Ross ‘not after’ O’s job as Iron strike hot

ROSS Embleton distanced himself from talk over the vacant managerial position at Leyton Orient after overseeing the first match of his third caretaker spell in charge.

Following a humiliating FA Cup exit at the hands of eighth-tier Maldon & Tiptree last weekend, Carl Fletcher was sacked after just 29 days in charge.

However, Embleton’s return to the hotseat failed to spark a change of fortunes after goals from Alex Gilliead and Lee

Novak gave Scunthorpe victory.

“It was disappointing,” he admitted. “I thought the boys had a go. It was an unbelievable strike for the first goal.

“We had chances and shots from distance without really hurting their keeper.

“Of course, [the sacking] had an effect on preparation. We’re not going to use that as an excuse and I’ve said that to the boys.

“Because of how quickly the decision came around to remove Carl, the priority was to lift the boys’ spirits and energise them ahead.

“A month ago I said [while interim head coach] that I didn’t want the job on a permanent basis. I’m not going to stand here now and say I want the job as that would look ridiculous.” Nine of the Orient players who started in their FA Cup humiliation kept their places, but the hosts failed to react and were behind after just four minutes.

After a corner by Kevin van Veen was not dealt with, the ball found its way to Gilliead on the edge of the box. He steadied himself, before firing home a right-footed rocket past Dean Brill.

The Iron almost doubled their advantage before the break, with Sam

Ling producing a lastditch tackle on Abo Eisa.

The Iron wrapped up their first league away win of the season when Novak latched on to Matty Lund’s through ball, before burying past Brill to send 612 away supporters home happy.

Iron boss Paul Hurst was delighted with his side’s display. “It was a very good away performance,” he said.

“I don’t think our goalkeeper has had too many saves to make. We didn’t want to be defensive, but we didn’t want them to gain the impetus with the change of boss and a full house.

“We feel there’s been a relegation hangover from last season, but we are moving up the table.”