Crawley Pull The Brakes On Orient Express

Venue: Matchroom Stadium, Leyton.
Attendance: 3463
Result: Leyton Orient 0-1 Crawley
Goalscorer: Billy Clarke (11)

Crawley look set for a late surge up the table with a 1-0 victory over Leyton 
Orient at the bitterly cold Matchroom Stadium thanks to a wonder strike from Billy Clarke. 

For this game I thought I'd take the train, with it being a fairly local game. I arrived at London Victoria and immediately took the tube to Leyton (via Oxford Circus). Arriving at Leyton tube station you notice the Olympic Park in front of you. A short walk down Leyton high street was a KFC: Lunch! After feeding myself I then continued onto the ground, about 5 minutes further. 

One end of the ground, completely enclosed by the apartment block

Arriving at the ground I bought a programme, which was better than most in the league I've seen. The Matchroom stadium is somewhat odd, with all four corners filled with a block of apartments; one end of the ground completely enclosed behind one block. The away section was one end of the old East Stand which ran along one side of the pitch. The seats were incredibly old and wooden; unsurprising that a majority were broken after Southend's visit in the JPT last week. A supporting pillar impeded the view of the fans which was a disappointment, considering adults were made to pay £25 for the pleasure of sitting behind it. Opposite was the newer, large main stand, which in my opinion is a bit of an eyesore. 'LOFC' read across the seats. Each end had a smaller, single tiered stand.
As the fans filled the ground we saw the return of the drum! A deafening roar cheered the players as they trained pre-match and even Reggie (our beloved mascot) got involved, 'stealing' the drum. Even a smoke bomb was set off as the match kicked off. 

The Matchroom Stadium's Main Stand

So...onto the match. Both sides started the first half brightly. A sweetly struck cross from Mat Sadler found Billy Clarke after 11 minutes who, after overcoming the pressure of an Orient defender, turned and curled the ball in off the post from just inside the area. The 550 Crawley fans who had made the journey rejoiced in the away end. Minutes later Crawley scuppered the chance to extend their lead. Nicky Adams' curling cross found the head of Mike Jones who could only rattle the crossbar. Orient enjoyed a majority of the first half possession yet failed to create and clear-cut openings. Mathieu Baudry's close range header sailed over the bar, and Charlie MacDonald powered into the area but his shot was saved by 'keeper Paul Jones. Billy Clarke pounced on a flick by Baudry but was unlucky to see his effort sail over the bar.

Orient scupper a chance

The second half was a scrappy, entertaining encounter. The first chance fell to the O's and Dean Cox as his 25 yard free kick narrowly deflected wide of the post before Joe Walsh produced a fine block from the same player. Former Crawley striker Shaun Batt, who enjoyed a short loan spell at the Broadfield last season, was brought on midway through the second period. David Mooney headed wide before Walsh once again produced an outstanding block to deny Batt. Paul Jones then saved from point blank range to hinder Scott Cuthbert. On 88 minutes youngster Aiden O'Brien came on for his Crawley Town debut in place of goalscorer Clarke. The Reds were put under more pressure after a succession of late corners by Leyton Orient, but there was brilliant defending yet again from Walsh and Mark Connolly who superbly denied lackluster Orient from snatching a late equaliser. The final whistle sounded and the delighted Reds' fans travelled back home to Sussex knowing their side were up to 11th in the table, overtaking Leyton Orient. 

Crawley now have three games in hand over a majority of League One, and should they take maximum points they could be hopeful of a late play off push. However, it will be a tough ask, with Reds having to travel to Bramall Lane to face Sheffield United before two tough home ties against Preston and Carlisle. 

Rovers' Revival Sinks Off-Form Oxford

Oxford v Bristol Rovers: Kassam Stadium, Oxford.
Attendance: 7608
Referee: Mr A Madley

On Saturday I made third visit to the Kassam Stadium, Oxford with my girlfriend Georgia, and avid U's supporter. My two previous visit both finished as a draw; Crawley (1-1, and Tyrone Barnett's wonder goal), and Torquay (a drab 0-0), so I was hopeful that United's fixture against Bristol Rovers would produce a few goals. 2000 Rovers supporters made the relatively short trip to the Kassam hoping that their side would maintain their five game unbeaten run. There was a heavy police presence around the ground before and after the game, this being one of Bristol Rovers closest away game of the season. 

Bristol Rovers fans

Recent events at the Yellow's fans forum during the week brought up some surprising talking points. News that up to ten players were signed in the summer without receiving a medical had angered already fuming fans, and a net loss of £660k left many Oxford fans fearing their play off push this season was all but over. Several injuries have hampered the Oxford squad, leaving results inconsistent, and supporters furious. Attendances are dramatically falling; just 4500 turning up for a mid week fixture against Burton Albion.

Bristol Rovers, however, have had a season of mixed fortune. Up until Christmas they sat in the bottom two of the league and relegation was a real threat. Although, the decision to replace manager Mark McGhee with John Ward has galvanised the Pirates and they have pulled themselves away from the drop zone. 

So, a team in turmoil and off form against an ever improving team. What was the outcome?.....

The first half became rapidly, both sides coming close in the opening minutes. Oxford began to dominate but good chances from James Constable and early substitute Alfie Potter went amiss. After the 20 minutes mark the affair became drab, and would've sent a few to sleep i'm sure. Chances were rare and only a few dubious decisions by the referee were the main talking at half time. 

The second half was where the action began. There was a sign that the 'hairdryer treatment' was used on Rovers at half time, as dominance started to show. Oxford struggled to string simple passes together and soon, the main talking point of the whole game happened. After Ryan Brunt was released, Jake Wright brought him down in the box and a penalty was given. 

View for yourself here. What do you think? Skip to 1.40 for the move. Note that apparently the penalty was my fault! 

                                           

Despite the setback, Oxford continued to press, a few chances failing to hit the back off the net. The game fell back into the tediousness of the first half. The most interesting thing being a few Bristol Rovers fans managing to navigate the segregation and force their way into the home concourse. Police had it all under control however and order was soon restored. 

5 minutes off stoppage time were added and there was still hope of an equaliser from the Yellows. In the fourth minute after a tangle of legs and free kick was given to Bristol Rovers. It was taken quickly and Eliot Richard found himself one on one with U's stopper Luke McCormick. He neatly placed his shot in the bottom corner, ending all hope of a United equaliser and sending the Gas faithful into delirium. The stands emptied rapidly, with hardly a Yellow shirt left in the stands. Oxford fans had given up hope. The match was over, and they believed their season was over.