It’s Only the Beginning

August 2018

League 1 – Exeter v Orient (Away)

A fairly even start, each team sharing possession and chances. 0-0 at Half-Time.

A quality save from our on-loan Goalkeeper to deny the Home side an opener early in the 2nd Half. We then go on and score the 1st goal, coming by way of a wonderful Free Kick.

We continued to stretch Exeter’s defence throughout the closing stages. Long-balls were to order of the day as the home side became more desperate. We just about deal with the threat to start our League campaign with a nice Away win.

Final Score: Exeter 0-1 Orient (screenshot below; click to enlarge)

League Cup, 1st Round – Orient v Southend (Home)

Another decent start, pushing high up and attempting to create chances in our 1st competitive Home match. A corner and headed-effort provides our opener on 37 minutes – no less than our play to this point has deserved.

From the resulting kick-off, Southend equalise, some of our defenders still celebrating it would seem.

Early in the 2nd Half, Southend rocket a shot off the crossbar to set hearts racing. We respond in kind soon after, our woodwork rattler by way of a direct Free Kick.

Both sides search for the goal to separate themselves, and it eventually comes our way. Another header form a corner, this time from new Centre-back Dougie Miller at the 83 minute-mark.

Final Score: Orient 2-1 Southend (screenshot below; click to enlarge)

The 2nd Round has drawn us against Birmingham at St. Andrews – some reward…

League 1 – Orient v Oxford (Home)

A flying start, as winger Omoijuanfo leaps highest to meet a cross and steer it home after 13 minutes. The score stays this way into the break.

The 2nd Half begins with a spell of dominance, the best portion of which results in a Free Kick striking the angle where crossbar meets post. A wayward pass is exploited by the visitors on 57 minutes and the scores are leveled.

We soon regain the lead, 10 minutes later in fact – our 1st-Half goal-scorer turns provider for striker Luke Williams to side his effort into the net. Once again Oxford draw level, and unlucky deflection beating the young GK.

The Assistant’s flag spares our blushes as Oxford put away a chance late on. Overall an entertaining match, if not the most productive for us.

Final Score: Orient 2-2 Oxford (screenshot below; click to enlarge)

League 1 – Barnsley v Orient (Away)

We make another good start, forcing a good early save from Barnsley’s ‘keeper, but the resulting corner comes to nought. Not a great deal of chances for either team through the rest of the half. 0-0 at Half-Time.

Young striker Featherstone blazes well over after cutting inside early in the 2nd-Half. Luke Williams finishes off a sweeping Counter-Attack after 53 minutes to give us the lead.

Defender Gasparotto is quickest to react to a deflected shot 73 minutes in, making the score 2-0. The post denies Barnsley a late consolation and retains our Clean Sheet.

Final Score: Barnsley 0-2 Orient (screenshot below; click to enlarge)

League 1 – Orient v Portsmouth (Home)

A nice early goal for us, again Left-flanker Omoijuanfo nodding home from close range. He adds his 2nd with another mighty header just a few minutes later.

Not wanting to be greedy, Omoijuanfo turns provider for our 3rd, finding Jimmy Smith at the back post for a side-foot finish, just 24 minutes on the clock.

Young striker Mernagh gets his tally off to a start with his 1st goal on the season and our 4th of the match.

Pompey ruin our hopes of another Clean Sheet, afforded too much room in the box to finish at the near post – 78 minutes gone. We kept creating further chances, but the Final whistle sounds with us 3 goals to the good.

Final Score: Orient 4-1 Portsmouth (screenshot below; click to enlarge)

League Cup, 2nd Round – Birmingham v Orient (Away)

Not a great start, conceding an early penalty which is duly dispatched. 1-0.

Birmingham create multiple chances for the rest of the half and we have a few of our own, but no addition to the scoreline.

A more open 2nd Half leads to more opportunities for both sides. We take our chance with 10 minutes of Regular time left, equaliser by way of Luke Williams. Extra-Time awaits.

A flying save from Birmingham’s Goalkeeper early in Extra Time denies Williams his 2nd. A double save from our own ‘keeper holds the scores. The match would go to Penalties.

Birmingham miss their 2nd spot-kick, blazed well over. Our 2nd kick-taker does likewise.

Birmingham then miss their next kick, wide left; and we take the lead. The 5th penalty is blasted high and wide, and we are through to the next round of this competition.

An incredible victory away from home against tough opposition.

Final Score: Birmingham 1-1 Orient after Extra Time. Orient win on penalties 3-2. (screenshot below; click to enlarge)

3rd Round draws us Away at Championship outfit Blackpool.

League Table

Below is a shot of the League 1 table as it stands after the opening month of August. Here’s hoping we can continue the good start.

Next month, Next blog

September rolls on and it is a busy one. 6x League matches – Away at Southend, Wycombe and Colchester; Home vs Hartlepool, Wrexham and Nottingham Forest.

As well as this, still involved in 2x Cup Competitions – Johnstone’s Paint Trophy, South 1st Round hosting Gillingham; League Cup 3rd Round at Blackpool.

On the International front, Iraq have 2x Friendly matches – hosting both North Korea and Vietnam.

Summer Signings

The Lowdown

Before the next season at Leyton Orient gets underway, I thought I would run through the various additions to the squad.

Dougie Miller – Free Transfer (Out of Contract) – Defender (C) – 20 Years Old

Ben Davies – Free Transfer (Carlisle) – Defender (L) – 25 Years Old

Pierre-Emil Højbjerg – Free Transfer (Out of Contract) – Midfield (C) – 23 Years Old

George Richards – Free Transfer (Out of Contract) – Defender (C/R) – 21 Years Old

Joel Ambalu – Free Transfer (MK Dons) – Striker – 23 Years Old

Robert Kavanagh – Season-Long Loan (Aston Villa) – Goalkeeper – 18 Years Old

Leigh Sidebottom – Season-Long Loan (Middlesbrough) – Mid (R) – 19 Years Old

World Cup Wobbles

Internationals

International Friendly – Iraq v Uzbekistan (Home)

Some crisp passing was a delight to see from the off, and it isn’t long before it leads to our 1st goal – 7 minutes in.

Our next goal comes after 30 minutes, patient build-up before incisive finishing. A spilled save from the Uzbek Goalkeeper allows us to bundle in our 3rd goal just a few minutes later.

A few chances for both teams in the 2nd Half, but no further addition to the scoreline.

Final Score: Iraq 3-0 Uzbekistan (screenshot below; click to enlarge)

International Friendly – Iraq v Singapore (Home)

This would be our first match after trimming the squad for the World Cup down to the final 23.

We net the opening goal on 21 minutes with a cross allowing a simple tap-in. Our 2nd after 39 minutes is a mirror image, the low cross coming in from the right side this time.

The score is made 3-0 just on Half-Time, another easy finish from close range.
The 2nd Half was much the same, dominating possession but unable to add to the tally.

Final Score: Iraq 3-0 Singapore (screenshot below; click to enlarge)

International Friendly – Iraq v Yemen (Home)

The final warm-up match before the World Cup begins. We pass the ball around well, but not able to create much in the way of chances. 0-0 at Half-Time.

The same drab performance again in the 2nd Half, a few chances but nothing gilt-edged.

A good run-out at the very least, and hopefully we hold our own in the World Cup in what will be a tough Group comprising Germany, Croatia and Congo.

Final Score: Iraq 0-0 Yemen (screenshot below; click to enlarge)

World Cup, Group Stage – Iraq v Croatia

A tough test early on, and 4 minutes go by before we are behind, 1-0

The nerves ease off as time ticks on and we begin to hold the ball a bit more. Despite this, Croatia score again in under 25 minutes, poor marking from a Free Kick allowing an open header.

The 2nd Half was more of the same unfortunately, Croatia toying with us it seemed, before scoring their 3rd goal on 72 minutes. They make the difference 4 goals near the end, and a late penalty only consigns us to a 5th. We are left with no doubt just what a tough tournament this will be for us.

Final Score: Iraq 0-5 Croatia (screenshot below; click to enlarge)

World Cup, Group Stage – Iraq v Congo

A poor challenge from our striker results in us being down to 10 men in under 2 minutes. As is expected, Congo then hold the Lion’s share of possession, eventually taking the lead on 12 minutes.

We go close to equalising about 10 minutes later, but the deflected shot goes just over the bar. 1-0 at Half-Time.

The offside flag saves us from conceding a 2nd goal early in the next half, but a penalty after 62 minutes results in our 2nd red card and Congo’s 2nd goal.

We are forced to finish this match with just 8 players via a late injury after all 3 substitutions had been made.

Final Score: Iraq 0-2 Congo (screenshot below; click to enlarge)

World Cup, Group Stage – Iraq v Germany

With almost no chance of qualifying from the group now, I instruct the team to press high up. The only reward initially is the first corner of the match.

Slow to come off his line, our Goalkeeper gifts Germany their opener after just 7 minutes. He makes amends for the blunder soon after, producing a fine save in a 1-on-1 situation.

An 18th minute corner and poor marking at the front post leads to Germany’s 2nd goal, and it looks evermore likely we will be remembered as the “Whipping Boys” of this World Cup.

Their 3rd goal comes on 26 minutes, and I can’t help but feel that the great effort in qualifying for these World Cup Finals was a monumental waste of everybody’s time. These feelings are muted even if only for a short while, as we score our 1st goal in the tournament. It came just before Half-Time by way of some fluid passing.

The 2nd Half begins, and Germany net their 4th of the match around the 62 minute-mark, a parried save falling to a second striker who couldn’t miss. As is the pattern, we shipped another goal in the last few minutes to make the scoreline look even more lopsided.

Despite the result, and rather embarrassingly this was probably the best we had played as a team throughout the Group Stage.

Final Score: Iraq 1-5 Germany (screenshot below; click to enlarge)

Next month, Next blog

With a thoroughly underwhelming International campaign behind me, the Pre-season for Leyton Orient will begin in earnest. Our focus will be to win promotion back to the Championship, as is expected by the Board.

Playoff Pain

League 1 – Playoffs

 

Playoff Semi-Final – 1st Leg – Portsmouth v Orient (Away)

The hosts begin well, striking the post with their first shot in under a minute. Portsmouth open the scoring on 10 minutes, our Goalkeeper failing to come out in time to stop their striker heading into an empty net.

The score is quickly 2-0 from the resulting kickoff, slopping defending from us allowing far too much space. An elbow from our Centre-back Cuthbert has us playing a man down with just 16 minutes on the clock.

A bright start to the 2nd Half sees our man Ojamaa pull one back after 55 minutes. We continue to create chances, playing better with a man down it would seem.

Away-goals don’t count in these Playoff fixtures, but a 1-goal deficit going into a Home 2nd leg is not an impossible obstacle to overcome.

Final Score: Portsmouth 2-1 Orient (screenshot below; click to enlarge)

 

Playoff Semi-Final – 2nd Leg – Orient v Portsmouth (Home)

A back-and-forth affair to begin things, both teams with chances to score. It is Pompey who score first though, just before Half-Time to really make this task a tough one.

The result is put beyond doubt as the visitors score in the 60th minute. Aggregate score now at 4-1. A consolation goal for us comes in the 74th minute after a nice counter-attack.

Overall, a disappointing way to end the season, and now the hard work begins to bring in some fresh faces, hungry to win promotion at the next time of asking.

Final Score: Orient 1-2 Portsmouth (screenshot below; click to enlarge)

 

Next month, Next blog

With Orient off on their Summer Holidays, my attention turns to Iraq and the upcoming World Cup.

3x Friendly matches leading up to the Finals with Uzbekistan, Singapore and Yemen all paying a visit to Baghdad.

We then make our way to Russia to begin World Cup Group Matches – Croatia, Congo and Germany await.

The Business End

April 2018

League 1 – Barnsley v Orient (Away)

An absolutely disastrous start, with Barnsley scoring within the opening minute. We draw level 15 minutes later with a header from a corner delivery.

The same man heads home for us just before Half-Time – Gasparotto flying in to meet a perfectly flighted Free-Kick.

We continued to create chances in the 2nd Half, and Left-winger Omoijuanfo puts the result beyond doubt, netting our 3rd in Injury Time.

Final Score: Barnsley 1-3 Orient (screenshot below; click to enlarge)

League 1 – Plymouth v Orient (Away)

We have a goal ruled out for offside on 16 minutes after a back-and-forth opening. Plymouth go close themselves on a few occasions, and eventually take the lead just before Half-Time.

The 2nd Half is all Plymouth as we struggle to hold them out. Despite trying to find an equaliser a series of missed chances keeps the score at 1-0 in favour of Plymouth.

Final Score: Plymouth 1-0 Orient (screenshot below; click to enlarge)

League 1 – Orient v Walsall (Home)

Defensive frailties come to the fore in this one, gifting Walsall the opening goal after just 15 minutes. We soon hit back with the equaliser coming 5 minutes later and via a lovely through-ball.

Midfielder Jimmy Ryan hits an absolute screamer from 30 yards to take the lead in under 30 minutes. Walsall respond in short-order, score at 2-2 as the 1st Half winds up.

A fine save from our Goalkeeper early in the 2nd Half keeps the scores level, and a last-ditch tackle in the box does the same as we hold out from a barrage of attacks.

Ryan misses a glorious chance at the death to seal all 3 points for us, but blazes agonisingly wide of the far post.

Final Score: Orient 2-2 Walsall (screenshot below; click to enlarge)

League 1 – Crystal Palace v Orient (Away)

We move the ball about well early on, keeping the much-fancied Palace on their toes. A defensive blunder almost costs us, with the crossbar coming to our rescue.

Ojamaa breaks a drought of his own, scoring after 35 minutes with a tidy finish.

The home side come out with a far more attacking mind-set in the 2nd Half and our defence does well to keep them at bay for the most part. Left-winger Omoijuanfo buries a chance as it falls to him on 75 minutes to extend our lead and ease my mind, if only slightly.

85 minute-mark, and breaking away from a corner, Palace claw one back to set pulses racing again. Despite the late scare, we hold on for a quality Away-win.

Final Score: Crystal Palace 1-2 Orient (screenshot below; click to enlarge)

League 1 – Orient v Peterborough (Home)

Almost a perfect start, with young striker Featherstone having a chance inside 2 minutes. He does score his first Senior goal on 5 minutes, side-footing beautifully past Peterborough’s ‘keeper.

21 minutes in, and a deflection guides the ball past our GK for Peterborough’s equaliser. A wayward pass then falls kindly for Ojamaa at the 30 minute-mark, but his 1st-time shot is squeezed just wide.

Youngster Featherstone succumbed to injury soon after, and had to be replaced. Peterborough take the lead on 40 minutes, a strike from an unlikely angle beating our custodian all ends up.

The visitors strike again just as the 2nd Half starts, another long-range bullet. A penalty right on Full-Time adds further insult to injury, and Peterborough are rightfully placed atop the League Table.

Final Score: Orient 1-4 Peterborough (screenshot below; click to enlarge)

 

League 1 – Exeter v Orient (Away)

The final game of the regular season, and a pivitol one for both sides. Exeter could be relegated if they lose and other results go against them. Our playoff berth is dependent on a win, or at least a draw with luck on our side at other fixtures.

A fairly even start to the game, with both teams cautious about leaving themselves exposed at the back. 0-0 at Half Time.

Same again for the 2nd Half, Ojamaa blazing well over with just the ‘keeper to beat. He makes amends though with 5 minutes to play as he scores. Ojamaa goes on to add his 2nd of the match, deep into Injury Time to ensure 3 points and a playoff place for us.

Despite the loss, Exeter will remain in League 1 next season at the expense of Notts County, Carlisle, Middlesbrough and Preston.

Final Score: Exter 0-2 Orient (screenshot below; click to enlarge)

 

Next month, Next blog

The League 1 playoffs begin and we have a tough job against Portsmouth over 2 Legs.

The 1st Leg is at Fratton Park, so I am hoping for a good showing that will allow us to take the game to them in-front of our Home crowd in the 2nd Leg.

Marching On

March 2018

 

League 1 – Preston N.E v Orient (Away)

We kept the ball well early on, but the final pass lacked the quality to unlock the Home side’s defence. That is until the 15th minute when a one-two pass works brilliantly, allowing Ojamaa to slot home.

A penalty on 22 minutes extends our lead. We began to really carve Preston open after this, chance after chance created. Ojamaa guilty of a bad miss when put through on goal.

3rd goal comes via a Free Kick and headed effort at the back post, 35 minutes gone. Our 4th was laid on just before Half-Time, a first-time effort from 20 yards.

A hopeful cross into the area results in our 5th goal. Preston eventually break their duck with a consolation goal in the last 10 minutes. This was the first goal allowed by us in over 250 minutes of play.

Final Score: Preston 1-5 Orient (screenshot below; click to enlarge)

 

League 1 – Orient v Portsmouth (Home)

An early cross from deep finds a rising Left-winger, but he guides his effort well over the bar. A good 1-on-1 save denies Ojamaa an opportunity after a brilliant through-ball.

Young midfielder Nash strikes first on 18 minutes, his long-range shooting proving valuable lately. A free-header from a corner just before Half-Time is hit high over the bar by defender Gasparotto. 1-0 at Half-Time, and Pompey yet to have a shot in anger.

That was all to change in the 2nd Half though, as Portsmouth equalise after 60 minutes. A header from a Free-Kick delivery. 5 minutes later, and a rash challenge gifts Pompey a penalty and the lead.

The visitors add their 3rd on 76 minutes and we are left red-faced after dominating this match for large portions.

Final Score: Orient 1-3 Portsmouth (screenshot below; click to enlarge)

 

League 1 – Rochdale v Orient (Away)

We start well in an even match, creating a few chances while restricting the hosts. Nothing really comes of it, and the teams finish the 1st Half as they started, locked at nil.

A deflection from a 2nd-Half corner nets Rochdale the opener in an increasingly tight affair. We never found an answer to this, and a poor performance adds to the disappointment of defeat, our 2nd on the bounce. Perhaps our run of luck and good fortune is over?

Final Score: Rochdale 1-0 Orient (screenshot below; click to enlarge)

 

League 1 – Orient v Wrexham (Home)

A very ordinary start to this one, allowing visiting Wrexham far too much of the ball, and failing to create much in the way of attack. 0-0 at Half-Time.

Our 2nd Half is no better, failing to put away multiple chances, most of them 1-on-1.

Final Score: Orient 0-0 Wrexham (screenshot below; click to enlarge)

 

League 1 – Notts County v Orient (Away)

Start out by holding the ball well, but a sliding challenge in the driving rain sees us reduced to 10 men. I sacrificed our 2nd striker in order to keep a 4-man midfield in place. 0-0 at Half-Time.

Despite having 1 less body, we defend well in the 2nd Half and carve out a few decent chances. A direct Free-Kick on 70 minutes is only kept out by the crossbar.

Overall, a decent effort for an Away-point, and we might have even nicked it in the end.

Final Score: Notts County 0-0 Orient (screenshot below; click to enlarge)

 

League 1 – Orient v Middlesbrough (Home)

An early chance in front of our Home fans is steered just wide of the far post. Our goalkeeper goes on the parry a save into the post and can only watch as it trickles back and over the line. 1-0 to the visitors after 17 minutes.

The 2nd Half is dominated by Boro, carving out multiple chances but our last line of defence holds firm. We fail to compete though, and are left to reflect on another disappointing performance and result.

Final Score: Orient 0-1 Middlesbrough (screenshot below; click to enlarge)

 

League 1 – Orient v Gillingham (Home)

After a mid-week Team Meeting addressing our poor recent form, I was hopeful of a better display here.

We open the scoring 38 minutes in after a pinpoint cross is steered home from close-range. Make it 2-0 just before the half-time whistle with a corner and headed effort.

A penalty is awarded to us as the 2nd Half starts, but regular taker Williams strikes it against the upright. We concede an Own-Goal as Central-defender Gasparotto gets between our ‘keeper and the ball. 2-1.

Gillingham press for an equaliser late on, but desperate scrambling defence from us and poor shooting from the Visitors sees the scoreline remain in our favour.

Final Score: Orient 2-1 Gillingham (screenshot below; click to enlarge)

 

Next month, Next blog

After only picking up 8 of a possible 21 points on offer in March, I am hoping for a more fruitful April.

5x League matches ahead, Away at Barnsley, Plymouth and Crystal Palace with Home matches against Walsall and Peterborough.

 

February Stars

February 2018

FA Cup, 4th Round – Southampton v Orient (Away)

Both teams started cautiously, limited to efforts from long-range for the most part. Southampton take the lead on 22 minutes, a deep corner kick headed back across goal for a simple nod-in from inches out.

The home side’s 2nd comes after 40 minutes, a counter-attack down the left edge producing a cross which is fired home from just inside the penalty area.

Our 2nd Half was a little better, and striker Ojamaa finished off a 1-on-1 chance with style 10 minutes into the new stanza.

Despite attempting to draw level, the Saints wrap things up late on with their 3rd goal.

Final Score: Southampton 3-1 Orient (screenshot below; click to enlarge)

League 1 – Oxford v Orient (Away)

A fairly even 1st half in this match, both teams moving the ball about and creating half-chances, but nothing of any note.

Oxford break the deadlock after 60 minutes, a free header parried into the path of their 2nd striker who calmly finished. In-form striker Ojamaa equalised 4 minutes later, a precise through-ball allowing him to slot past the Oxford ‘keeper.

Freshly introduced substitute and Central midfielder Jack Baldwin finishes a lovely passing sequence to give us the lead on 78 minutes. Ojamaa went on to score his 2nd to secure a fine Away-win with his 84th minute rocket.

Final Score: Oxford 1-3 Orient (screenshot below; click to enlarge)

League 1 – Wycombe v Orient (Away)

An injury to a midfielder 10 minutes into this match forces me into an early substitution. Things don’t get better as a sliding challenge in the box concedes a penalty after 18 minutes. The spot-kick is easily converted.

We create a good chance to draw level just before Half-Time, but the striker blasts high and wide with only the Goalkeeper to beat.

That man Ojamaa eventually gets our equaliser with 68 minutes gone. Some late heroics from Centre-Mid, Rob Nash who picked a great time to score his 1st ever goal. His 87th minute strike would seal another 3 points.

Final Score: Wycombe 1-2 Orient (screenshot below; click to enlarge)

League 1 – Orient v Barnet (Home)

We really take the game to visiting Barnet, creating decent chances and keeping the ball well. Despite this, the scores remain at 0-0 as the Half-Time whistle is blown.

Finally take the lead 10 minutes into the 2nd Half, a corner nodded home by Centre-back Evans. Striker Williams makes sure of it with a nicely taken goal in Injury Time.

Final Score: Orient 2-0 Barnet (screenshot below; click to enlarge)

League 1 – Orient v Colchester (Home)

Once again, we dominate this one from the start and open the scoring on 22 minutes as Centre-back Cuthbert heads home. The 2nd goal arrives just 5 minutes later after a late run from Left-midfielder Molyneux is rewarded with a fine pass and finish.

The crossbar is all that denies us a 3rd goal just as the 2nd Half begins. Ojamaa does get our 3rd, and the 50th of his league career, but it takes until the dying minutes as Colchester defend a lot better in the latter stages.

Morale is sky high now as we record our 5th straight victory in the league.

Final Score: Orient 3-0 Colchester (screenshot below; click to enlarge)

League 1 – Carlisle v Orient (Away)

Left-winger and recent signing Omoijuanfo gets his Orient goal-tally started with a strike that goes in off the post after 14 minutes. Injury to in-form Centre-Half Cuthbert forces an early substitution. His replacement misses an absolute sitter just before Half-Time with the goal at his mercy.

Our 2nd goal on 62 minutes comes from the other side of the pitch, Right flanker Wickings finishing off a flowing move. Carlisle kept coming though in a performance that belied their standing at the bottom of the League 1 table.

Another solid win from us to end a fantastic month of February; taking a maximum 15 points from the 5 matches.

Final Score: Carlisle 0-2 Orient (screenshot below; click to enlarge)

Manager of the Month

This dream month is capped off by the awarding of League 1 Manager of the Month.

League Table

League 1 Table as it stands (click to enlarge)

Asian Cup Qualifier – Iraq v Hong Kong (Home)

A massive last qualifier, a win ensures our passage to the Asian Cup Finals, anything less could deny us that opportunity.

As hoped, we start brilliantly, pressing high and scoring after just 8 minutes. Left-winger Hassan worked his way into the box on 11 minutes and scores a belter; 2-0.

It’s not long til we score our 3rd, a simple finish from our striker with just 17 minutes on the clock. The 60th minute sees Mostafa Karim score his 2nd of the match, and 40th of his International career.

Hong Kong claw one back, an unlucky deflection falling to their striker on 74 minutes.

A fantastic display of attacking football in front of 33,500 passionate Iraqi fans to earn our spot in the Asian Cup Finals.

Final Score: Iraq 4-1 Hong Kong (screenshot below; click to enlarge)

Next month, Next blog

Another busy month ahead, March holding 7x League matches. Away trips to Preston, Rochdale and Notts County; hosting Portsmouth, Wrexham, Middlesbrough and Gillingham.

Tales of the Orient

January 2018

 

Asian Cup Qualifier – Iraq v Tajikistan (Home)

We dominated possession from the outset in front of a home crowd, but weren’t creating any solid chances. Finally take a deserved lead on 57 minutes, young striker Ali finishing off some one-touch play.

We kept creating chances as the 2nd Half continued and were rewarded with our 2nd goal just before Full-Time.
Final Score: Iraq 2-0 Tajikistan (screenshot below; click to enlarge)

 

Orient Express

League 1 side Leyton Orient approach me, and I accepted the position. So begins the next stop on my Career.

 

League 1 – Orient v Torquay (Home)

The new side gets away to a decent start, creating a few early chances. This was an opportunity for the players to show me what they had to offer.

A fairly even 1st half finishes 0-0.

Torquay almost take the lead midway through the 2nd Half but luckily the shot fizzes outside the post. Not a terrible result, but it’s obvious to me that this squad I have inherited requires more depth across the board in order to improve.

Final Score: Orient 0-0 Torquay (screenshot below; click to enlarge)

 

League 1 – Sheff. Utd. v Orient (Away)

The ‘Blades’ were asserting their authority early on, and score the game’s opening goal after just 13 minutes. They go ahead and double their lead 15 minutes later, some poor marking allowing them an easy chance.

A 3rd goal for the Home side comes just before Half-Time with a hint of Offside about it.

A great save from Sheffield United’s Goalkeeper turns away our first decent chance early in the 2nd Half. We finally trouble the scorers after 58 minutes, a late run into the box rewarded with a low cross for a sliding finish.

Midfielder Jimmy Ryan fairly blasts his long-range effort past a diving ‘keeper as we attempt to make a late challenge. A breakaway with 10 minutes remaining dampened our hopes of such a return as United restore the deficit to 2.

Jimmy Smith scores his 2nd of the match, guiding a corner home with his head but it was a case of too little, too late.

I was well pleased with the efforts in the 2nd Half, but a shocking start robbed us of the chance to come away with some reward.

Final Score: Sheff. Utd. 4-3 Orient (screenshot below; click to enlarge)

 

FA Cup 3rd Round – Orient v Middlesbrough (Home)

We start this match as we finished the last, and open the scoring on 18 minutes after an incisive counter-attack. Boro draw level 10 minutes later with a top strike from the edge of the box.

The visitors then go on and take the lead in the 2nd Half after carving our back line wide open. We keep searching for an equaliser but a series of great saves and poor efforts on goal deny us.

A breakthrough on 83 minutes as striker Ojamaa scores his 2nd. And so as the Final Whistle sounds, this tie is headed for a replay in a week’s time.

Final Score: Orient 2-2 Middlesbrough (screenshot below; click to enlarge)

 

Asian Cup Qualifier – Bahrain v Iraq (Away)

Qualifying Group leaders Bahrain started the stronger in this match, dominating possession and attempts at goal. We finish the half a bit better, denied by the crossbar and firing a Free Kick just over. 0-0 at Half-Time.

Bahrain looking dangerous in the 2nd Half as they continue to pass the ball around accurately. A goal comes on 54 minutes as we fail to clear the ball from our danger-area.

A great chance for us goes begging as a 1-on-1 chance is fired well over the bar. Bahrain denied a goal after 75 minutes only by the Assistant’s Offside flag, but no such fortune favoured us at the 83 minute-mark as a low shot is fired in from outside the area.

Final Score: Bahrain 2-0 Iraq (screenshot below; click to enlarge)

 

League 1 – Nottingham Forest v Orient (Away)

A fairly even start to the match, with neither team really able to break through. That was until the 26th minute when Forest finish a corner to take the lead.

A defensive mixup gifts Nottingham their 2nd goal with 60 minutes gone. This was a rather dull match, and to be fair we never looked like troubling the Home side. A disappointing performance all around.

Final Score: Forest 2-0 Orient (screenshot below; click to enlarge)

 

FA Cup, 3rd Round Replay – Middlesbrough v Orient (Away)

Boro were reduced to 10 men early on as a late challenge results in a straight-red card after just 3 minutes. A corner on 11 minutes leads to our opener, the original shot cleared off the line but only as far as our striker Ojamaa 6 yards out for the tap-in.

Centre-back Cuthbert doubles the lead on the 25 minute-mark, meeting a Free Kick delivered to the back post and nodding home well. Middlesbrough look to press higher up as the 2nd Half starts, firing a few shots on goal in the process.

Our lead becomes 3 as Ojamaa crosses low and hard across the face of goal for his strike-partner Gardner to finish, 58 minutes on the clock. Boro cop their 2nd Red card after 71 minutes, an ugly 2-footed effort leaving the Referee with no choice.

Even though we played against 10 and eventually 9 men I thought we looked more confident and comfortable on the ball. A solid performance across the board.

Final Score: Boro 0-3 Orient (screenshot below; click to enlarge)

 

League 1 – Orient v Hartlepool (Home)

A cracking start to this one, we take the lead with our first shot after just 4 minutes. Some nice, fluid build-up play.

Possession evens out over the next little while, but a corner on 28 minutes is delivered to a high-rising Cuthbert who steers the ball home for our 2nd goal. A great 1-on-1 save from our Goalkeeper keeps our lead safe at 2 late into the match.

The post comes to our rescue just a few minutes from Full-Time, but we hold out for a deserved win and Clean-Sheet.

Final Score: Orient 2-0 Hartlepool (screenshot below; click to enlarge)

 

Next month, Next blog

A busy February ahead, with 5x League matches. Away days at Oxford, Wycombe and Carlisle; and Home stands against Barnet and Colchester.

The month starts with the next round of the FA Cup though as we travel to Championship side Southampton.

Iraq have just 1 fixture in February, but it is indeed a massive one. The final Asian Cup Qualifier welcoming Hong Kong to Baghdad. A win would see us through, but anything less could potentially be fatal to our qualification.

 

Form is Temporary….

December 2017

German 2nd Div. – Frankfurt v Gladbach (Home)

The fact that it takes 19 minutes in order for either team to register a shot on goal is not a good start. Neither is the fact that the League leaders Gladbach make theirs count and take the lead.

We find an equaliser on the stroke of Half-Time, breaking away on the right flank to cross in for the sliding finish.

The Second Half was better for us, creating a few more chances but Gladbach hold firm to deny us. Still, a really nice point against a strong side and although it didn’t come, a winning goal wouldn’t have been unwarranted.

Final Score: Frankfurt 1-1 Gladbach (screenshot below; click to enlarge)

German 2nd Div. – Frankfurt v Leipzig (Home)

In another match that struggled for offensive action early on, we are awarded a penalty on 20 minutes and score. We don’t retain the lead for long though as Leipzig equalise 39 minutes on, an initial save falling to their striker for an easy finish.

Both teams were looking to attack more in the Second Half with shots flying in from all over the park. Only a brilliant save denies us from regaining the lead at around the 50 minute-mark.

Once again, a decent point but this could so easily have been taken away had we faced more clinical opposition.

Final Score: Frankfurt 1-1 Leipzig (screenshot below; click to enlarge)

German 2nd Div. – Dusseldorf v Frankfurt (Away)

The hosts begin well dominating us in possession. We start to come into the game more, employing a Counter-Attacking style of play.

Just before Half-Time centre-back Jovanovic slides in an effort to stop an onrushing Dusseldorf player but brings him down in the box, conceding a penalty as well as receiving his marching orders with a straight Red Card. Spot of good luck though, as the penalty is saved well by our ‘keeper.

60 minutes in and Dusseldorf finally breach our defence with too much space afforded to their striker who nets from just inside the 18-yard box.

Not a terrible result, considering the Red Card but we never really looked like scoring ourselves.

Final Score: Dusseldorf 1-0 Frankfurt (screenshot below; click to enlarge)

Pull the Pin

Immediately after this match, I was informed that my services were no longer required at Frankfurt. Admittedly, we hadn’t been performing to expectations, but I can’t help but feel a run of form was around the corner. I guess I’ll never know.

So the search resumes for the next stop on this career tour…

Next Month, Next Blog

Until a new Domestic position is sourced I have Iraq to concern myself with. January holds 2x Asian Cup Qualifiers with a Home match hosting Tajikistan and an Away trip to Group Leaders Bahrain.

November Rain

November 2017

Before any League matches take place, the German Cup 3rd Round draw was held. We can look forward to a home tie against Bundesliga side Freiburg.

German 2nd Div. – Wehen v Frankfurt (Away)

We create an early chance from a corner but it is headed well over the bar. Wehen go on to pass the ball around well and on 7 minutes take the lead with an easy finish.

A lucky deflection guides our equaliser past Wehen’s flailing ‘keeper at the 14 minute-mark. Some more fine one-touch play opens us right up and Wehen retake the lead just a minute later.

A lovely cross from the right is met by the diving head of Lebedynski to restore parity on 23 minutes. Wehen’s striker completes a First-Half hat-trick in Injury Time. An exciting half of football finished 3-2 in favour of the home side.

Into the Second-Half now, and a short Free Kick almost works for us, forcing a decent save at the near post for Wehen’s custodian.

We eventually draw level again on 81 minutes, newly-subbed striker Aas the scorer. Lebedynski had a half-chance late on to steal 3 points but his shot is saved well.

A thoroughly entertaining match for the neutral and a decent Away point for us.

Final Score: Wehen 3-3 Frankfurt (screenshot below; click to enlarge)

German 2nd Div. – Frankfurt v Aalen (Home)

Lebedynski misses an easy chance in the opening minutes, but makes up for it 20 minutes later with a precise finish.

A First-Half of near complete dominance ends with a scrappy section, allowing Aalen their first few shots of the match, luckily with no result.

The Second-Half is much tighter but the pressure is relieved at the 80 minute-mark as a penalty is awarded and converted.

Final Score: Frankfurt 2-0 Aalen (screenshot below; click to enlarge)

Asian Cup Qualifier – Hong Kong v Iraq (Away)

An Own-Goal off the heel of a Hong Kong defender nets us our opener on 14 minutes. Our 2nd comes just before Half-Time, a low cross met at the back stick for a simple tap-in.

A lovely finish from a tight angle blows the score out to 3-0 with 74 minutes gone, but Hong Kong capitalise on a  spilled save not long after, and the margin is back down to 2.

Nothing too brilliant about this match, but it is our first win for this campaign and hopefully the kick-start we need to ensure it is a successful one.

Final Score: Hong Kong 1-3 Iraq (screenshot below; click to enlarge)

International Friendly – Iraq v Philippines (Home)

Our first match in Baghdad in a few months, I was hoping to reward the fans with an entertaining affair.

Almost got off to a great start, being awarded a penalty 4 minutes in, but shot straight at the ‘keeper. We eventually take the lead on 18 minutes with some good interplay between the front pair.

An unfortunate deflection for Philippines results in our second goal with 24 minutes gone. Apart from the 2 goals, nothing much of note. Handed a 17-year-old Left Winger his debut which will hopefully stand him in good stead for matches with more than pride at stake.

Final Score: Iraq 2-0 Philippines (screenshot below; click to enlarge)

German 2nd Div. – Erfurt v Frankfurt (Away)

Things do not start well for us, conceding a penalty just 4 minutes in after a lunging tackle. The spot-kick is converted. Another penalty given away after 25 minutes, once again scored.

The score is quickly 3-0 within 30 minutes as a rocket is launched from the edge of the area, giving our Goalkeeper no chance. Centre-Back Jovanovic cops his 2nd Yellow card in the First-Half to really leave the remaining 10 players with a task.

To rub salt into the wound, the resultant Free Kick from Jovanovic’s foul is tucked away to give us absolutely no hope of a comeback.

The 2nd Half was a lot tighter defensively from our standpoint, but we didn’t trouble Erfurt and they walk away with a breezy 4-goal win.

Final Score: Erfurt 4-0 Frankfurt (screenshot below; click to enlarge)

Next month, Next blog

December kicks off with 3x League matches – Gladbach and Leipzig come calling and an away match at Dusseldorf.

We also have the 3rd Round of the German Cup as we welcome Freiburg for a Boxing Day clash.