It’s Freddie, steady, go! Sears off to flying start
AN early goal from Freddie Sears saw Colchester interim boss Wayne Brown still unbeaten after four games in charge.
Taking charge following the sacking of Hayden Mullins, Brown has steered the Essex side to two wins and two draws.
He said: “It was a brilliant win for the lads.
“There was a lot stacked against us today in respect of wives giving birth, Covid, players going down in warm-ups on top of the injuries we have already got, but it just highlights the trust that we have in the youngsters.
“Any successful team or club do have strength in depth. We have numbers on board now and we trust in our young youngsters too.
“To get a goal after a few minutes was a big bonus. Good combination play was what we worked on it the week so it’s always good when it comes to fruition.”
The only goal came in the fourth minute, immediately after Colchester keeper Sam Hornby punched clear a powerful header from Orient striker Aaron Drinan.
The ball was eventually played out to Corrie Andrews who crossed into the penalty area where Sears delivered an unstoppable volley into the net.
Orient posed little threat, but the visitors threatened through the pace of Junior Tchamadeu and Andrews.
Sears had a fine opportunity to double the lead shortly before the break, but his shot was blocked by the outstretched legs of keeper Lawrence Vigouroux.
The visitors continued to control affairs after the break, although the hosts spurned a superb opportunity to level after 68 minutes when Matt Young picked out Drinan with a through ball, but Hornby raced out and spread his body to block the striker’s effort.
Colchester, though, were good value and only superb saves by Vigouroux from an Edwards effort and then Brendan Wiredu prevented them from extending their advantage.
Orient boss Kenny Jackett admitted: “It was a disappointing performance and as a manager, I’m responsible.
“It was a difficult afternoon and our best chances fell to Aaron Drinan who did play well and I have just said to him to only worry when you are not getting the chances.”