Town 0 - 1 Orient

Russell Slade reverted to the team that had started the game at Cheltenham. The game got off to a quiet start as both teams probed one another's midfield in front of another excellent Blundell Park crowd.

Mildenhall - Town's hero stopped Alexander's club record

Francis got past his man after 5 minutes but was pulled back, earning the Mariners the first free-kick of the game, and as the ball was cleared and returned twice, someone was caught offside. Mildenhall had to punch the ball clear as Leyton broke, and when it was cleared as far as Ibehre his shot whizzed past Mildenhall's far post.

By the tenth minute Orient had had slightly the better of things, with another wasted opportunity at the end of this period. Town won a free kick, and Newey's left-footed delivery was far too long.

Town had their best chance on 12 minutes when the Orient keeper made a hash of things and both Whittle and Reddy just missing out with their efforts.

Kalala tidied up as Mackie got into the box, and Slade was out giving instructions about Town pushing up further, and to close the holes in the defence which Orient were exploiting. Within 30 seconds, Kalala had tried one of his 'specials' volleying the ball well but just off target.

There was a loud shout for handball in an Orient build-up on the midway point through the half. Referee Joslin ignored the calls, which could have been costly if Orient hadn't shot wide. Newey was then brought down by Michael Simpson as Town played the ball around nicely. Simpson was booked, as Newey lined up the ball, and his kick was high and wide.

The referee had a word with Garner in the Orient goal after 24 minutes - perhaps for time-wasting. Town then won another free-kick, and Parkinson's free-kick was met by Rob Jones whose head went just over the bar with Garner beaten.

Francis got the ball forward well to Gary Jones, and after it had been played round again, Jones missed out to Zakuani.

Orient won a corner after 33 minutes, but it went out for an Orient throw, Reddy was then fouled, with the linesman being the official who signalled the infringement and earned another booking for an Orient player. Newey curled it over and Kalala drove in with Alexander blocking well at the expense of a corner.

The keeper won a race for the ball with Parkinson, as Town stepped up the pressure, with Francis and Gary Jones almost getting the former Tranmere man in.

Goal!: 44:02: With the crowd complaining to the linesman that he hadn't seen the ball go out a few seconds earlier, the Orient were given a throw, and the ball was nodded home after a lovely cross picked out Easton.

Half-time: Town 0 - 1 Orient

There were no substitutions over half-time.

Orient pressurised Town immediately after half-time and Alexander thought he had scored his 10th in ten games but was defied by a great save by Mildenhall.

Gary Jones was booked after 50 minutes for a foul.

Reddy went down but the referee waved play on, and then Gary Jones couldn't control the ball as Parkinson tried to get him away.

After 54 minutes, Martin Gritton replaced Andy Parkinson and Gary Cohen replaced Gary Jones.

Newey went past two men and struck for goal, but his shot was saved well.

Francis went on a run, but lost the ball as the game opened up. Then Gritton and Cohen combined before Town won a free-kick.

Alexander then looked as though he might double Orient's advantage before Mildenhall got to the ball well.

After the referee had presented a dropped ball, there was a lengthy discussion about what going to be the style of dropped ball, which angered the crowd.

McDermott went on a run, won a throw, and the ball was then played round the back before the Mariners won another throw, which Gritton put out for an Orient throw.

Reddy flicked the ball to Gritton, who was then on a one on one with the keeper, but the sub placed the ball wide.

Ibehre was replaced by Echanomi for the visitors.

Reddy claimed a penalty after a Mildenhall free-kick had been nodded on by Gritton, but Referee Joslin waved play on.

Town were having difficulty getting hold of the ball as Orient were holding the ball, or delaying goal-kicks and throw-ins to disrupt the Mariners rhythm.

A Newey free-kick was delayed until the Referee spoke to Whittle, and when the ball did come across Cohen headed over.

Town won a throw near the corner flag, and the Mariners played the ball across the field until Tudor won the ball, and looked to have a glorious chance to give Alexander the ball until Gritton intervened.

Francis found some space and cut inside, though the ball failed to find Bolland, then Reddy went through the middle with too many shirts around him.

Francis lifted one in towards Reddy and Zakuani conceded a corner from which Town won another. Newey struck the ball to the six-yard box and it was collected easily by Garner.

Francis picked up the ball as Town continuously raided into the Orient half, but the visitors were resolute and few gilt edged chances were being presented.

Alexander and Easton could have scored in the dying seconds of normal time but Mildenhall made a great save before Easton blasted over.

90 seconds into time added on Leyton Orient made a substitution.

Town 0 - 1 Leyton Orient