Peter Kitchen: It’s a great point but it feels like a defeat

Exeter City 2-2 Leyton Orient – Reaction

PETER KITCHEN was mindful that not too many sides will come away from Exeter City with a share of the Sky Bet League Two spoils. However, he was clearly gutted that the O’s were unable to hold on after Nicky Law’s stoppage-time spot-kick had denied the east Londoners all three points at St James Park.

Pierce Sweeney had given the Grecians the lead five minutes before the interval. However, Lee Angol levelled three minutes later, then Louis Dennis handed Orient the lead shortly after the restart.

“This was a battling performance from Orient,” Kitchen told Yellow Sport.

“But to be so close to a memorable win, then having it snatched away – it seems like a defeat. I know how I feel and I’m sure the 400 or so O’s supporters who travelled west are of the same mindset – Gutted!”

Saying all that, there are plenty of positives Orient can take from this one. Everyone had learned lessons following the defeat to Swindon a week previous. We were much more aggressive and combative while displaying greater resolve defensively.

“Orient picked up six bookings during the game, committing 21 fouls to the home sides 12. Ok, not a great example but a sign that the O’s were not going to be bullied. They niggled and harassed the home side throughout.”

Kitchen added: “Ross Embleton changed the formation, again ditching the back three as well as bringing in Spurs loanee, George Marsh – giving additional midfield cover to the backline.

“That proved to be more effective. Of course, the late goal is a big disappointment. But the fans will be delighted with the manner of the display, setting us up nicely for Crewe’s visit to the Breyer Group Stadium on Tuesday evening.”