Independent Leyton Orient Forum

Agreed with eagy, that was a pretty weak side. We were comfortable winners, better, faster and stronger all over the park.

Positives: We looked sharp up top, some great linking with JWMD in the hole, he’s perfect for that role. Koroma has been put off U23 football from what he saw tonight.

Negatives: Clay and Lee as a pairing, sorry, just doesn’t work as we all know, it was ok going forwards but defensively was poor, allowing them to run at our back line unchallenged too often. Jobi and Widdowson didn’t feature, I hope there’s no issues with either, they’re both needed.

Can’t wait for Wembley now.

Blatant speculation - wonder if Widdowson has been told that he isn't being offered a new deal or has decided to leave. As a result of this, he didn't want to risk getting injured in a nothing game and jeopardising a new contract elsewhere. More likely to be injured or not available for personal reasons though.

McAnuff probably needs some more time to get over his injury.

Smendrick Feaselberg wrote: ↑Fri May 10, 2019 11:09 pm Blatant speculation - wonder if Widdowson has been told that he isn't being offered a new deal or has decided to leave. As a result of this, he didn't want to risk getting injured in a nothing game and jeopardising a new contract elsewhere. More likely to be injured or not available for personal reasons though.

McAnuff probably needs some more time to get over his injury.

If that was the case, which it ain’t, why would he travel in and sit with the rest of the lads watching that?

Has to be an injury, just hope it’s only minor.

Of course, especially as you'd think Lawless and Lee aren't returning but played.

From what I saw, all the squad were there, Judd, Grainger, Dayton, the lot. Widdowson seemed very happy posing for photos with people, him and Jobi rested nothing more than that I suspect.

Jobi is still recovering from his torn groin. He doesn’t need practice he needs rest and recuperation so as to be ready for the final.

I thought it was slack marking by Ling that gave Jaden Philogene-Bidace too much space to get his shot in for Villas goal. Just to mention a few of the players who were on the pitch last night, thought Lawless did ok in his time on the pitch but he is not the future and if he leaves, sure he will get fixed up with another club ok. As to the youngsters who came on late Ogie did ok as a central defender ( he is huge for his age ! ) and was impressed by Jayden Sweeney, he looks a really good prospect at left back, did some good overlapping as well, could he be our regular left back within a season or so ? Lee and Clay do not seem to click as a midfield pairing ( we know that anyway ) JMD impressive playing in the pocket behind the strikers, IMO, at present that is his best position. Lastly, King Harrold came on for his normal cameo and once again scored from a header !! Matt has played so well in the last few months since he has stayed injury free, that despite his age ( he will be 35 years old July 2019 ) It must be a dilemma for JE as to if to offer him a new deal for next season.

Was still a great strike.

But yeah, Lingy (and Lee) got turned to easily. The lack of cover centrally in midfield was a worrying feature all night.