ORIENT: Williams hails team's response (From East London and West Essex Guardian Series)

ORIENT: Williams hails team's response

1:53pm Sunday 14th March 2010 in

• Skip social links
• Print
• Email
• Comments(0)

LEYTON ORIENT boss Geraint Williams hailed his players for responding to the disappointment of a midweek defeat at Oldham by comfortably seeing off the challenge of Walsall on Saturday.

The O’s boasted the undesirable record of seven winless games heading into the clash at Brisbane Road, with a win required to keep themselves out of the clutches of relegation.

However, an emphatic all-round performance was capped by a brace of goals from Sean Thornton and an impressive display from Frenchman Jonathan Tehoué, who was celebrated his new long-term contract at the club with a fine individual display.

Defeat would have seen Orient slip dangerously closer to League One’s drop zone, but the team raised their game when it mattered, following a dressing down from their manager after the 2-0 defeat by Oldham last Tuesday.

“It was absolutely superb,” said a delighted Williams. “We sat them down in the dressing room (after Oldham), we were all together and we said that no-one’s going to do it for us, we’ve got to find a way to do it ourselves and I thought the players did that today.”

The Welshman praised an attack that threatened the Walsall backline at will and his own defence, which barely had to lift a finger to thwart the visitors’ toothless display, Glenn Morris not having to make one save throughout the 90 minutes.

“I thought it was a good performance, going forward we created a lot of chances but defensively we looked very, very solid. I’m delighted with that. Cavey (Andrew Cave-Brown) came on when Purch (Stephen Purches) felt his calf. He played his part and everyone has played their part today.

“Every win is important. When you get three points it’s big. Today was about us getting back to basics. We did that on a difficult pitch against a good team and we thoroughly deserved the win today.”

Williams could also claim credit for Orient’s opener, as he was ready to replace Blackburn Rovers loanee Aaron Doran with Harry Baker, only to have a last-minute change of heart. It proved decisive, as it was the winger’s shot that was deflected into the path of Thornton to tap in to give the hosts the lead.

“Doran was coming off but we decided to leave him on. It was great managerial decision,” Williams joked. “He had the shot blocked and Sean Thornton put it in. That’s just one of those things that happens, sometimes it goes for you, sometimes it doesn’t and today it did.”

Thornton then wrapped up the points ten minutes later when he slotted home after showing impressive composure in the box.