Defeat at Crewe ends Orient's century-long stay in Football League

Posted Sunday, April 23, 2017 by PA

Crisis club Leyton Orient's 112-stay in the Football League came to an end with a 3-0 defeat at Crewe.

First-half goals from youngsters Callum Ainley, Ryan Wintle, his first senior effort, and George Cooper eased the Cheshire side to a win and confirmed Orient's demise in front of 407 travelling fans, protesting throughout over owner Francesco Becchetti's regime.

A combination of Crewe's wastefulness in front of goal and excellent defending, particularly from Tom Parkes, kept Orient's hopes alive for all of 26 minutes at Gresty Road.

Parkes whipped the ball off the toes of Crewe's leading scorer Chris Dagnall and Cooper skied a presentable chance.

But the Railwaymen were ahead in the 26th minute when Ainley was on the end of Callum Cooke's cross to find the bottom corner.

Wintle extended the lead three minutes later, rising highest at the back post to head Cooper's corner back across goal and despite the efforts of Teddy Mezague the ball crossed the line.

Cooper then rifled a left-foot shot into the bottom corner in first-half stoppage time.

Cooke and Cooper were denied by keeper Sam Sargeant after the break, but Orient offered virtually nothing in response at the other end as they headed down to the National League.