ORIENT salvaged a draw in far-flung Carlisle today, and a precious point against their League One rival’s which could be so vital at the end of the season.
A way back into the clash at Brunton Park looked difficult for the east London outfit as they approached the hour-mark 2-0 down at Brunton Park, but then Ryan Jarvis popped up at close range and fired into the roof of the net.
He was in the right place when James Scowcroft's effort was parried by Adam Collin.
Geraint Williams’ side got a slice of luck on 77 minutes when Danny Livesey put the ball into his own net.
Perhaps it was just desserts for the visitors. Jason Demetriou felt he should have awarded a penalty on 66 minutes when he was floored by Carlisle keeper, Collin.
Orient could even have nabbed all three points near to the death, but Nicky Adams’ effort was blocked on the goal-line.
The result and the point now puts Orient 17th in League One with six points between themselves and the relegation zone.
It was a good finish for Orient fans who made the 655 mile round trip, after a first half which served mainly to show how just five days can be a long time in football, never mind a full week.
Monday’s famous victory over Charlton Athletic seemed so far away, as the the host’s went two goals up and looked solid at the break.
That was thanks to efforts by Joe Anyinsah on 14 minutes, and veteran Ian Harte on 42 minutes.
Anyinsah placed his effort into the bottom left corner past Jamie Jones after some nifty footwork on the edge of the box, soon after on-loan Nicky Adams conceded a free-kick with a foul on Thirlwell.
Harte doubled the advantage when he met Matthew Robson’s corner. The two-goal haul by the hosts’ was the main action of a quiet first half.
But Williams' must have fired a rocket up some his under-performing players, as they were transformed in the second half, and dominated proceedings.
Scowcroft got a rare start in place of Scott McGleish, who was not in the squad.
But striker Scowcroft did not look like opening his account after he headed wide on 22 minutes, and then his effort was parried for Jarvis to score later on.
Jonathan Téhoué made another impressive cameo performance when he replaced Scowcroft on 71 minutes.
His first goal for Orient is surely close and only Collin’s full-stretch save to turn the Frenchman’s header around the post denied him here.
Now it is back to Brisbane Road to prepare for the visit of Bristol Rovers on Tuesday night.
Orient: Jones; Purches, Mkandawire, Chorley, Daniels; Adams, Chambers, Thornton, Demetriou; Jarvis (Smith 91), Scowcroft (Téhoué 71). Subs: Morris (GK), Melligan, Cave-Brown, Pires, Briggs.
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