Slade: 'After a gloomy start, the place is a little brighter' (From This Is Local London)

Leyton Orient boss Russell Slade: 'After a gloomy start, the place is a little brighter'

6:50pm Saturday 8th September 2012 in Latest Sport By Frank Smith

Leyton Orient boss Russell Slade believes that “after a gloomy start, the place is a little brighter” after his side beat promotion-favourites Swindon Town.

Swindon were unbeaten at home since August last season and had not conceded at The County Ground in 12 matches.

Leyton Orient on the other hand had not picked up a point all season and were second from bottom.

But impressive performances from Orient, in particular new signings Lee Cook and Martin Rowlands, helped the visitors upset the odds though Cook’s solitary goal.

Slade said: “It was a real solid performance. I could see it coming to be honest as for 60 minutes at Crawley I thought we did OK.

“Today was worth waiting for. We created a couple of really good chances in the first period, where we perhaps could have gone in front but it was great that one of the new boys could slot the all-important goal home.

“We thought we’d push on from the off, playing with two strikers, and it proved to be a successful game-plan.

“All of a sudden after a gloomy start to the season, where we had played three and lost three, we have now won a game and also got one in hand. So, the place is a little bit brighter.

“I thought Rowlands in midfield was excellent and he’s only going to get better as he is still behind in terms of fitness – the same with Lee. The more game time they get, the more they are likely to bring.

“I was enjoying the game, even at 1-0. I didn’t think there were too many moments of panic. I thought we had very good focus and truly thought we’d see the game out – which we did.”

Click here  to read today's report.