A quick review - Well I think the less said about the 1st half, the better. Aside from a couple of comfortable saves early on for Jakupovic (he's got long hair, but we don't care) and half a shout of a penalty against Odubajo I can't remember much else, although that may be due to the fact I felt like I was slipping into a coma.
The second half brightened up, but only after we fell behind to a flukey opener, the shot deflecting over Jakupovic leaving Byron Moore the easy task of nodding in from 0.12 inches. On the balance of play it probably was a fair reflection, but back came the O's roaring with all the vigour of a Gladiator (the Roman kind, not John Fashanu), grabbing two quick-fire goals. The first came from a lovely ball through from Cox, and finished with authority by Dagnall. The second was again a confident finish, but was probably aided by Crewe's defence still failing to clear the ball at the 108th attempt.
Credit must go to Crewe though, for large periods of the game we were 2nd best and they could easily have levelled it in injury time as a shot hit Clarke and drifted just wide.
It would also be nice if Andy Woolmer could ref Orient every week. Of the last 6 league games he's refereed the O's, we've won all 6.
Man of the match - Chris Dagnall. Not since Wayne Purser has such an impact been made by an O's debutant. Ok that may be a slight exaggeration but after two classy finishes, some excellent link-up play with Lisbie and Cox and a terrier-like desire to chase after the ball it's very difficult to remember a more impactful display on debut. Aside from him, Jakupovic was finally tested and did very well - the coaching from Dearden paying off, although I don't think Big Kev appreciated the "he eats what he wants song" pre-game, turning round to give the finger (with a smile it must be noted).
What next? - Coventry City. With Stevenage still in the FA Cup, we have a bit of a rest now before we play Coventry for the 8th time this season. It also gives us the chance to avenge the team who inflicted our first defeat of the season. I'm not really sure whether the extended break will benefit us or not - often with Orient we play better when our fixture list is pretty congested. What is good though is that it will give key players like Lisbie, Vincelot and Mooney the chance to return to full fitness. If Mooney does return it will give Slade a bit of a headache with 6 strikers to choose from (and that's presuming Simpson's injury will keep him out for a while). Still, that's not a bad problem to have.
