‘Dopey and naive’

ATHLETIC crumbled after half-time to fall to defeat against last season's losing play-off finalists Leyton Orient — leaving manager Lee Johnson frustrated.

Jonathan Forte's third goal in two league games gave the home team a deserved lead, and though Darius Henderson levelled soon afterwards, Athletic’s performance in the first half held promise.

But home supporters ultimately left the ground downhearted after goals from David Mooney and substitute Kevin Lisbie earned Orient the points.

“In the first half we were very good in all aspects,” said Johnson. “Defensively we were tight and solid and looked compact.

“I showed the players the DVD of the first 10 minutes of the second half. We were dopey, naïve, had individual errors and there was a lack of communication. The first 10 minutes of the second half killed us.

“It is so frustrating. There were some very good parts to that performance in the first half but for some reason we haven't been mentally strong enough to produce that over 90 minutes.”