Grimsby boss Ian Holloway satisfied with a point at Leyton Orient

Posted Sunday, January 12, 2020 by PA

Ian Holloway insisted he was happy to take the draw at Leyton Orient that kept his unbeaten run going since taking over as manager Grimsby on New Year’s Eve.

Substitute Billy Clarke put the visitors ahead in the second half with a sublime lob into the net but Orient levelled in added time when Lee Angol converted a penalty after Craig Clay had been brought down.

“I thought it was a great game from start to finish,” Holloway said.

“They looked a really good team and they gave us a really good test and to be fair, we hung on. Given how good they were, we might have lost. But it was a fantastic effort from my lads and I love them to bits.”

The highly experienced Holloway was quick to pay tribute to the manner of Orient’s performance. Ross Embleton took on the job as head coach earlier in the week after spending time as interim coach.

“Ross has taken the job on and I told him that Justin Edinburgh would have wanted him to have it so just go on and do it.

“The way that Orient tried to play and the way they moved the ball around, the way they worked it, for me had Justin written all over it and that’s the proudest thing I can say today.

“We knew how tough it would be here today, we had the chance to make it three in a row. In reality, we didn’t deserve to win. We got a breakaway goal and it was a great finish from my new striker but, in truth, we were hanging on.

“Our keeper (James McKeown) made too many saves for my liking.”

Meanwhile, Embleton could not disguise his disappointment at the result.

“I am disappointed we didn’t come out with all three points because I felt we put in a performance that deserved more than we got,” he stated.

“We created a lot a good balls into the box and we looked a real threat at set-pieces, which is something we can’t say we have done on many occasions this season.

“It’s a horrible feeling on the sidelines watching penalties being taken but I turned round in time to look up and see Lee Angol was the penalty taker and it was a wonderful feeling to see it fly into the back of net.

“I am bitterly disappointed and angry at the manner we conceded. There are good players at this level who on counter attack can hurt you and that was what happened.

“The opportunity I have taken as manager is a wonderful one and I am going to do everything I possibly can as life is too short and we are going to give it a real go.”