Boston United 0 - 0 Leyton Orient
Pre-Season Friendly

THE O'S were denied a second friendly victory of the week by a stubborn Boston United side on Saturday.

Orient knocked at the door but could not find a way past Pilgrims stopper Chris Wright, who twice denied substitute Wayne Gray late on.

Gray, making his comeback from a knee injury, was the Londoners' most impressive player, while fellow second half substitute JJ Melligan was also an influential figure.

The O's worked with a 4-3-3 formation throughout and controlled much of the play, although genuine chances were scarce until the closing stages.

In the first half, Jason Demetriou placed an effort just over the bar after finding himself in a good position on the edge of the box and Adam Chambers also went close with a fierce 20-yard drive.

Youngsters Chris Robson and Patrick O'Donnell were drafted into the squad due to the absence of Stephen Purches, whose wife went into labour this morning.

Robson played the first half at centre back alongside Brian Saah, before manager Martin Ling began to make his changes at the break.

Melligan was one of those introduced, and his 72nd minute cross almost resulted in a goal, but Wayne Gray's diving header thudded off the post.

Two minutes later Gray drew a stop from Wright after receiving Solomon Shields' pass and holding off his marker, and the Boston keeper saved again from Gray shortly afterwards.

The striker turned provider with nine minutes left on the clock, taking the ball into the box before laying off to Demetriou, whose shot was saved excellently by Wright.

Wright also stopped Shields' late effort with his legs as he kept Orient at bay and preserved Boston's clean sheet.

Orient: Glenn Morris (Jamie Jones 46); Andrew Cave-Brown, Brian Saah, Chris Robson (Danny Granville 46), Aiden Palmer (Solomon Shields 63); Jason Demetriou, Paul Terry (Sean Thornton 46), Adam Chambers; Bradley Gray (JJ Melligan 46), Ryan Jarvis (Patrick O'Donnell 75), Loick Pires (Wayne Gray 66)
Sub: (not used) Adam Boyd

Attendance: 616