I thought it was a good performance today and a deserved victory, the first complete away performance for several months.
In the first half we were happy to keep our shape and let Orient have the ball in non-threatening areas and then try and pick them off. However, unlike the majority of recent away games, when we did have possession we showed more quality and purpose on the ball and looked threatening. Yes, Murphy did have to make a couple of decent saves to shots from distance, but the best chance of the first twenty minutes actually fell to us when Hawkes was completely unmarked in the eighteen yard box, but Hemmings underhit his pass and allowed the defender to intercept. The goal when it did come was a terrific move, with Morris slipping Cogley in down the right and his excellent cross superbly converted by Hemmings.
In the second half we were in complete control. Orient completely ran out of ideas and we put several good moves together which resulted in chances, and it is slightly frustrating that we did not add to the scoreline.
Individually, I thought Cogley, Davies and Hemmings had very good games, and Warrington was excellent both with and without the ball. Cogley got forward at will today, which emphasises that he is not told to stay back in away matches, but will get into advanced areas if we have control of the midfield. However, the best player on the pitch was Kieron Morris, and I hope that is not the last time we see him in a Rovers shirt.
There were nice scenes at the end with Micky and the players giving a long ovation to the 800 travelling Rovers fans, who reciprocated by chanting Mellon's name. A good turnout given the game was always likely to be a dead rubber.
It is a disappointment not to make the top seven, but I think it has been a decent season with one of our better points totals of recent years in the Football League. The first choice eleven which we saw this afternoon is strong, and now we just need to add some depth and breadth.