Ryan Allsop insists he is not surprised at Leyton Orient's dramatic transformation in form over the last fortnight.
The O’s recently suffered four defeats on the spin but have turned their season on its head with four consecutive victories. Goalkeeper Allsop always felt the players would rediscover their form and believes it was just a confidence issue.
The talented shot stopper said: “We’ve got a great bunch of lads and a great team. We were just low on confidence and as soon as we got the goal we needed, we were always going to score a lot of goals because we’ve got the quality up top. I’m not surprised by that and now we’ve got confidence hopefully we can keep the run going.
“Confidence is really high and we’ve got a good group of lads here. We’re going to push each other through and hopefully carry on the unbeaten run. I’m enjoying playing out there and just glad to be getting games under my belt and getting some experience. Hopefully I can keep doing what I’m doing and stay in the team.”
Allsop played a pivotal role in the eventful 3-2 win at Portsmouth on Tuesday night.
The 20-year-old conceded a penalty in the first half, although he claimed he took the ball rather than bringing down Nathaniel Mendez-Laing, but immediately saved Izale McLeod’s effort.
Allsop, who was unable to keep out a second penalty from McLeod, was also forced into several vital saves in the second period as Orient held off a spirited fightback from Pompey.
The former West Bromwich Albion youngster said: “It wasn’t a penalty. I got the ball. I think justice was done because in slow motion I think you can see I get the ball. But the ref wasn’t to know that so he gave the penalty and I just had to react to it.
“I just had to hold off and see where he [McLeod] was going to go. Luckily I guessed right and just stuck a leg out and saved it.
“If I stuck my arm up I thought I might have saved it [second penalty] but it’s just the way it is. Fair play, he stepped up and took another one and finished it well.”
Allsop has enjoyed a consistent run in the side this season and is now keeping the fit again Jamie Jones on the bench. The goalkeeper’s six-month deal expires in January and it is understood talks are underway to keep him at Brisbane Road.
Allsop believes he has benefited from his experience in the first team and thinks he’s improving his all-round game.
He said: “I think I’ve gained a lot of experience. I think I’ve matured. My game’s matured and it’s just nice to be playing and getting the games every week.
“The lads in front of me give me confidence as well. They’re an experienced bunch of lads and they help me along all the way so it’s partly down to them as well.”
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