Leyton Orient v Scunthorpe United

Saturday, October 30, 2004

Football League Two

Leyton Orient :
Harrison, Miller, Zakuani, White, Lockwood, Carlisle (Newey 62), Wardley (Barnard 71), Simpson, Scott, Steele, Ibehre
Subs not used:
Morris, Mackie, Duncan

Scunthorpe United :
Musselwhite, Stanton (sent off 54), Crosby, Butler, Ridley, Sparrow, Kell (Taylor 67), Baraclough, Beagrie, Torpey (Rankine 89), Hayes (Jackson 57)
Subs not used:
Evans, Sharp

SULSESC REPORT

by Matt Hickey at Brisbane Road

I THOUGHT that one missing stand at the Kassam Stadium looked strange, until I experienced the two missing stands at the Matchroom Stadium, Brisbane Road.

However, 4359 fans crammed into the demolished ground to witness the titanic fight between first and second in the table, or so it was billed.

The hype further built up by the presence of ITV's Championship cameras pitch side, following the footsteps of Mr. Townsend wherever he strode.

Did it live up to itself? For three second–half minutes, I would have to say yes. But the other 87? Not so sure.

Tense opening. Inept linesmen. Beagrie defying his shirt colour and being the only player with enough confidence to put his foot on the ball. Orient piling on the pressure. A half that on reflection had everything but resulted in nothing. And then the second–half

I have read many reports, and numerous superlatives describing Andy Scott's goal and rightly so. However, I have not read anywhere the linesman being slated for raising his flag for an offside decision against Torpey, even though he was making no attempt to play the ball or be involved in the attack that Scunthorpe were building.

The resulting free kick saw Orient break down the left and the cross/shot hit the back of the net. Me being bitter? Quite possibly.

Hearing the "We are top of the league!" chants from the Orient fans only rubbed more salt in the wounds but when the ball was bundled ( I think it's fair to say) into the net by Torpey, I morphed into what can only be described as a "jumping up and down lunatic".

I can't comment much on the sending–off as I wasn't as "eagle–eyed" as our friendly man in black. But let's just say a "thank you" to Nath for providing me with more grey hairs than I need at this stage of my life. So, a draw a fair result? Yes, I think so.

Away from home against second in the league with 10 men you cant grumble really.