MATCH REPORT: Leyton Orient 1-2 Blackpool

Blackpool climbed into the League Two play-off spots and extended their unbeaten run to six games with a 2-1 win against Leyton Orient.
Goalscorer Jamille Matt.Goalscorer Jamille Matt.
Goalscorer Jamille Matt.

Tom Aldred scored his first goal of the season to add to Jamille Matt’s first-half opener as Gary Bowyer’s men held on for another three points.

Orient's Paul McCallum headed home in the 89th minute to ensure a nervy finish to the game, but the Seasiders held firm to secure all three points.

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The win means Pool are now six games unbeaten as they recorded their first back-to-backs win of the season, building on last week’s 4-0 thrashing of Notts County.

The game was marred by protests both before and during the game, with the Orient fans clearly unhappy with the ownership of Francesco Becchetti.

The Seasiders, clearly buoyed by their recent good form, made a confident start to the game but were unable to create any clear goalscoring opportunities in the opening stages.

The first goalmouth action came Pool’s way, when Kelvin Mellor’s clipped ball over the top found Brad Potts who saw his left-footed effort thwarted by Alex Cisak in the Orient goal.

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The hosts had their first effort on goal shortly afterwards after they had broken well at speed, but the linesman flagged for offside after the ball had fell for Gavin Massey inside the Pool box.

With 18 minutes on the clock, the supporters of both sides got to their feet but it had nothing to do with the action on the pitch.

The O’s fans sang “stand up for the Orient” as they continued their protests against their owner, having joined their Blackpool counterparts in a protest outside the ground before the game.

However, midway through the half, the Pool fans were on their feet again as they celebrated Jamille Matt’s opener.

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The big man cut inside his man inside the Orient box and fired high into the goal to open the deadlock.

The hosts were inches away from getting back on level terms just moments later when the impressive Gavin Massey struck a superb shot that rebounded off the post from range.

The home side had the ball in the back of the net shortly before half time but Michael Collins’ close range effort was ruled out for offside.

The O’s put the pressure on in the final moments of the first half but were unable to break through a stubborn Pool defence.

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In fact it was the Seasiders who came closest to scoring, but Colin Daniel was unable to get his shot away inside the six-yard box.

The hosts continued to probe at the start of the second period but

Kyle Vassell had a half hearted appeal for a penalty when he went down in the box, but referee Brendan Malone wasn’t to be persuaded.

The forward went close to doubling Pool’s lead when he cut inside and curled in a low effort towards the bottom corner, only for Cisak to palm it away out for a corner.

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But the ball was in the back of the net from the resulting corner as Tom Aldred rose highest to head home a Jack Payne corner to notch his first goal of the season.

Vassell almost added Pool’s third after trying his luck from range, only to see his rasping drive fly just inches over the bar.

The striker then delivered a teasing cross towards the back post for Matt, but his header was week and Cisak collected easily.

Brad Potts thought he had added his name to the scoresheet when he lifted the ball over the oncoming 'keeper, but a recovering defender reached the ball just in time to clear away.

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The hosts ensured a frantic finish when substitute Paul McCallum rose highest to head into the corner of Slocombe's goal. The O's pushed ahead for an unlikely equaliser but they were unable to find that all-important goal.

Leyton Orient: Cisak, Hunt, Erichot (Dunne), Parkes, Kennedy, Massey, Weir, Atangana, Collins (Semedo), Simpson, Palmer (McCallum)

Subs not used: Sargeant, Pollock, Ochieng, Adeboyejo

Blackpool: Slocombe, Mellor, Aldred, Robertson, Taylor, Daniel (McAlister) Pugh, Payne, Potts, Vassell (Philliskirk), Matt (Gnanduillet)

Subs not used: Boney, Nolan, Osayi-Samuel, Cullen

Referee: Brendan Malone

Attendance: 4,376, (361)