New Leyton Orient boss Andy Edwards was disappointed for his side following his first game in charge in a 3-1 defeat to League Two title contenders Doncaster Rovers.

A Liam Mandeville penalty double and one from Jordan Houghton were enough to seal the three points for the hosts.

Callum Kennedy scored a wonder free-kick 19 minutes into the game to give the E10 club the lead but Houghton pulled one back just before half-time to level the score.

“Obviously we are very disappointed. It was going to be a tough game, everyone knew, against the top scorers in the division, one of the favourites to go up,” said Edwards.

“I thought we approached the game well, the application was good, our attitude was good and we started the game well.

“Callum scored a fantastic goal and it was a real chance to get something out of the game. I think the goal just before half-time was a real kick in the teeth for us.”

The 45-year-old had no qualms that the two penalties conceded were the correct decision from the referee.

Josh Koroma, who was subbed on for Sandro Semedo, was penalised a mere minute after he came on and Tom Parkes gave away the second not too long after.

Edwards added: “I think both penalties were right, Josh Koroma just came on the pitch and he was a bit naïve in the challenge.

“Like some forwards do we thought he might be able to get us up the pitch and gain some possession because we were under a little bit of pressure at that point.

“But he did show that after the actual penalty, he is disappointed and I am disappointed.”

Myles Judd and Aron Pollock, who are 17 and 18-years old respectively, in particular, showed their potential on the pitch today in Edwards’s first game as boss more than holding their own against a top opposition.

“They are both good young players,” the former Peterborough Unite player.

“Myles over the last two games has been excellent. Aron has not had a lot of football this year but he showed what he is made of. Two players with really good potential, as Josh has, and others we have in the squad.

“It does not matter how old they are at the moment we need to make sure we get positive results.”

When asked about Ian Hendon, Kevin Nolan and Andy Hessenthaler commenting on interference from President Francesco Becchetti he responded by saying: “I am in charge of selection.

“There is absolutely no doubt about that. I have obviously spoken to the chairman, he has an opinion like any chairman but I selected the squad with no interference.

“I did not need to make it clear I just assumed, I am the manager and I will pick the side and I will let you know if I hear differently.”

Orient have a week off in the League before Accrington Stanley visits Brisbane Road on Saturday, December 10.