Kitchen: Orient’s reaction has been superb
- Moyes embarrassed with hapless Hammers - 10/12/2023
- Ange thrilled with Tottenham’s toil - 10/12/2023
- Maher frustrated by Blues Trophy exit - 10/12/2023
Northampton Town 0-1 Leyton Orient – Reaction
PETER KITCHEN hailed Leyton Orient’s heroes after a second-half goal from James Brophy clinched their first Sky Bet League Two victory in eight matches as in-form Northampton Town were beaten at the PTS Academy Stadium.
Brophy’s run and angled strike lifted the east Londoners four points clear of the relegation zone and their former frontman now hopes they have turned the corner following a tough start to life back in the Football League.
“That’s four points from six since Ross Embleton announced he will stand aside when a new manager is appointed. It’s like the players have felt his anguish and realised they owed him,” Kitchen told Yellow Sport.
“The draw with Port Vale showed grit and determination. This week, Orient found some of that defensive steel we have all been craving. It’s only our third clean sheet of the season, but we have something to build on and a little bit of belief that this season can be salvaged.”
Kitchen continued: “Of course, by the time we play Walsall next weekend, there could be a new man in the hot seat. However, if – whoever he might be – was watching on yesterday, he will be fully aware that he is inheriting a squad which can compete in League Two.
“Two without defeat isn’t much, but the league is still relatively tight. A run of results now can soon lift you up the division. The players will know that and will be looking forward to the next match with a little bit of confidence as opposed to the fear that sometimes takes hold when the games aren’t going your way.”
Leyton Orient now turns their attention to the leasing.com Trophy, facing AFC Wimbledon at Kingsmeadow on Tuesday, October 8 (7:45pm). They return to Sky Bet League Two action on Saturday 12 when Walsall are the visitors to the Breyer Group Stadium (3pm).
Northampton Town: Cornell, Hall-Johnson, Martin, Hoskins, Smith (Oliver 70’), Adams (Capt), Williams (Warburton 70’), Lines, Wharton, McWilliams (McCormack 70’), Harriman Subs not used: Pollock, Hughes, Waters, Fisher
Leyton Orient: Brill, Ling (Ekpiteta 5’), Widdowson, Gorman (Marsh 80’), Coulson (Capt), Clay, Wilkinson, Happe, Brophy, Harrold (Maguire-Drew 77’), Wright Subs not used: Sargeant, Dayton, Dennis, Ogie
Referee: Tony Harrington
Assistants: Darren Blunden and Timothy Wood
Fourth Official: Ian Cooper
