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'Deane did the job'

Gavin Browne
14/ 4/2008

LATICS boss John Sheridan singled out Deane Smalley for praise after Athletic swept Leyton Orient aside at Boundary Park.

First-half goals from Chris Taylor and Mark Allott secured the three points but it was Smalley, playing up front with Matt Wolfenden, who caused the visiting defence no end of headaches.

Sheridan said: "I'm very pleased, especially with the first half. I thought we were excellent, played some very good football, moved the ball around quickly and took care of it.

"Smalley did brilliantly for the first goal, he kept the ball, ran at people and found Chris who tucked it away very nicely.

"I don't usually praise individuals but I thought Smalley played very well. He's played a lot of football but I think he showed what a good footballer he is."

Having promised some degree of experimentation in the remaining games of the season, Sheridan reduced the average age of his team further by introducing teenage substitutes Ashley Kelly and Aaron Chalmers during the second half.

There was also a spell in midfield for Neal Eardley, Sean Gregan was restored to the back four, while Andy Liddell completed 90 minutes in his second game back from injury.

While looking to challenge his players, Sheridan admitted his hands had been tied somewhat by the club's crippling injury situation.

He said: "I didn't have much choice. Ten of the 16 were under 21 and I haven't got a lot to pick from. I put Neal in midfield and thought he did well, Smalley and Wolfy played down the middle and caused them lots of problems.

"Liddell and Gregan bring you experience and stability to the team, they help the younger players in and around them.

"Because we were so much on top coming out for the second half, it was a case of not getting too complacent but I was very pleased with the way we played throughout the game."

In contrast, Orient manager Martin Ling made no bones about how badly his players had performed in his opinion.

He stormed: "It was terrible. They've been told in no uncertain terms that the first half is not a team I want to be associated with.

"It was nowhere near the standards we set, some of them have their shorts and flip-flops on in my opinion. If that's the way they want to finish the season, they won't be with me next season."