O's set for replay

Monday, 09 November 2009

Tranmere Rovers 1-1 Leyton Orient - FA Cup First Round

By Rowland Lyons at Prenton Park

LEYTON Orient were held to a 1-1 draw at fellow League One strugglers Tranmere Rovers last Saturday in the FA Cup First Round.

The two sides will replay on Tuesday week (November 17) with their reward being a home tie against League Two’s Aldershot Town.

Former Rovers’ star, Sean Thornton’s sixth minute flag kick was glanced home by Luke Ashworth, before Chris Shuker levelled the tie shortly after the break.

Returning to the ground where he started his Orient managerial career last February, Geraint Williams was forced to make four changes and fit-again Thornton – making his first appearance since August - returned to central midfield – with Loick Pires, Luke Ashworth and Jason Demetriou earning starts.

Loanees Andros Townsend and Luke Summerfield were refused permission to play by their parent clubs and their absence showed as Orient frequently lacked a cutting edge up front. Flu victim, JJ Melligan and Tamika Mkandawire (head injury) were also missing.

Tranmere were the quickest to settle, but shortly after Alan Mahon had driven wide, the O’s first attack saw Pires weave some of his magic on the left-wing and won a corner. Thornton’s inswinger was met by a superb glancing Ashworth header that silenced the sparse home crowd.

Orient then had to withstand sustained pressure and Shuker should have scored on 16 minutes when clean through, but Glenn Morris made a fine double save by also denying former England international, Michael Ricketts’ rebound.

Having enjoyed territorial advantage for the remainder of the opening period, Shuker missed another excellent chance when he allowed Morris to a make a save from an angled-drive on the stroke of half-time.

Williams had no doubt warned his players about the constant Shuker threat at the break, but the diminutive winger got lucky six minutes after the break when, on picking up a short Chris Curran pass, the former Barnsley man gambled and hit a stinging 20 yard effort that Morris appeared to have covered, but could do nothing to stop former Tranmere favourite, Ben Chorley’s wicked deflection.

The goal clearly lifted Rovers and Curran almost put the O’s out of the cup with a 54 minute overhead effort, but Morris kept the visitors in the tie with a fine tip-over.

The east Londoners, who could count themselves lucky to still be in the hat for the second round draw after a woeful second-half display, allowed Tranmere continued to dominate with Curran again going close, but another bicycle kick flew over the bar.

But, as the hosts side ran out of gas, the east Londoners finally managed their first shot on 84 minutes, although Pires was well off-target.

And, with the tie heading for a replay, Orient at least managed to finish strongly and Thornton’s late free-kick was almost deflected past keeper Daniels by one of his defenders.

Pires then had the chance to put the O’s in round two, but despite rising highest to meet Demetriou’s stoppage time corner, the rookie winger headed over from six yards with the goal at his mercy.

An unhappy Williams said: “I am just glad to still be in the hat for the next round, as it was probably the worst performance I have witnessed since I have been at the club.

“Even though I had to make changes, those players that came in had the opportunity to impress today – but they didn’t do that.”

Thornton said: “I would have taken a draw before the game, but we’re obviously disappointed not to have won the game having taken the lead. But, on a personal note it was great to be back after my knee injury and I am just relieved to have got through the 90 minutes.”

The midfielder – who reportedly left Tranmere in controversial circumstances over seven years ago for Sunderland – was booed throughout by the home crowd. He added: “It was perhaps a compliment that the crowd should boo me today.”

How they lined up:

Tranmere Rovers: Luke Daniels – Shaleum Logan, Ash Taylor, Ian Goodison, Zoumana Bakayogo – Chris Shuker, Alan Mahon, Gareth Edds, John Welsh – Michael Ricketts, Chris Curran. Subs (not used): Aaron Cresswell, Paul McLaren, Marlon Broomes, Ian Thomas-Moore, Joe Collister (GK), Terry Gornell, Ryan Fraughan.



Leyton Orient: Glenn Morris – Stephen Purches, Luke Ashworth, Ben Chorley, Charlie Daniels – Loick Pires, Jimmy Smith, Sean Thornton, Jason Demetriou – Adrian Patulea (Ryan Jarvis 68 mins), Scott McGleish. Subs (not used): Jamie Jones (GK), Andrew Cave-Brown, Harry Baker, James Scowcroft, Harry Beautyman.

*Orient were due to entertain Hereford United tonight (Tuesday, kick-off 7-00pm) in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy and make the long trip to Hartlepool United this Saturday (kick-off 3pm).

0 comments on this sport item