Donohue's Marks Out Of Ten

GK Darryl Flahavan | Minutes on pitch: 90 | Goals Conceded: 1 | Rating: 7

Another regulation performance from Darryl and in truth he had little to do all game. Orient did not pressure the goal that much although Flahavan’s inability to deal with corners was shown up. Although he may not have been able to claim the Lockwood cross for the goal, he was undoubtedly not in the best position and the O’s took a lead. It was only minutes later that Flahavan should have most definitely claimed a corner as the ball flashed across his goal. I know we’ve all heard this before but there are no moans at Flahavan’s shot stopping, just a little more work on the crossing work.

RB Duncan Jupp | Minutes on pitch: 90 | Goals: 0 | Assists: 0 | Rating: 6

Not the best of games from Juppy as he was found guilty of giving the ball away on far too many occasions. His defending was not bad but a combination of pointless loopy crosses and poor passing meant that I left frustrated with the Blues right back.

CB Spencer Prior | Minutes on pitch: 90 | Goals: 0 | Assists: 0 | Rating: 8

Prior was, for the third time in recent games guilty of being beaten to a aerial ball that has lead to a goal. Ben Futcher and Dennis Lawrence’s mammoth climbs were excusable but when Mackie, who is three inches shorter than Prior, climbed up to win the decisive header it was a huge blow. With the exception of this Prior was flawless and with a series of silky touches showed how he has manage to total over £2,500,000 worth of transfer fees in his career.

CB Adam Barrett | Minutes on pitch: 90 | Goals: 0 | Assists: 0 | Rating: 7.5

Another good performance from the local lad that involved solid defending and excellent moves going forward. Barrett managed to lead the defence effectively without wearing the captains armband although the back four did look a little dodgy at set pieces.

LB Che Wilson | Minutes on pitch: 90 | Goals: 0 | Assists: 0 | Rating: 8

RM Carl Pettefer | Minutes on pitch: 70 | Goals: 0 | Assists: 0 | Rating: 6.5

Same old story for Petts; Average performance leaving him with a 6.5. Pettefer did offer a little more grit in the midfield but the old adage of ‘his not attacking enough’ reared it’s ugly head as the Shrimpers lacked creativity on the right hand side.

CM Mark Bentley | Minutes on pitch: 90 | Goals: 0 | Assists: 0 | Rating: 8

Bentley did have one great chance as he excelled through on go only for keeper Harrison to tip his shot away from the target.

CM Kevin Maher | Minutes on pitch: 90 | Goals: 0 |Assists: 0 | Rating: 7

Not at his best, Maher is beginning to lose his cool with the game and often with the referee. Booked in the first half, it looked as if he had picked up a second yellow card although it looks as if that it was aimed at Bentley. Maher’s actual game was a little suspect, as he seemed to snatch every time the ball came his way. One thing that can not be doubted was his amazing vision as he picked out a number of good passes. Despite this Maher did lack a little grit and needs to tackle with more power in the final four games.

LM Mark Gower | Minutes on pitch: 81 | Goals: 0 | Assists: 0 | Rating: 6.5

Much improved by Gower although he has still not hit top form. Gower did beat his opponent, Justin Miller on quite a few occasions using his lethal cut-backs. On one occasion Gower cut in field to shoot and managed to hit a shot that found it’s way into the hands of Harrison.

CF Freddy Eastwood | Minutes on pitch: 90 | Goals: 0 | Assists: 0 | Rating: 7

Tonight in my opinion we saw the good side and the bad side of Eastwood. When Freddy had the ball he was very good and managed to send a couple of good shots in on goal. The one occasion where he hit the target, most of the crowd thought it was in, but Miller appeared to fly across the goal in slow motion to get a strong fist away. However when the final whistle was blown Freddy stormed down the tunnel, with no acknowledgement of the fans or any of his team mates. Shameful behaviour in a season where much of the success has been down to great team spirit and not allowing players heads to go down. Unfortunately it was an action reminiscent of players that have wound up at Roots Hall in previous years.

CF Wayne Gray | Minutes on pitch: 90 | Goals: 0 | Assists: 0 | Rating: 5.5

Wayney Gray the next Pele or Wayney Gray the next Belgrave? It was a weak performance that symbolised the later as the former Orient striker was another who appeared to lessen his levels of output as the game went on. Gray’s head went down the second he missed a good chance as he went one on one with Harrison, despite the fact that he should have had a penalty afterwards. Gray’s day was summed up as he went through again only to be chopped down by goalscorer John Mackie and no decision was given by Select Group referee Phil Dowd. Gray’s game was then limited to a frustratingly poor overheadkick that ended going way past the post.

CF Lawrie Dudfield | Minutes on pitch: 20 | Goals: 0 | Assists: 0 | Rating: 6

As Dudfield entered the frame Southend changed to a 4-3-3 formation. Sadly this did not make any difference to the scoreline as, yet again, Lawrie could not really get into the game. He often found himself with the ball, in wide areas where he could do no damage. It is becoming increasingly frustrating for Lawrie as such a quality player cannot sway a game.

CM Alan McCormack | Minutes on pitch: 9 | Goals: 0 | Assists: 0 | Rating: 6

McCormack battled well and tried his best to direct the passage of play. McCormack gave his all and but was found to be over-committed as he got booked for protesting a decision. However he will be able to impress further in the next two games as he is expected to replace the suspended Bentley.