Hess says sorry for slump by Orient

ORIENT manager Andy Hessenthaler apologised to the club’s fans after their poor home record continued with defeat against Yeovil.

O’s fans called for owner Francesco Becchetti to quit at the final whistle, blaming him for the team’s poor performance and still bitter at the decision to release winger Dean Cox from his contract.

Yeovil ended a five-game losing streak thanks to Tom Eaves’ second-half header, moving out of the League Two relegation zone in the process. And Hessenthaler admitted his team were below-par while also understanding the frustration of the home fans.

He said: “We weren’t good enough and we know that. All over the pitch the players didn’t perform as we know they can.

“We’ve got a good group of players but it isn’t happening for us at home at the moment.

“Whether they are nervous in front of the home fans, I don’t know.

“The players aren’t silly, they know they didn’t play well and I didn’t have to say very much to them in the dressing room. We’re all disappointed.

“I’m used to the supporters having their say because we had it last year but I understand because it wasn’t good enough.

“They were right to criticise. We had a bad day and we were second best. We want the fans to have success and we need them to stick with us.”

Yeovil moved above Exeter and Newport in the League Two table and manager Darren Way was delighted with his side’s display.

He said: “The performance was amazing. I told the lads to stay cool and calm and I was very pleased with the response I got.

“Every player stood strong and we deserved to win. We’ve all been working very hard and showed the right attitude.

“Tom deserved his goal because it’s the best performance I’ve seen from him and his hard work is paying off.

“Orient had pressure at the end of the game but I always felt confident that we would see the game out and to come here and win is a great achievement.”

After an even first half Yeovil took control after the break and got their reward in the 76th minute.

A short corner routine saw Matt Butcher cross the ball in for Eaves to head past Alex Cisak in the Orient goal via the underside of the crossbar.

And the Glovers held on for just their second win of the season, with late blocks denying both Jay Simpson and Paul McCallum.