Jonah Ayunga’s strike early in the second half was enough for Sutton United to come away with all three points, putting an end to Leyton Orient’s formidable form after the O’s had enjoyed an unbeaten start in the National League.
The forward cut inside from the left flank and hit a low shot which crept in at Dean Brill’s near post. It wasn’t the cleanest connection, but the ball had enough on it to beat the O’s keeper and proved to be the only difference between the sides.
Throughout the game, Orient struggled to find any rhythm though may have equalised right at the death when substitute Dale Gorman curled a stunning effort onto the crossbar. The O’s kept pushing for an equaliser but the away side stuck to their guns, giving the travelling fans a memorable victory.
Feisty Encounter
Paul Doswell’s side came to East London with a strategic game plan, time wasting early on and getting stuck in to challenges to ruffle Orient’s feathers. The U’s kept referee Carl Brook busy with the official forced to book six players throughout the course of the game.
The first-half was scrappy and chances were hard to come by. On 23 minutes, Jobi McAnuff whipped in a dangerous corner for Joe Widdowson whose header beat the goalkeeper but a wall of yellow shirts on the line did enough to clear the ball.
Minutes later, Sutton came forward with Aron Drinan flashing a volley wide after some good work down the wing from Dale Bennett. Macauley Bonne had an opportunity to put Orient ahead on the brink of half-time. James Dayton wiggled and weaved through opposition players before chipping a delicate cross onto Bonne’s head, who could only direct his header into the gloves of Butler as the game remained goalless at half time.
Frustrating Finale
Once Sutton took the lead they looked to contain Orient. O’s boss Justin Edinburgh made all three of his available substitutions in a bid to change the fate of the game. James Brophy injected some flair down the left flank but couldn’t quite make the difference. The winger created an opening with only 10 minutes remaining, weaving in and out before scuffing his shot wide.
As Orient tried desperately to score, Gorman’s effort looked to have stolen a point right at the death. With the keeper rooted to the spot, the ball smacked against the cross bar and the Orient faithful screamed in disbelief before the referee blew his whistle after five minutes of stoppage time.
Moving Forward
Orient travel to Maidenhead United next Saturday and victory could see them regain top spot. After the disappointment of this result, it will be a test of the character of the Leyton Orient players and whether or not they can bounce back.
MATCH FACTS
Leyton Orient: Dean Brill, Joe Widdowson, Josh Coulson, Jobi McAnuff (C), Craig Clay, Macauley Bonne, James Dayton (65), Myles Judd (75), Josh Koroma, Marvin Ekpiteta, Charlie Lee (65)
Subs: Sam Sargent, Sam Ling, James Brophy (65), Dale Gorman (65), James Alabi (75)
Goals:
Sutton United: Jamie Butler, Dale Bennett, Ashwad Thomas, Dean Beckwith, Charlie Clough, Kenny Davis (72), Jonah Ayunga (76), Craig Eastmond (C), Nicky Bailey, Tommy Wright (64), Aron Drinan.
Subs: Tom Bolarinwa (64), Ross Lafayette, Wayne Brown (72), Harry Beautyman, Dan Wishart (76)
Goals: Jonah Ayunga (48)
Referee: Carl Brook