Leyton Orient moved into an automatic promotion spot in the National League on Tuesday evening with a thrilling 3-2 away win against Barrow.
Justin Edinburgh started the same XI and named the same bench that defeated Havant & Waterlooville 2-1 on Saturday, a decision that was rewarded as his team moved up to second place in the league.
It didn’t take long for the O’s to take the lead. Thirteen minutes in, Orient captain Jobi McAnuff picked out Sam Ling on the wing, and the left-back’s cross found its way into the back of the net.
The away side continued to pressure Barrow and almost doubled their lead, with star midfielder Jordan Maguire-Drew, striker Macauley Bonne and Dan Happe all going close.
Mid-table Barrow had their own chances, but were unable to level before half-time.
The home side would rue their missed opportunities, with Orient starting strongly after the break. Joe Widdowson linked up well with Maguire-Drew, who picked out Jay Simpson. The former Arsenal man rounded Barrow goalkeeper Joel Dixon and made it 2-0.
The goal was Simpson’s first for the club since making his return in February.
Barrow strove to close the deficit and were able to pen back Orient in their own half for some time. When Happe went off injured shortly after the hour mark, it seemed that the home side would finally be able to find a foothold in the game.
Orient had other plans though, and extended their lead further in the 69th minute.
Simpson won possession in midfield and found Bonne, who selflessly squared the ball for Maguire-Drew. The no. 10 confidently fired the ball home to make it 3-0.
But just two minutes later, Barrow were finally able to convert one of their chances, when Josh Kay’s deflected effort from long range beat Orient keeper Dean Brill to narrow the away team’s lead.
The Bluebirds had the momentum and within minutes they set up a tense finale, as Rhys Turner finished off a smart move to make the score 3-2 with 15 minutes remaining.
Justin Edinburgh replaced Maguire-Drew and Simpson with James Brophy and Charlie Lee, in an attempt to maintain the O’s lead and see out the game.
The away team’s 150 travelling supporters expressed audible concern when five minutes of stoppage time were indicated, but Orient were able to hold on for the hard-earned victory.
The O’s third win in a row – their second this week – saw them climb up to second in the National League. This Saturday they take on league leaders Wrexham at home, in one of the most important clashes of the season.
Attendance: 1,130 (148 Leyton Orient supporters).
