COOK LEFT COLD BY FLAT PORTSMOUTH
O’s move into the play-off picture
PORTSMOUTH manager Paul Cook conceded his team were second best as the play-off chasers suffered a deserved defeat to Leyton Orient at Fratton Park.
Jobi McAnuff’s super second-half strike proved the difference for the O’s, who were resolute in their defending, with Pompey struggling to create many clear-cut chances.
And Cook admitted his side weren’t at the races throughout the clash. “We were second best for the majority of the game,” he said. “Orient were excellent and had clear-cut chances, continually causing us problems.
“I never felt we did anything to make it go for us. It was a flat performance at a crucial stage of the season.
“I need to take some of the criticism.We have to go away, regroup and come back stronger.We can’t take any positives out of the game. We’re all deeply disappointed but it’s now about our reaction next week.”
Cook made a number of changes to his starting XI after the late midweek draw at Morecambe as Kieron Freeman, Christian Burgess, Gary Roberts and Kyle Bennett all came into the team.
For Orient, player-manager Kevin Nolan made his first start for the club while Nicky Hunt and Shaun Brisley appeared for their debuts, but it was the hosts who started the brighter at a chilly Fratton Park as loan striker Marc McNulty forced Alex Cisak into a low stop in the second minute.
McNulty went close to grabbing the opener on the half-hour mark when he gained a yard after a neat pass from Bennett, but saw his toe-poked attempt from six yards smothered by Cisak at his feet.
Moments later, Orient winger Calaum JahraldoMartin slashed an effort well wide of Ryan Fulton’s righthand post, and then skipper Mathieu Baudry headed a deep McAnuff free-kick into the side-netting.
The returning Bennett was next to try his luck for Pompey, cutting in from the left but saw his 25-yard drive fly wide of the target. And just before the half came to a close, Sammy Moore glanced a McAnuff free-kick inches past the post and the sides went in level.
Minutes after the break Nolan missed a glorious chance when he scooped a close-range effort onto the bar and away after a block from Pompey defender Matt Clarke fell into his path.
But Orient did break the deadlock, and in stunning style from the right boot of McAnuff who curled an effort into the top right-hand corner from 25 yards.
Orient’s tails were up and after Nolan’s header called Fulton into action to claw the ball away from danger, O’s top scorer Jay Simpson spooned a shot over the upright from just three yards out.
Pompey tried to find an equaliser but struggled against a determined O’s side who could have added a second goal with three minutes remaining, but substitute Armand Gnanduillet’s volley was stopped by Fulton. And at the death, Conor Chaplin headed over as Orient held on to move into the play-offs as Pompey dropped out of them.
Nolan was delighted with his players but said that it is important for them to keep their feet on the ground heading into a vital stage of the season.
“We did exactly what was asked of us and I’m delighted. We could have come away with three or four goals,” said the 33-year-old. “It was a fantastic finish from Jobi. He’s a great lad and a great professional.
“It’s a fantastic win but it’s only three points. Being against our rivals it feels a bit better though.
“The camaraderie in the squad is brilliant and if we’re going to try to get up then we need the squad and we need that mentality.
“I’m happy because the team played well. I have good support staff here and if I wasn’t playing well they would have pulled me off!”