Leyton Orient returned to winning ways as they beat ten-man Gateshead 2-0 and maintained their lead at the top of the National League table. Josh Koroma bagged a fantastic solo goal while Macauley Bonne netted a late second at the Breyer Group Stadium on Saturday evening.
Gateshead got things underway in E10, with Justin Edinburgh’s side looking to return to winning ways after a frustrating 0-0 draw with Aldershot last week.
Orient looked to dictate the early stages and find the opening goal of the game. A low cross from Joe Widdowson trickled past everyone and out of the box, before Sam Ling sent a stinging shot over the bar after nine minutes.
The visitors picked up the first booking of the game as Gregg Olley caught Dale Gorman with a late sliding challenge. Jobi McAnuff’s free-kick from deep was headed down by Marvin Ekpiteta towards Koroma, but the young forward’s curling effort was headed clear by a Gateshead defender.
Heed’s Jon Mellish nearly diverted the ball into his own net after 25 minutes. An in-swinging corner from James Dayton curled towards the back post where Mellish’s clearance nearly looped into the net.
Asking Questions
Gateshead looked to threaten the hosts on the counter as chances were hard to come by. Left-back Scott Barrow flashed a shot narrowly wide after carrying the ball from his own half and shooting from edge of the area.
Orient had a penalty appeal waved away as Mellish appeared to handle the ball in the area, but the referee waved play on despite the appeals of Koroma.
Before the half time whistle, Koroma hit the bar with a spectacular curling effort from 30 yards. Orient soaked up a rare attack from the visitors and then countered quickly. McAnuff carried the ball over the half-way line before teeing up Koroma to bend an effort off the woodwork.
King Koroma
Gateshead looked to frustrate Orient after the restart, sitting deep as they looked to hold onto a point. Ling latched onto the end of a Dayton corner, but could only send his header wide after attacking the ball well.
Just before the hour mark, Koroma gave Orient the lead with yet another fantastic finish. The 20-year-old wriggled in and out, beating two defenders as he charged into the box, before smashing the ball into the corner of the net.
As the game entered the final 10 minutes, Gateshead substitute Steven Rigg looked to equalise but could only direct his header straight into the gloves of Dean Brill. Then, Tom White’s half volley from the edge of the area whistled past Brill’s post as Gateshead tried to salvage a point.
Points Secured
At the other end, Gateshead goalkeeper Aynsley Pears made two vital saves for his side. First, he prevented Koroma from a brace by clawing away a curling effort from outside the area. Then, he did brilliantly to divert Bonne’s point-blank effort onto the crossbar.
Substitute James Alabi played a vital part in Orient’s second as the powerful forward forced Gateshead into a mistake. He chased an under-hit back pass with great pressure and raced onto the ball before squaring for Bonne to tap home.
This goal confirmed Orient’s victory and left Gateshead with no time to get back into the game. In the final exchanges, Olley picked up his second yellow card for a reckless challenge on Alabi and was given his marching orders.
Away Days
Next, the O’s travel to Boreham Wood this Saturday 8th December. The game will be broadcast live on BT Sport, with kick-off scheduled for 12:35.
Match Stats
Orient: Dean Brill, Sam Ling (Alex Lawless 70’), Josh Coulson, Marvin Ekpiteta, Joe Widdowson, Jobi McAnuff (C), Dale Gorman (James Brophy 74’), Craig Clay, James Dayton (James Alabi 86’), Josh Koroma, Macauley Bonne.
SUBS: Arthur Janata, Dan Happe.
GOALS: Koroma (59’), Bonne (95’)
BOOKED: Widdowson (69’)
HEED: Aynsley Pears, Robbie Tinkler, Fraser Kerr, Mike Williamson, Jon Mellish (JJ O’Donnell 77’), Scott Barrow, Tom White, Gregg Olley, Luke Molyneux (Steven Rigg 64’), Luke Armstrong, Scott Boden.
SUBS: Mark Foden, Jack Hunter.
GOALS:
BOOKED: Olley (15’), Barrow (70’)
SENT OFF: Olley (96’)
REFEREE: Carl Brook
ATTENDANCE: 4,631 (51)
