Gutsy Latics hang tough

DEFINING MOMENT . . . Mike Jones floats a free-kick over Orient’s defensive wall and into the net for the only goal of the game.

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Athletic 1, Leyton Orient 0

EVEN with a virus affecting many in the squad, Athletic got the job done.

Even against a visiting club so newly wealthy they are signing the likes of Andrea Dossena - who has a goal against Real Madrid on his CV - Athletic passed the test.

Even with 11-goal top scorer and player of the month Jonathan Forte having a bit of a stinker

Even with Athletic regularly failing to pass accurately, the defence claimed a clean sheet.

Two incidents turned this curate's egg of a tie Athletic's way. First was the goal, expertly converted by Mike Jones after Kelly drew a foul 20 yards out.

And before that, Paul Rachubka produced a stunning one-handed save to tip over Dean Cox's shot when most in the ground felt a goal was inevitable.

Not vintage, but darned effective. This was Athletic in full “grind” mode, forced into giving up full control in the second half but still winning.

Since a 3-1 Orient defeat in August, the home record has been quite spectacular.

Counting the Barnsley shoot-out in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy as a victory, this was an eighth win in 10 games and the sixth win in a row at home.

And it was achieved with light bench. Adam Lockwood made an unexpected non-playing return as a substitute for the first time this season, alongside ardent Athletic fan and youth team captain Jack Tuohy.

After Forte headed meekly wide from a Joseph Mills centre, Orient started brightly and a shot from Josh Wright warmed the hands of Rachubka as he caught the pink ball.

Poleon, who grafted without much reward, also failed to get any purchase on a header and manager Lee Johnson issued a rocket to Mills following one sloppy pass after 18 minutes.

Athletic duly took control, with Liam Kelly dictating from the base in midfield. Inspiration was in short supply though, and after Rachubka superbly deflected Cox's effort, Jones found the net four minutes later.

Athletic struggled as Orient's physical approach started to wear them down. Many attempted through-balls were gobbled up by a high defensive line, who also caught home forwards offside many times.

It was frustrating -but it could have been worse. Batt should have done better than angle a side-footer straight at Rachubka after the forceful and energetic Jones had fizzed two efforts wide at the other end.

It was that kind of a contest, not that Athletic gave a jot. Job done.