NOT for the first time this season, a positive result for the U’s has been overshadowed by the actions and behaviour of a small number of people (I struggle to call them fans or supporters) who find themselves unable to control themselves before, during and after a game.

Their vile and unacceptable conduct in taunting the Orient fans by actually mocking the death of their former manager is on a level so high that I am just so angry and devastated by what they have done.

Dragging the name of the U’s into the national media is not something any of us what to see. I can only apologise on behalf of the good CUSA members for the actions of these people, and give assurances that we are and will be helping the football club and authorities to identify those responsible.

On that note, if anyone has any information or evidence that they wish to share, then please get in touch so that we can pass it on.

Gazette:

Back to the football, and if you have not seen it yet, then please find and replay the last ten minutes of the game for your enjoyment.

The U’s made life very difficult for the league leaders throughout. The players were up for it and played with a real purpose.

The penalty decision against us was soft to say the least but hey-ho, the subject of decision making by the officials throughout this season has been a feature that has already harmed the U’s.

The opening goal gave Orient a foot hold and eventually they notched a second to potentially give their victory an air of respectability.

The thing about the U’s this season, and we have seen it numerous times, is that they do keep coming and coming late in games. The last quarter is often our best football and last Saturday was no different.

Gazette:

The pressing was strong and it won a corner which was brilliantly put away by Connor Hall, who capped off a terrific game with a goal-line clearance soon after. Then came the run and finish from Noah Chilvers. It was outstanding.

Big thanks to John Akinde who out muscled two players to free up Noah, but no-one can take away the work our young midfielder had to do from there on.

A late equaliser was terrific for the team and brilliant for the fans, and the huge hope now is that they can use that feeling to help them beat Tranmere tomorrow.

In my view, the vast majority of the team player well at Orient. Spurred on no doubt the large contingent of travelling supporters – minus those people already discussed of course.

Gazette:

I enjoyed watching what Samson Tovide did again for us up front, and I also admired the work rate of Ossama Ashley in midfield.

Junior remains a jewel in the crown for the U’s and when he learns to control his emotions a bit better and avoids the cautions, he will be almost the complete player, and at such a young age too.

Hoping that all of them are fit and healthy and raring to go against mid-table Tranmere who have just had a change of the reigns after falling away from the play offs.

This might be a good time to play them and get the three points that we now badly need. Wouldn’t it be great to see us take the game to them early. Too many times at home, the cat and mouse from the beginning has been our undoing.

We have the players to attack teams, and we have finally got over the goal drought, so let’s be as competitive and as positive as I know the U’s can be right from the first minute.

On a final note I would like to pay tribute to Frank Nouble. I will freely admit that I was not his number one fan, but no-one can deny the quality of football he could deliver when it was his day. And I loved watching him play when he was in the zone.

Huge charisma and a really good guy by all accounts, “Big Frank” scored some terrific and key goals for the U’s over the years and I will never forget him.

Good luck in your next move in football Frank and I hope you can enjoy yourself once again.

Up the U’s!