Macauley Bonne’s second half strike handed Orient a slim 1-0 advantage after the first leg of the FA Trophy semi-final against the Bucks.
Head Coach Justin Edinburgh made three changes to the side who began the 2-1 victory at Aldershot Town in the National League on Tuesday evening.
Jamie Turley slotted in at centre back, ahead of the midweek match winner Josh Coulson who dropped to the bench.
Meanwhile, James Brophy was deployed at left wing-back with Dale Gorman replacing the injured Jordan Maguire-Drew in midfield, as the O’s lined up in a 5-2-1-2 formation.
Orient got the game underway on a blustery afternoon at The Breyer Group Stadium, kicking from right to left in their traditional all-red home strip.
End-to-End
Buoyed by their vocal travelling support, Telford made a brave start to the first leg of this semi-final tie. Ryan Barnett charged down the right, advancing into the penalty area and floating a tempting cross behind for a goal-kick.
In response, Orient had a glorious opportunity to break the deadlock. Gorman’s powerful free-kick was parried into the path of Bonne, who was alert to the rebound but guided his header wide of the post from close-range.
Quickly, the Bucks were asking questions of their hosts once again when Steph Morley whipped a delicious ball towards Daniel Udoh, who couldn’t leap high enough to make a connection in the centre of the goal.
Locked Horns
As the half hour mark approached, the tempo of the game slowed with the teams battling to assert their authority on proceedings. Both had seen glimpses of goal but were yet to find that elusive opener.
However, a silky piece of skill down the right created space for Barnett to drive into. He pulled the ball back for Darryl Knights on the edge of the box, whose driven effort was swiftly charged down by Turley.
Then, Orient came close to snatching a precious lead. Jobi McAnuff’s fierce drive was beaten away by Bucks’ goalkeeper Andy Wycherley but only to the feet of Bonne, who controlled and miscued his effort wide of the target leaving the sides all square at the break.
Macca Menacing
Orient made their first change at the interval with Sam Ling being replaced by Coulson who came into the back three. They were quickly called into action when Udoh drove into the penalty area before dragging a left-footed shot harmlessly wide.
Eight minutes after the restart, Orient succeeded in finding a crucial breakthrough. Turley’s cross from the right was cushioned down by Matt Harrold, falling to Bonne who had his back to goal but confidently tucked the ball home with a shot on the turn.
On 66 minutes, the O’s faithful rose in admiration as Josh Koroma made his return from a hamstring injury in place of Gorman. However, Telford were looking lively in their search for an equaliser with Orient forced to do some defending momentarily.
Close Call
For the final 10 minutes, Edinburgh introduced James Dayton with Harrold making way. However, Telford could have levelled the tie when Dean Brill’s punch came out to Knights, whose attempt was blocked in the goalmouth and gathered by the O’s shot-stopper.
Again, the Bucks came forward with Udoh weaving into the box before firing straight down Brill’s throat. Having impressed in an unfamiliar right-wing back role during the second half, Turley was deservedly named Orient’s man of the match prior to four minutes stoppage time.
Much to the O’s delight, David Rock’s whistle brought this hard-fought contest to an end. The O’s take a narrow lead into the halfway stage of this tie, and will travel to Telford for the second leg next Saturday with a place at Wembley the prize at stake.
Happe Days
Click the link to hear defender Dan Happe speaking exclusively to Rising East about the O’s victory and Bonne’s ‘scoring boots.’
Match Stats
ORIENT: Brill, Ling (Coulson, 45’), McAnuff (C), Clay, Bonne, Happe, Brophy, Gorman
(Koroma 66’), Harrold (Dayton 79’), Ekpiteta, Turley.
SUBS: Sargeant (GK), Alabi.
GOALS: Bonne (53’)
BOOKED:
TELFORD: Wycherley, White, Morley (Daniels 19’), Royle, Sutton, Streete, Barnett (Smith 81’), McQuilkin, Morgan-Smith (Brown 64’), Udoh, Knights.
SUBS: Martinez (GK), Lilley.
GOALS:
BOOKED:
REFEREE: David Rock
ATTENDANCE: 3,622 (429 Telford)
