IT’S OH LA LA KOROMA!
Ace Josh’s fancy footwork adds to party atmosphere at Orient
LEYTON Orient assistant Ross Embleton heaped praise on Josh Koroma’s work ethic after the talented striker helped O’s break down Gateshead to remain top of the National League.
The 20-year-old hit the crossbar in the first half with a gorgeous curling effort but was not to be denied and made the breakthrough with 59 minutes on the clock when he beat two opponents in trademark style before rifling into the top corner.
It was a wonderful strike and the only difference between the teams until Macauley Bonne made it 2-0 in the sixth minute of stoppage time after substitute James Alabi chased a lost cause and set up the forward for a tap-in.
Embleton beamed: “Josh doesn’t score simple goals and it’s funny because it’s getting to the stage now where you almost expect it when he gets into those positions.
“It’s something the manager (Justin Edinburgh) has put onto him that we want him to be more of a threat in and around the area and he does work on his finishing.
“He is either out doing extra sessions in the morning with Danny Webb or staying out after training and doing stuff by himself or with other players, so it’s not a fluke. It’s fully deserved.”
Koroma was in scintillating form throughout, but Gateshead started well in wet conditions in E10 after making the enormous journey down to London on the day.
At the start, Heed’s Gregg Olley had two efforts go wide while towards the end of a subdued first period, away captain Scott Barrow failed to make the most of a couple of openings.
Just before the break Koroma was denied by the woodwork, but 14 minutes into the second half he got his goal.
He left ex-Newcastle United defender Mike Williamson on the floor before dribbling past another opponent and curling into the top corner.
Gateshead manager Steve Watson admitted the moment of magic was the difference, adding: “We always have a right go. We did play well up to a point, but the final ball and that little bit of quality was lacking when it mattered and they had the little bit of magic they needed.
“Obviously 2-0 looks a lot worst than 1-0, but really there were not two goals between the sides.”
To cap a disappointing end to a long day for Gateshead, Barrow’s poor back pass saw Alabi get in and he squared for Bonne to grab his 17th of the season.
Olley’s late second yellow compounded a frustrating afternoon, but the Heed did their 51 away fans proud and look set to remain in and around the play-offs this season. STAR MAN: Josh Koroma (Leyton Orient) ATT: 4,636 ENTERTAINMENT: ★★★★★ REFEREE: Carl Brook 5/10