Leyton Orient 4, Yeovil Town 1: Glovers rue defensive errors

Miserable defending condemned Yeovil Town to a 4-1 thumping at Leyton Orient as their point-less streak extended to three matches last night.

The Glovers showed greater attacking intent and desire than in previous defeats to AFC Bournemouth and MK Dons, but found it undermined by a dismal display at the back.

Gary Johnson’s men showed glimpses of their slick passing approach so characteristic of their manager.

However, vulnerability from wide areas resulted in an evening in London the Glovers will be keen to forget.

Yeovil made four changes to the side that slumped 1-0 to MK Dons on Saturday. Rohan Ince came in for Richard Hinds at centre half, while Dominic Blizzard shifted to right back as Luke Ayling dropped to the bench.

Norwich City loanee Korey Smith made his first Glovers start in central midfield and Reuben Reid partnered James Hayter in attack ahead of Reading starlet Gozie Ugwu.

However, the changes failed to have the impact Johnson would have desired as Orient were gifted the lead after just three minutes.

Nathan Clarke’s long throw created chaos amongst the Yeovil defence and as Ince jumped with Ben Chorley the Chelsea loanee appeared to shirk the header and the ball hit the hosts’ defender, leaving Marek Stech stranded.

Seven minutes later another Clarke throw brought panic, the ball dropping in the area and Kevin Lisbie hooking in with Ince in no-man’s-land. However, the referee assistant’s offside flag saved the visitors.

On 12 minutes, with Ince out of position, Lisbie flicked on keeper Ryan Allsop’s deep free kick. Ryan Brunt turned and shot but failed to get a good enough contact to beat Stech.

The Glovers showed glimpses of their improved attacking play on 14 minutes. James Hayter and Reuben Reid linked well on the edge of the box, only for Allsop’s valiant block to deny Hayter.

However, another defensive hiccup on 24 minutes would undermine that promising passing game. Lee Cook’s diagonal cross should have been dealt with by Yeovil but found its way to the far post where Brunt had stolen ahead of his man to head in.

Yeovil showed signs of immediate improvement after the break and gave themselves a lifeline on 55 minutes. Korey Smith could easily have gone to ground under pressure in the box, but regained his composure to cross for Sam Foley to power in at the far post.

Seconds later Dean Cox brought a sharp save from Allsop and the offside flag prevented a follow-up opportunity. As the Somerset side continued to grow in confidence, Blizzard broke forward on 62 minutes. His cross was only half cleared and Ed Upson’s sharp drive was blocked.

But the attacking endeavour counted for little as more inept defending ended the game as a contest after 71 minutes. Orient swung a corner into the six-yard box, Yeovil failed to react and with Stech rooted to his line Jimmy Smith slid in to tap home. Former Glovers’ boss Russell Slade’s men rubbed salt further in the wounds 11 minutes from time. Allsop’s booted clearance was flicked on and Lisbie enjoyed time and space to calmly slot between Stech’s legs.

On 87 minutes Orient substitutes David Mooney and Afolabi Obafemi linked for the latter to force a stunning reflex stop from Stech before the giant Czech stopper repeated the feat from Anthony Griffith.

Leyton Orient: Allsop; McSweeney, Chorley, Clarke, Sawyer; Cox, Griffith, J. Smith, Cook (Odubajo, 67); Lisbie (Obafemi, 85), Brunt (Mooney, 80). Not used: Baudry, Grainger, Laird.

Goals: Chorley 3, Cook 24, J. Smith 71, Lisbie 79.

Bookings: McSweeney (foul), Allsop (unsporting conduct).

Yeovil Town Stech; Blizzard (Ayling, 62), Ince (Nkumu, 80), Webster, Ralph; Marsh-Brown (Ugwu, 46), Upson, K. Smith, Foley; Reid, Hayter. Not used: Hinds, Stewart, Young.

Goal: Foley 55.

Bookings: None

Referee: Keith Stroud (Wiltshire).

Attendance: 2,876.

MATCH ACTION - IN PICTURES

Leyton Orient 4, Yeovil Town 1 - npower League One