Ratings - Grimsby (H)

[Rich Tea Wellin]

Firstly, well done to Richie and the boys. First game and a win with a clean sheet, can’t ask for much more. I thought we were losing our way a bit towards the end of the first half but we basically nullified any threat they had second. Was right by Richie, which was interesting, but more on that over the next few days. He still won’t be completely happy and we need to be better organised against better teams and make better decisions but a wins a win. Grimsby did alright on the counter attack first half but didn’t have much else about them.

Vigs - 7 - although it sort of hit him, great double save in the first half. His distribution needs to be quicker and he needs to make better decisions but he got a clean sheet. Nothing to do second half.
Hunt - 5 - solid enough start but he got caught out of position a few times and gave far too much room for crosses to come in. He’ll be good once he gets to know the squad a bit more.
Beckles - 7 - solid performance.
Happe - 8 - gonna give him an extra mark cos he was a rock despite probably not being 100% fit. Richie was talking to him loads and I’ll think he’ll really come on under Wellens.
Thompson - 5 - solid second half but was caught out 2-3 times first half and one should have put us 1-0 down. Not sure about him at RB.

James - 7 - hard to score him really. One of the best goals I’ve ever seen down Brisbane Road but I think he looked a bit lost as a CDM. Calm on the ball but didn’t look very interested in tackling. Feel like it’s a bit of a waste for our best player to be out of position.

Moncur - 7 - ran his bollocks off and finally scored us a pen. Didn’t do too much but got into some good positions and the attacking threat he brings from midfield will be key this year. He’s gonna be good for us.
Pratley - 6 - nothing of note but to be fair to him he ran and ran on a very hot day until the last second.

Sotiriou - 5 - did a fair bit of defensive running first half but he wasn’t really at it today. Still could have scored but he needs to do better if he wants to keep his place.
Smyth - 7 - was a big threat first half but should have squared the ball instead of shooting. Caused problems though but probably not best suited to that 9 role.
Archibald - 5 - was disappointed in him. Clearly got lots to give but was a ghost first half. Better second but his quality was lacking today.

Subs:
Clay - 5 - granted he’s not 100% sharp but thought he’d bring a bit more energy to midfield and he didn’t have a touch really.
Smith - 5 - nothing aside from chasing down the keeper. Could be a sign of what’s required of him from Richie though.
Sweeney - 6 - could of nice touches and a delicious through ball.

[Rich Tea Wellin]

I’d also say that’s the first time I’ve enjoyed an Orient game and the match day experience/atmosphere for about 3/4 years. Decent.

[MrB]

Nice one Apple wumble

[Rich Tea Wellin]

Probably a bit harsh with some of the 5s but it was the type of game where it could have easily ended 0-0.

[Bergen]

Theo was better than 5, but apart from that I agree.

[Max Fowler]

Woah, that wasn’t Wood at left back?

[BigDaddyO]

Thanks for the ratings but I have to disagree with a few of then there.

A 5 for Hunt is incredibly harsh, thought he played well against their better players too, 7 for me, didn't do anything wrong and generally looked to play it forward.

8 for Happe is insane. 6 for me, made some good interceptions and headers, but also still slow to react at times, no way he's MoM.

5 for Archi??? Bizarre stuff.

Still, great win, up the Os!

[macc13Aug02]

I'd be interested in knowing if RW is regarding James as potentially the offering the missing piece in central midfielder, a player who can make himself available and provide a link between the defence and the attackers, or if this was a move dictated by injuries.

[Max Fowler]

Vigs 7. Done what he had to. Distribution for a division 4 goalkeeper is just ridiculous.

Thompson 7. Possibly MOTM. Not a right back but never lets us down out there. Smashed their left winger all over the place.

Hunt 7. Literally only just found out that wasn’t Wood at left back. Thought he was right footed? Couldn’t tell.

Beckles 7. Solid as ever.

Happe 6. Good return. Still needs to be nastier.

James 7. Extra mark for the strike, possibly the best hit I’ve ever seen. Did ok in an unfamiliar position, linked play well but didn’t offer much cover. Sooner we get him back to RB the better.

Pratley 7. Didn’t stop competing, little bit of flair on display too. Was the right decision to keep him out of the CDM spot.

Moncur 6. Decent start. Floats around with the ball beautifully. Not much end product today.

Theo/Ruel/Smyth 6.5. All worked tirelessly, helping each other and the midfield out, but lacked a physical presence up top.

Really enjoyable game, Grimsby weren’t a bad side and game could have gone either way but we just about edged it. Some brave decisions by Richie juggling things around but they all came off.

We are top of the league, say we are top of the league etc etc

[gshaw]

I'd be interested in knowing if RW is regarding James as potentially the offering the missing piece in central midfielder, a player who can make himself available and provide a link between the defence and the attackers, or if this was a move dictated by injuries.

Dictated by lack of a CDM in the squad at present. Hopefully be resolved by next week...

[Admin]

Woah, that wasn’t Wood at left back?

Wood was sat in coronation gardens about 2.00 so assume he’s injured?

[whittle76]

I'd be interested in knowing if RW is regarding James as potentially the offering the missing piece in central midfielder, a player who can make himself available and provide a link between the defence and the attackers, or if this was a move dictated by injuries.

He was the link between defence and midfield and even ended up playing left back.

[Eggski]

Good bit of ratings Thought Thompson had a bit of a mare, looked out of position and off the pace, a decent team will punish him. But 3 points , let's all be happy

[Rich Tea Wellin]

Woah, that wasn’t Wood at left back?

Wood was sat in coronation gardens about 2.00 so assume he’s injured?

Got to be on his way out. Probably the player rumoured to be going.

[macc13Aug02]

I'd be interested in knowing if RW is regarding James as potentially the offering the missing piece in central midfielder, a player who can make himself available and provide a link between the defence and the attackers, or if this was a move dictated by injuries.

He was the link between defence and midfield and even ended up playing left back.

Yeah that's what he was today (and FWIW I think he did the job well). I'm wondering if that's RW's plan, or this was an emergency move given injured midfielders

[Beradogs]

Ruel was poor. Theo better than I five. I also thought Happe had a decent game, I am not usually a fan.

[banqo]

Woah, that wasn’t Wood at left back?

Wood was sat in coronation gardens about 2.00 so assume he’s injured?

Got to be on his way out. Probably the player rumoured to be going.

Boco Island is still open isn't it?🏝🏝

[RedDwarf 1881]

I'd be interested in knowing if RW is regarding James as potentially the offering the missing piece in central midfielder, a player who can make himself available and provide a link between the defence and the attackers, or if this was a move dictated by injuries.

I hope not because he's the best RB in league 2. I'd prefer it if we kept him in his strongest position . It would be better if we could bring in another central midfielder to fulfil that position .

[Rich Tea Wellin]

Richie was on Happe (makes me laugh that he referred to him as “Dan Hap” throughout) in a good way. Giving him positional advice during the game and other bits during breaks. He also bollocked him a few times when necessary, but in a constructive way.

Happe was so good and then went downhill under a succession of managers and I think Wellens sees a lot of potential in him and will be good for the lad.

[RedDwarf 1881]

Wood was sat in coronation gardens about 2.00 so assume he’s injured?

Got to be on his way out. Probably the player rumoured to be going.

Boco Island is still open isn't it?🏝🏝

I hope not . Wood is still a good left back . I'd rather it was one of Coleman, Brown or Sweeney that was leaving .

[Rich Tea Wellin]

I’d imagine, judging by the bench and the fact that sweeney came on, they’ve made the decision Hunt is first choice and are comfortable with Sweeney as a back up. Either that or Wood kicked off when Hunt came in.

[gshaw]

I'd be interested in knowing if RW is regarding James as potentially the offering the missing piece in central midfielder, a player who can make himself available and provide a link between the defence and the attackers, or if this was a move dictated by injuries.

He was the link between defence and midfield and even ended up playing left back.

Yeah that's what he was today (and FWIW I think he did the job well). I'm wondering if that's RW's plan, or this was an emergency move given injured midfielders

Based on the RW post match interview it was done out of necessity. He prefers to have a specialist player there for the defensive duties but appreciates James' quality to be able to step in and play there.

[Orient Punxx]

Sweeney didn’t replace Hunt - James did.

[Orient Punxx]

Got to be on his way out. Probably the player rumoured to be going.

Boco Island is still open isn't it?🏝🏝

I hope not . Wood is still a good left back . I'd rather it was one of Coleman, Brown or Sweeney that was leaving .

Wouldn’t put Sweeney in that grouping. Will be very much involved this season - great through ball played to Archibald btw.

[moonwalk19]

Woah, that wasn’t Wood at left back?

Wood was sat in coronation gardens about 2.00 so assume he’s injured?

Got to be on his way out. Probably the player rumoured to be going.

Sat 2 rows in front of me. Looked disgruntled . Drinan also in front of me and I asked when will he ready to play and he said 4 WEEKS. That’s 2 weeks later than RW said.