on the trophy – and the huge £900,000 first prize. Having breezed past World No.8 Robin Soderling and making easy work of Nadal and in-form World No.3 Novak Djokovic in the group stages, Davydenko then went on to knock out hot-favourite Federer in the semi-finals – his first ever win against the mighty Swiss – before setting up a mouth-watering, albeit unplanned, final with in-form Argentine World No.5 Juan Martin Del Potro.
It took Davydenko just 1 hour 23 minutes to make light work of Del Potro however, with an action-packed
6-3 6-4 calling the match to an abrupt end. Not only had Davydenko beaten, most notably, the top two world seeds, but had also now beaten the US Open champion in straight sets in confident style. Although Del Potro’s tennis was far from his usual form, the Argentine bowed out respectably, stating post-match about Davydenko “he played unbelievable tennis, he beat me in a good way”. Davydenko modestly revealed he was “surprised to win”, also commenting that the thought of facing Del Potro – only 21-years-old and already pushing for World No.4 spot – made him “scared about how he would play”.
The quality on show was for all to see, ending the 2009 tennis season in spectacular fashion, and it’s pretty safe to say, 2010 could be an extremely interesting year for tennis...
-----------
The only downer in such a mesmeric tournament was the confusion regarding the four semi-final places. Theoretically, this should be easy. However, five players had shown what was thought to be good enough form to qualify to the latter stages – not exactly ideal when only four are needed.
With Davydenko, Federer and Soderling all safely through to the last four, the final place was up for grabs for either Murray or Del Potro. Both men, alongside Roger Federer, had a 2-1 win/loss record in the group stages and it eventually came down to percentage of games won to determine the final place. Sadly for us Brits, it wasn’t to be our Flying Scotsman qualifying, with Del Potro edging the percentages by a mere one game.
However, it took 15 minutes for this decision to be made, with Del Potro nervously on his court and Murray watching attentively on TV - both with baited breath until they knew which one had qualified. In the calamity, Del Potro even had time to embrace fellow Argentine and Manchester City star Carlos Tevez before knocking up a few rallies with the man whilst they waited for official confirmation that he was, eventually, through.
-----------
With any luck, such a shambles won’t be seen again next year, and besides one minor blip the competition was majestic from start to finish. The quality on show was for all to see, ending the 2009 tennis season in spectacular fashion, and it’s pretty safe to say, 2010 could be an extremely interesting year for tennis. Who says football’s the beautiful game?
Davydenko snatched victory to become the unlikely champion of the ATP World Tour Finals in London this December.
As the last major event in the annual tennis calendar, it’s every tennis player’s dream to star in the prestigious ATP World Tour Finals. Traditionally held in December, though for the first time O2 Arena in London, this year’s tournament progressed in arguably one of the most electrifying fashions. James Hartnett reports on an extremely exciting end to an action-packed tournament. New-found champion Nikolay Davydenko said it was “amazing” to be part of the roll of honour at the ATP World Tour Finals - watched by sell-out crowds all week - whilst also becoming the first ever Russian to win the trophy in the process.
Before the competition, there was no question that it would be one of three of the elite would clinch the title – be it local boy and World No.4 Andy Murray, the injury-plagued World No.2 Spaniard Rafael Nadal or the seemingly unstoppable Swiss World No.1 Roger Federer. It’s no surprise therefore that, after already winning an impressive four times in this tournament, Federer was heavily tipped for the title.
Skip forward one week however, and it is the World No.6 with his hands on the trophy – and the huge £900,000 first prize. Having breezed past World No.8 Robin Soderling and making easy work of Nadal and in-form World No.3 Novak Djokovic in the group stages, Davydenko then went on to knock out hot-favourite Federer in the semi-finals – his first ever win against the mighty Swiss – before setting up a mouth-watering, albeit unplanned, final with in-form Argentine World No.5 Juan Martin Del Potro.
It took Davydenko just 1 hour 23 minutes to make light work of Del Potro however, with an action-packed
6-3 6-4 calling the match to an abrupt end. Not only had Davydenko beaten, most notably, the top two world seeds, but had also now beaten the US Open champion in straight sets in confident style. Although Del Potro’s tennis was far from his usual form, the Argentine bowed out respectably, stating post-match about Davydenko “he played unbelievable tennis, he beat me in a good way”. Davydenko modestly revealed he was “surprised to win”, also commenting that the thought of facing Del Potro – only 21-years-old and already pushing for World No.4 spot – made him “scared about how he would play”.
The quality on show was for all to see, ending the 2009 tennis season in spectacular fashion, and it’s pretty safe to say, 2010 could be an extremely interesting year for tennis...
-----------
The only downer in such a mesmeric tournament was the confusion regarding the four semi-final places. Theoretically, this should be easy. However, five players had shown what was thought to be good enough form to qualify to the latter stages – not exactly ideal when only four are needed.
With Davydenko, Federer and Soderling all safely through to the last four, the final place was up for grabs for either Murray or Del Potro. Both men, alongside Roger Federer, had a 2-1 win/loss record in the group stages and it eventually came down to percentage of games won to determine the final place. Sadly for us Brits, it wasn’t to be our Flying Scotsman qualifying, with Del Potro edging the percentages by a mere one game.
However, it took 15 minutes for this decision to be made, with Del Potro nervously on his court and Murray watching attentively on TV - both with baited breath until they knew which one had qualified. In the calamity, Del Potro even had time to embrace fellow Argentine and Manchester City star Carlos Tevez before knocking up a few rallies with the man whilst they waited for official confirmation that he was, eventually, through.
-----------
With any luck, such a shambles won’t be seen again next year, and besides one minor blip the competition was majestic from start to finish. The quality on show was for all to see, ending the 2009 tennis season in spectacular fashion, and it’s pretty safe to say, 2010 could be an extremely interesting year for tennis. Who says football’s the beautiful game?
Archive: Leyton Orient vs. Stockport County (17/04/10)
Published for Leyton Orient FC - link unavailable at present.
Still fresh from the news of a managerial change, Russell Slade’s Leyton Orient have looked a new team going into April. Fresh off the back of a surprise 2-1 victory against league leaders Norwich City, the O’s went into this match brimming with confidence. Four points off the drop zone going into the match, Orient have been flirting with relegation all season, whilst their Lancashire rivals have already sealed their descent into League Two following a run of one point from their last five matches.
Leyton Orient were the more lively of the two teams from the off, with a snapshot volley by Adam Chambers from 18 yards, although straight into the keeper’s body, helping the crowd find their voices.
Stockport took slightly longer finding their feet; yet with three successive corners by Jemal Johnson in the first few minutes, Orient briefly looked vulnerable at the back until the ball was bundled clear.
Orient’s first clear-cut chance fell to veteran striker Scott McGleish after a dangerous cross by full-back Eric Lichaj on the ninth minute was met by McGleish, but the ball was hit well over the bar from six yards out.
Stockport’s continued reliance on the left-flank presented the visitors with several spells of good possession football, however with no end product the Lancashire outfit seemed to already be running out of ideas.
Chances continued to fall for Orient at their home ground, and on the 17th minute left-back Charlie Daniels’ storming run into the penalty area before a one-two with Mcgleish forced County’s keeper into a fingertip save to tip the ball around the far right post with the resulting corner producing a tame header from centre-half Tamika Mkandawire from six yards out ending up in Fon William’s gloves.
After countless failed attacks on the left, the Hatter’s first real attack on the right resulted in a strong delivery from Paul Turnball being met by forward George Donnelly. However, County’s hitman’s scuffed shot dribbled gently towards O’s keeper Jamie Jones.
McGleish had a golden opportunity to put the home side in front thankfully flagged down offside, after clever build up play from John Spicer and Ryan Jarvis gave the 36-year-old yards of space to nudge the ball wide of the far right post from a position only five yards from goal.
The last action of the half saw Orient’s Jarvis – quiet until now – wriggle free of his marker to twist and shoot deep into the hatter’s penalty area, forcing a somewhat busy Fon Williams into another convincing save.
Firmly dominating the match, Orient’s play showed glimmers of hope, yet going into the break, a lack of end product saw the scores tied at 0-0.
Both teams began the second half with a fresh burst of energy, with more attacking football resulting in a string of promising chances for both sides. Yet Stockport were dealt a massive blow as Orient were to make up for past rued chances on the 53rd minute. Sean Thornton, man of the match last Wednesday with a brace against Norwich, embarked on a menacing run before unleashing a fearsome drive from 20 yards out. Fon Williams could do little but parry the shot into the path of Jarvis, who reacted first to leave his marker and tap the ball skilfully through the legs of Fon Williams inside the area to give Orient a much-needed lead.
An unnecessary scuffle between current Orient midfielder Jimmy Smith and former Orient striker striker Jabo Ibhere earned them both a yellow card, marking the beginning of a quiet spell between the two sides.
Ibhere had the pick of the chances for Stockport in the second half, when he blazed high and wide from 20 yards on the 65th minute.
However, the match was Orient’s for the taking, and substitute Jason Demetriou was quick to make an impact on the 75th minute. An inswinging corner by the left-winger fell perfectly for Chambers, however once more an Orient chance was to end up weakly caught in Fon William’s arms.
The 77th minute saw yet another chance go begging for the hosts. A great link up as Chambers fed in Jarvis to run clear of the Stockport defence, before stalling his shot, pulling the ball clear of ex-Leeds centre-half Paul Huntingdon and narrowly missing the far right post, and an outstretched goalkeeper, from ten yards.
Another goal was long overdue and within minutes the score line was doubled. Good play between McGleish and Thornton around the 18-yard box led to McGleish feeding in Eric Lichaj, who took a touch before unleashing a crisp 25-yard strike into the bottom left corner of the net to give the O’s a much-deserved 2-0 lead with around ten minutes remaining.
A desperate half-chance for Stockport, as sub Danny Pilkington’s deep cross from the left reached midfielder Andy Halls, who’s header was soon nestled into Jamie Jones’ arms.
With no signs of a comeback throughout the second half, Stockport never seemed to get going, as League Two football beckons for the Lancashire outfit next season. And with three points earned following Orient’s impressive performance today, Slade’s men have a bit more breathing space between them and the drop as the final few games of the season loom upon them.
Still fresh from the news of a managerial change, Russell Slade’s Leyton Orient have looked a new team going into April. Fresh off the back of a surprise 2-1 victory against league leaders Norwich City, the O’s went into this match brimming with confidence. Four points off the drop zone going into the match, Orient have been flirting with relegation all season, whilst their Lancashire rivals have already sealed their descent into League Two following a run of one point from their last five matches.
Leyton Orient were the more lively of the two teams from the off, with a snapshot volley by Adam Chambers from 18 yards, although straight into the keeper’s body, helping the crowd find their voices.
Stockport took slightly longer finding their feet; yet with three successive corners by Jemal Johnson in the first few minutes, Orient briefly looked vulnerable at the back until the ball was bundled clear.
Orient’s first clear-cut chance fell to veteran striker Scott McGleish after a dangerous cross by full-back Eric Lichaj on the ninth minute was met by McGleish, but the ball was hit well over the bar from six yards out.
Stockport’s continued reliance on the left-flank presented the visitors with several spells of good possession football, however with no end product the Lancashire outfit seemed to already be running out of ideas.
Chances continued to fall for Orient at their home ground, and on the 17th minute left-back Charlie Daniels’ storming run into the penalty area before a one-two with Mcgleish forced County’s keeper into a fingertip save to tip the ball around the far right post with the resulting corner producing a tame header from centre-half Tamika Mkandawire from six yards out ending up in Fon William’s gloves.
After countless failed attacks on the left, the Hatter’s first real attack on the right resulted in a strong delivery from Paul Turnball being met by forward George Donnelly. However, County’s hitman’s scuffed shot dribbled gently towards O’s keeper Jamie Jones.
McGleish had a golden opportunity to put the home side in front thankfully flagged down offside, after clever build up play from John Spicer and Ryan Jarvis gave the 36-year-old yards of space to nudge the ball wide of the far right post from a position only five yards from goal.
The last action of the half saw Orient’s Jarvis – quiet until now – wriggle free of his marker to twist and shoot deep into the hatter’s penalty area, forcing a somewhat busy Fon Williams into another convincing save.
Firmly dominating the match, Orient’s play showed glimmers of hope, yet going into the break, a lack of end product saw the scores tied at 0-0.
Both teams began the second half with a fresh burst of energy, with more attacking football resulting in a string of promising chances for both sides. Yet Stockport were dealt a massive blow as Orient were to make up for past rued chances on the 53rd minute. Sean Thornton, man of the match last Wednesday with a brace against Norwich, embarked on a menacing run before unleashing a fearsome drive from 20 yards out. Fon Williams could do little but parry the shot into the path of Jarvis, who reacted first to leave his marker and tap the ball skilfully through the legs of Fon Williams inside the area to give Orient a much-needed lead.
An unnecessary scuffle between current Orient midfielder Jimmy Smith and former Orient striker striker Jabo Ibhere earned them both a yellow card, marking the beginning of a quiet spell between the two sides.
Ibhere had the pick of the chances for Stockport in the second half, when he blazed high and wide from 20 yards on the 65th minute.
However, the match was Orient’s for the taking, and substitute Jason Demetriou was quick to make an impact on the 75th minute. An inswinging corner by the left-winger fell perfectly for Chambers, however once more an Orient chance was to end up weakly caught in Fon William’s arms.
The 77th minute saw yet another chance go begging for the hosts. A great link up as Chambers fed in Jarvis to run clear of the Stockport defence, before stalling his shot, pulling the ball clear of ex-Leeds centre-half Paul Huntingdon and narrowly missing the far right post, and an outstretched goalkeeper, from ten yards.
Another goal was long overdue and within minutes the score line was doubled. Good play between McGleish and Thornton around the 18-yard box led to McGleish feeding in Eric Lichaj, who took a touch before unleashing a crisp 25-yard strike into the bottom left corner of the net to give the O’s a much-deserved 2-0 lead with around ten minutes remaining.
A desperate half-chance for Stockport, as sub Danny Pilkington’s deep cross from the left reached midfielder Andy Halls, who’s header was soon nestled into Jamie Jones’ arms.
With no signs of a comeback throughout the second half, Stockport never seemed to get going, as League Two football beckons for the Lancashire outfit next season. And with three points earned following Orient’s impressive performance today, Slade’s men have a bit more breathing space between them and the drop as the final few games of the season loom upon them.
Archive: Tinchy Stryder/Example concert review (23/02/10)
Published for Nerve* Magazine (March issue) for Bournemouth University.
Urban grime superstar Tinchy Stryder delighted a buzzing crowd at the O2 Academy in Boscombe, Bournemouth last month, with supporting act Example warming the crowd up in no small way for a huge night of musical mayhem.
The night kicked off with Example’s flawless rendition of recent hits Won’t Go Quietly and Watch The Sun Come Up - both going down a storm with a packed crowd crammed into the small arena on a cold February night on the south-coast. Always the showman, the Hammersmith-born rapper involved the crowd in every song, provoking chants and choruses sang by fans whilst energetically bunny-hopping to the music seemingly at every occasion.
Half way through his performance, Example (arguably) congratulated his crowd for being “the loudest and possibly oldest crowd ever”, which was somehow amazingly received with ruptures of approval from the Bournemouth faithful.
The crowd went wild regardless as lyrics streamed virtually endlessly during Example’s electrifying set - and with a vast array of styles and rhythms, Example ensured the crowd were always on their feet, mimicking his over-exaggerated bunny-hopping to his heavy beats.
Of course, the 27-year-old was only to be a warm up for a crowd ultimately only there for his 23-year-old counterpart. Under the pseudonym ‘Star In The Hood’ and donning all-black, Tinchy Stryder appeared on stage behind a white curtain. Screaming fans deafened the arena, as Tinchy soaked up the love before returning it as the curtain dropped with superbly performed recitals of his biggest hits. Appropriately chosen, Tinchy led with album favourite I’m Landing before laying down an even better performance of Warning. Tinchy’s unique prowess was clear for all to see, majestically laying down bars of rap accompanied by a pulsating backing beat that could be felt on the streets outside. Tinchy controlled the crowd effortlessly – at one point, he mockingly walked off stage as a sea of teenagers chanted his name, begging for more before the rapper returned to thrill his crowd with smash hit Number One.
Hands covered the air as hundreds of mobile phones lit up the East Londoner’s adoring fans’ faces, desperately trying to get footage of the superstar on stage, and with support on the night in the form of fellow rappers Maverick Rap and Rapid Rick, music continuously flowed through every crevice of the O2 Academy until the night’s end. Simply put by 2nd Year BU Law Student Sarah Maverick, “the gig was amazing”, with not one person looking unimpressed by the night’s show as fans headed for the exits.
There’s no doubt that both men are well on their way up in a competitive music business, and if screams and satisfied faces were anything to go by, both performances were superb, with fans begging for more as both rappers respectively left the stage. The only dampener on the night - if there had to be one - was Tinchy’s performance time, which perhaps didn’t quite justify a £14 ticket price for just over an hour on stage.
More on both performers can be found at www.trythisforexample.com and www.starinthehood.net.
Urban grime superstar Tinchy Stryder delighted a buzzing crowd at the O2 Academy in Boscombe, Bournemouth last month, with supporting act Example warming the crowd up in no small way for a huge night of musical mayhem.
The night kicked off with Example’s flawless rendition of recent hits Won’t Go Quietly and Watch The Sun Come Up - both going down a storm with a packed crowd crammed into the small arena on a cold February night on the south-coast. Always the showman, the Hammersmith-born rapper involved the crowd in every song, provoking chants and choruses sang by fans whilst energetically bunny-hopping to the music seemingly at every occasion.
Half way through his performance, Example (arguably) congratulated his crowd for being “the loudest and possibly oldest crowd ever”, which was somehow amazingly received with ruptures of approval from the Bournemouth faithful.
The crowd went wild regardless as lyrics streamed virtually endlessly during Example’s electrifying set - and with a vast array of styles and rhythms, Example ensured the crowd were always on their feet, mimicking his over-exaggerated bunny-hopping to his heavy beats.
Of course, the 27-year-old was only to be a warm up for a crowd ultimately only there for his 23-year-old counterpart. Under the pseudonym ‘Star In The Hood’ and donning all-black, Tinchy Stryder appeared on stage behind a white curtain. Screaming fans deafened the arena, as Tinchy soaked up the love before returning it as the curtain dropped with superbly performed recitals of his biggest hits. Appropriately chosen, Tinchy led with album favourite I’m Landing before laying down an even better performance of Warning. Tinchy’s unique prowess was clear for all to see, majestically laying down bars of rap accompanied by a pulsating backing beat that could be felt on the streets outside. Tinchy controlled the crowd effortlessly – at one point, he mockingly walked off stage as a sea of teenagers chanted his name, begging for more before the rapper returned to thrill his crowd with smash hit Number One.
Hands covered the air as hundreds of mobile phones lit up the East Londoner’s adoring fans’ faces, desperately trying to get footage of the superstar on stage, and with support on the night in the form of fellow rappers Maverick Rap and Rapid Rick, music continuously flowed through every crevice of the O2 Academy until the night’s end. Simply put by 2nd Year BU Law Student Sarah Maverick, “the gig was amazing”, with not one person looking unimpressed by the night’s show as fans headed for the exits.
There’s no doubt that both men are well on their way up in a competitive music business, and if screams and satisfied faces were anything to go by, both performances were superb, with fans begging for more as both rappers respectively left the stage. The only dampener on the night - if there had to be one - was Tinchy’s performance time, which perhaps didn’t quite justify a £14 ticket price for just over an hour on stage.
More on both performers can be found at www.trythisforexample.com and www.starinthehood.net.
Archive: Stoke City Target Europe (06/10/09)
Published on FansOnline, at http://fansonline.net/stokecity/article.php?id=249
Currently lying ninth in the Premier League table, they are just three points away from Manchester City in fourth. Thanks to their promising form this season, a European qualification place could well be on the books for Tony Pulis' men.
Captain Abdoulaye Faye reckons a European spot isn't that unrealistic a goal, and insists that with work, a high finish is extremely possible.
The 31-year-old defender told BBC Radio Stoke "It is possible, but we need to improve every game and work very hard,"
"Our main objective is to stay in the Premier League. After that, we can start looking higher up the table."
With Stoke City 2-0 up at half time against Wolves last week, they saw a couragous Wolves fightback deny them of climbing further up in the Premier League table, yet with nine points in their last six games there's no signs of Stoke slowing down the pace.
Stoke face Premier League new boys Hull City tomorrow, and are eyeing up another three points at the KC Stadium. Hull may be without 'keeper Boaz Myhill, with playmaker Geovanni forced to sit out due to a red card obtained against Burnley last week.
There are no new injury concerns for the Potters. Salif Diao will be sitting out after sustaining a calf injury from the match against Wolves last weekend, whilst Amdy Faye will also miss the match with a back injury
Currently lying ninth in the Premier League table, they are just three points away from Manchester City in fourth. Thanks to their promising form this season, a European qualification place could well be on the books for Tony Pulis' men.
Captain Abdoulaye Faye reckons a European spot isn't that unrealistic a goal, and insists that with work, a high finish is extremely possible.
The 31-year-old defender told BBC Radio Stoke "It is possible, but we need to improve every game and work very hard,"
"Our main objective is to stay in the Premier League. After that, we can start looking higher up the table."
With Stoke City 2-0 up at half time against Wolves last week, they saw a couragous Wolves fightback deny them of climbing further up in the Premier League table, yet with nine points in their last six games there's no signs of Stoke slowing down the pace.
Stoke face Premier League new boys Hull City tomorrow, and are eyeing up another three points at the KC Stadium. Hull may be without 'keeper Boaz Myhill, with playmaker Geovanni forced to sit out due to a red card obtained against Burnley last week.
There are no new injury concerns for the Potters. Salif Diao will be sitting out after sustaining a calf injury from the match against Wolves last weekend, whilst Amdy Faye will also miss the match with a back injury
Archive: Stoke City vs. Chelsea Reserves - Match Report (03/10/09)
Published on FansOnline, at http://fansonline.net/stokecity/article.php?id=248
| Stoke City rose to defeat the Blues last night at Nantwich Town's Weaver Stadium 3-2, however striker Sidibe was only on the pitch for four minutes before pulling up with a hamstring injury. Yet the Stoke boys didn't faulter, with his replacement Louis Moult, Michael Tonge and Diego Arismendi all on target to see off a stubborn Chelsea side. Constant pressure from Chelsea denied Stoke of an easy ride, with Fabio Borini hitting the bar before assisting Danny Mills for the first whilst Conor Clifford pulled the second back to level the game 2-2 before Arismendi's late winner settled the game in Stoke's favour. The win is Stoke's first of the new campaign, and now sit fourth in the Barclays Premier Reserve League - South, above Chelsea in fifth. |
| The game started badly for Stoke, when Sidibe - handed substitute roles in the 2-2 draw with Wolves and the Carling Cup defeat to Portsmouth last week - was forced to come off after sustaining an injury in only the fourth minute. The striker, returning from an already long lay-off on the sidelnes, looks forced to sit out the next handful of games after a physio assessment last night. Promising youngster Moult started off the scoring in the 12th minute when Andy Griffin's deep cross was met at the far post by Moult, whos header hit home via the post. After sustaining a short period of pressure from Chelsea - notable hitman Borini's crack at the woodwork from 18 yards out and scuffed shot at an open goal minutes later - Chelsea eventually found a way back in the game after half an hour. Central defender Danny Mills rose at the far post to head in Borini's cross from the left wing to level the match 1-1. Chelsea took the lead with just under an hour played, and although goalie Simonsen managed to get a hand to the ball, Conor Clifford's 35-yard piledriver was hit too venomously to be stopped as the ball smashed home to give the Londoners the lead. The Stoke boys wouldn't give up however, and with only five minutes on the clock, star man Arismendi spotted Tonge with a fine cross from the right wing to head home past Chelsea keeper Sebek and level the game once more. With the game poised to end as a draw, it seemed Stoke were unwilling to end with a point. This time, Tonge's cross on the right wing was met by Danny Higginbotham, whos deft flick to Arismendi saw his acute shot rise about Sebek and gave the Potters the match-winning goal to finish the game 3-2. Stoke sit fourth in the Reserve League - South with 3 points in 2 games, and face a tricky test against Portmouth in the coming weeks. |
Archive: Stoke City vs. Wolverhampton Wanderers (01/10/09)
Published for FansOnline, at http://fansonline.net/stokecity/article.php?id=247
Stoke will feel hard done by by yesterday's Premier League encounter against newly-promoted Wolverhampton Wanderers.
A 2-0 lead at the break proved not good enough for Tony Pulis' men, with two second-half goals by Joey Craddock delaying Stoke from rising further up the league table.
However, Pulis felt after the game that Stoke were punished by two controversial instances in the build-up to both of Wolves' goals. Pulis was "disappointed" that both goals were given.
Pulis felt that the free kick leading to Wolves' first goal shouldn't have been awarded whilst Craddock was in an offside position before scoring Wolves' second of the game, denying the Potters of the coveted three points
In the post-match interview, Pulis stated "we're not happy because it was a poor decision in the first place to give the free kick and then Craddock was a yard and a half offside at the far post after the ball into the box was flicked on by a Wolves player".
Wolves' boss Mick McCarthy walked out with respect for Pulis' boys, conceding ""I am sick of playing well and just getting a point, although you have to be happy with a draw here."
However down-hearted Pulis was at throwing away a two goal lead, he admitted that it felt good to be in their current position in the league table, saying "It says a lot about how far we have come that we feel that way after two wins and two draws from last four games".
With 16 points in the first 11 games of the campaign, Pulis' men have made a great start to the new season. If Stoke had won yesterday, they would have been on equal points with Liverpool and Manchester City, a point no doubt filling Stoke fans with hope and optimism for the rest of the season.
Stoke will feel hard done by by yesterday's Premier League encounter against newly-promoted Wolverhampton Wanderers.
A 2-0 lead at the break proved not good enough for Tony Pulis' men, with two second-half goals by Joey Craddock delaying Stoke from rising further up the league table.
However, Pulis felt after the game that Stoke were punished by two controversial instances in the build-up to both of Wolves' goals. Pulis was "disappointed" that both goals were given.
Pulis felt that the free kick leading to Wolves' first goal shouldn't have been awarded whilst Craddock was in an offside position before scoring Wolves' second of the game, denying the Potters of the coveted three points
In the post-match interview, Pulis stated "we're not happy because it was a poor decision in the first place to give the free kick and then Craddock was a yard and a half offside at the far post after the ball into the box was flicked on by a Wolves player".
Wolves' boss Mick McCarthy walked out with respect for Pulis' boys, conceding ""I am sick of playing well and just getting a point, although you have to be happy with a draw here."
However down-hearted Pulis was at throwing away a two goal lead, he admitted that it felt good to be in their current position in the league table, saying "It says a lot about how far we have come that we feel that way after two wins and two draws from last four games".
With 16 points in the first 11 games of the campaign, Pulis' men have made a great start to the new season. If Stoke had won yesterday, they would have been on equal points with Liverpool and Manchester City, a point no doubt filling Stoke fans with hope and optimism for the rest of the season.
Archive: ATP World Tour (01/10/09)
Published for Nerve* Magazine (November 2009 issue) for Bournemouth University.
With a little over a month to go the wait is almost over for the ATP World Tour Finals, arguably the season’s most illustrious tennis competition, to hit London once again.
The top eight male players in the world will battle it out in the event, which will start on November 22nd at the London O2 arena. In the round robin tournament, the top two men in each pool will compete in the semi-finals for the right to be crowned champion.
Swiss World No.1 Roger Federer has lifted the trophy an impressive five times already and is favourite to clinch the title, and the tidy $5m prize fund, once more. However, the competition is tougher than ever with World No.2 Rafael Nadal and the rising Argentinean star Juan Martin Del Potro both in blistering form.
Nadal has recovered from glandular fever and a back problem which saw a turbulent string of results allow Brit Andy Murray to pinch the No.2 spot, albeit momentarily, from his grasp before the Spaniard reclaimed his seeding with an impressive run of late on the ATP tour.
Serbian World No.4 and last year’s winner Novak Djokovic is hot on Murray’s heels in the world rankings, and has already firmly booked his place in the World Tour Finals. Sixth-ranked American powerhouse Andy Roddick is some way off the pace of the formidable ‘top five’, yet with a string of decent results this year he too is set to book his place in the Finals.
The battle for the last two places is on a knife edge, with French pair Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Gilles Simon, Russian Nikolay Davydenko, Spaniard Fernando Verdasco all in the running. Russian No.1 Davydenko looking good to take one of the two places on offer with a convincing victory over Nadal to claim last month’s Shanghai Masters title, demonstrating that nobody can be written off for a name on the coveted trophy in the last big tournament of the season, whilst it looks likely that Tsonga will take up a slot with the No.7 having a comfortable points lead ahead of his rivals.
With a little over a month to go the wait is almost over for the ATP World Tour Finals, arguably the season’s most illustrious tennis competition, to hit London once again.
The top eight male players in the world will battle it out in the event, which will start on November 22nd at the London O2 arena. In the round robin tournament, the top two men in each pool will compete in the semi-finals for the right to be crowned champion.
Swiss World No.1 Roger Federer has lifted the trophy an impressive five times already and is favourite to clinch the title, and the tidy $5m prize fund, once more. However, the competition is tougher than ever with World No.2 Rafael Nadal and the rising Argentinean star Juan Martin Del Potro both in blistering form.
Nadal has recovered from glandular fever and a back problem which saw a turbulent string of results allow Brit Andy Murray to pinch the No.2 spot, albeit momentarily, from his grasp before the Spaniard reclaimed his seeding with an impressive run of late on the ATP tour.
Serbian World No.4 and last year’s winner Novak Djokovic is hot on Murray’s heels in the world rankings, and has already firmly booked his place in the World Tour Finals. Sixth-ranked American powerhouse Andy Roddick is some way off the pace of the formidable ‘top five’, yet with a string of decent results this year he too is set to book his place in the Finals.
The battle for the last two places is on a knife edge, with French pair Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Gilles Simon, Russian Nikolay Davydenko, Spaniard Fernando Verdasco all in the running. Russian No.1 Davydenko looking good to take one of the two places on offer with a convincing victory over Nadal to claim last month’s Shanghai Masters title, demonstrating that nobody can be written off for a name on the coveted trophy in the last big tournament of the season, whilst it looks likely that Tsonga will take up a slot with the No.7 having a comfortable points lead ahead of his rivals.
Archive: Leyton Orient vs. Exeter City - Match Report (12/09/2009)
Published on http://www.leytonorient.com/page/LeagueOneLatest/0,,10439~1821504,00.html
The O's could feel slightly unlucky at not being able to grab a deserved three points at the Matchroom Stadium this afternoon.
A stubborn Exeter City side withstood constant threats to their penalty box before Charlie Daniels' deflected free kick gave the O's a lead going into the break. However, a cross-shot from the Grecians' Craig Noone deep into the game provided the away side with a much-needed point on their travels.
The game started in a lively manner, with a succession of Orient corners from the right flank providing the Exeter defence with a real test. In the first quarter of an hour, three threatening balls gave the travellers a real wake-up call that Orient meant business. Both Scott Mcgleish and Adrian Patulea came close, with Patulea's second effort on the 12th minute coming closest to changing the scoreline as the ball ran just the wrong side of the right post. Play on both flanks ensured Orient wingers JJ Melligan and Jason Demetriou created a handful for the opposing full backs, whipping in cross after cross as the Orient pressure grew.
Exeter's first attack came in the 8th minute, with a deep cross by Liam Sercombe being gratefully plucked in the air by Glenn Morris. The consequent counter-attack then saw a sweetly struck volley by Jimmy Smith from the edge of the penalty area blast only feet wide of the far post as Oscar Jansson thankfully saw it drift wide.
The O's finally broke through with a somewhat gift of a goal. A direct free kick won by Adrian Patulea saw Charlie Daniels step up to rattle the ball straight through the four-man wall, taking a wicked deflection and causing the ball to leave Jansson rooted to the spot as the ball rolled into the goal. As Orient took the lead, Exeter began to find their fighting spirit as they replied with pressure of their own on the Orient box. After seeing a brief number of attacks by Orient fail to materialise, a training ground movement between Alex Russell, Ryan Harley and Marcus Stewart saw the Orient defence split open as Stewart's right footed 18 yard shot curled agonisingly wide for the visitors. Both teams failed to string together any threatening attacks as the game turned messy for a brief time, with a yellow for Exeter's Russell for a late tackle on Smith slowing the game down as both teams were allowed a breather.
Exeter's best attack came in the 1st minute of stoppage time, as Noone's through ball was met by Stuart Fleetwood, who proceeded to run into the box from the left wing before squaring the ball to Harley who could only pass the ball into Morris' hands from 10 yards. The chance summed up a half of rued chances, as both teams went in for the break.
Two substitutions for Orient saw Andrew Cave-Brown replace captain Stephen Purches and Kristian O'Leary take Adam Chamber's place, both starters forced off with injuries. The south-coasters were the quickest out of the blocks, with winger Noone this time setting up centre back Troy Archibald-Henville, whos close range header from a set piece bounces mercifully into Morris' arms once more. On the 50th minute, Harley's 25 yard pile driver hit on the half-volley screams wide of the right post. With Morris at full stretch, the shot looked closer than it really was, but momentum was retained as Harley laid off Noone who's deflected shot from a similar area rolls out of play. A lively start from Exeter saw Orient relying on their defence to keep the home side in front with another shot created from a half-cleared corner, this time by Sercombe, is again shot straight into Morris' open arms.
On the 55th minute, a well-read interception by Smith provided McGleish with another chance to work Jansson. His early shot from 25 yards caught Jansson by surprise as the keeper did tremendously well to tip the ball onto the bar and out of play to deny the O's with a game-winning second goal. The game soon evened out, and although once more possession failed to create chances, the midfield battle between both teams was heating up. A yellow for Richard Duffy for a hard tackle on Demetriou enabled the Grecians to replace Sercombe with Adam Stansfield as the away side looked to become more attacking.
A counter attack on the 69th minute from Orient saw another pile driver, this time by Melligan, well stopped by third-choice keeper Jansson. Created originally by Demetriou, who was proving to be a real handful and eventual man of the match, he skipped past three defenders to tee up Melligan, yet once more the ex-Tottenham keeper was well positioned to prevent a two goal margin. Luke Ashworth then replaced Ben Chorley for Orient as Melligan's deep cross was met
by new signing Patulea, yet the ex-Lincoln man couldn't keep his header down.
Exeter's Barry Corr then took Fleetwood's place on the pitch as the striker took his place on the bench after an extremely quiet game by him.
On the 78th minute, Exeter grabbed an equaliser, albeit unintentionally. Star-man Noone took on Cave-Brown on the left flank, and after creating a yard of space, whipped in a cross-shot. With Morris well off his line, he managed to get a touch on the ball but this wasn't strong enough as the ball dropped mockingly into the bottom right corner as Noone reeled off the the away fans.
Another corner by Demetriou - booked moments before for diving - was only half cleared and dropped to sub O'Leary, yet after a controlled chest down his perfectly-struck volley did nothing to trouble the Grecian keeper as the ball rifled straight into his arms.
With a large section of the 4,703 supporters still remaining, the whistle went on another tightly fought competition at the Matchroom Stadium. With the O's irritatingly close to getting their first home win this campaign, it's only a matter of time before they get off the mark and start heading up the table.
The O's could feel slightly unlucky at not being able to grab a deserved three points at the Matchroom Stadium this afternoon.
A stubborn Exeter City side withstood constant threats to their penalty box before Charlie Daniels' deflected free kick gave the O's a lead going into the break. However, a cross-shot from the Grecians' Craig Noone deep into the game provided the away side with a much-needed point on their travels.
The game started in a lively manner, with a succession of Orient corners from the right flank providing the Exeter defence with a real test. In the first quarter of an hour, three threatening balls gave the travellers a real wake-up call that Orient meant business. Both Scott Mcgleish and Adrian Patulea came close, with Patulea's second effort on the 12th minute coming closest to changing the scoreline as the ball ran just the wrong side of the right post. Play on both flanks ensured Orient wingers JJ Melligan and Jason Demetriou created a handful for the opposing full backs, whipping in cross after cross as the Orient pressure grew.
Exeter's first attack came in the 8th minute, with a deep cross by Liam Sercombe being gratefully plucked in the air by Glenn Morris. The consequent counter-attack then saw a sweetly struck volley by Jimmy Smith from the edge of the penalty area blast only feet wide of the far post as Oscar Jansson thankfully saw it drift wide.
The O's finally broke through with a somewhat gift of a goal. A direct free kick won by Adrian Patulea saw Charlie Daniels step up to rattle the ball straight through the four-man wall, taking a wicked deflection and causing the ball to leave Jansson rooted to the spot as the ball rolled into the goal. As Orient took the lead, Exeter began to find their fighting spirit as they replied with pressure of their own on the Orient box. After seeing a brief number of attacks by Orient fail to materialise, a training ground movement between Alex Russell, Ryan Harley and Marcus Stewart saw the Orient defence split open as Stewart's right footed 18 yard shot curled agonisingly wide for the visitors. Both teams failed to string together any threatening attacks as the game turned messy for a brief time, with a yellow for Exeter's Russell for a late tackle on Smith slowing the game down as both teams were allowed a breather.
Exeter's best attack came in the 1st minute of stoppage time, as Noone's through ball was met by Stuart Fleetwood, who proceeded to run into the box from the left wing before squaring the ball to Harley who could only pass the ball into Morris' hands from 10 yards. The chance summed up a half of rued chances, as both teams went in for the break.
Two substitutions for Orient saw Andrew Cave-Brown replace captain Stephen Purches and Kristian O'Leary take Adam Chamber's place, both starters forced off with injuries. The south-coasters were the quickest out of the blocks, with winger Noone this time setting up centre back Troy Archibald-Henville, whos close range header from a set piece bounces mercifully into Morris' arms once more. On the 50th minute, Harley's 25 yard pile driver hit on the half-volley screams wide of the right post. With Morris at full stretch, the shot looked closer than it really was, but momentum was retained as Harley laid off Noone who's deflected shot from a similar area rolls out of play. A lively start from Exeter saw Orient relying on their defence to keep the home side in front with another shot created from a half-cleared corner, this time by Sercombe, is again shot straight into Morris' open arms.
On the 55th minute, a well-read interception by Smith provided McGleish with another chance to work Jansson. His early shot from 25 yards caught Jansson by surprise as the keeper did tremendously well to tip the ball onto the bar and out of play to deny the O's with a game-winning second goal. The game soon evened out, and although once more possession failed to create chances, the midfield battle between both teams was heating up. A yellow for Richard Duffy for a hard tackle on Demetriou enabled the Grecians to replace Sercombe with Adam Stansfield as the away side looked to become more attacking.
A counter attack on the 69th minute from Orient saw another pile driver, this time by Melligan, well stopped by third-choice keeper Jansson. Created originally by Demetriou, who was proving to be a real handful and eventual man of the match, he skipped past three defenders to tee up Melligan, yet once more the ex-Tottenham keeper was well positioned to prevent a two goal margin. Luke Ashworth then replaced Ben Chorley for Orient as Melligan's deep cross was met
by new signing Patulea, yet the ex-Lincoln man couldn't keep his header down.
Exeter's Barry Corr then took Fleetwood's place on the pitch as the striker took his place on the bench after an extremely quiet game by him.
On the 78th minute, Exeter grabbed an equaliser, albeit unintentionally. Star-man Noone took on Cave-Brown on the left flank, and after creating a yard of space, whipped in a cross-shot. With Morris well off his line, he managed to get a touch on the ball but this wasn't strong enough as the ball dropped mockingly into the bottom right corner as Noone reeled off the the away fans.
Another corner by Demetriou - booked moments before for diving - was only half cleared and dropped to sub O'Leary, yet after a controlled chest down his perfectly-struck volley did nothing to trouble the Grecian keeper as the ball rifled straight into his arms.
With a large section of the 4,703 supporters still remaining, the whistle went on another tightly fought competition at the Matchroom Stadium. With the O's irritatingly close to getting their first home win this campaign, it's only a matter of time before they get off the mark and start heading up the table.
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