Southend United U18 2 - 2 Leyton Orient U18
Puma Youth Alliance South East Conference

ORIENT bounced back from the disappointment of their FA Youth Cup exit by twice coming from behind to draw with Southend United on Saturday.

The Shrimpers' youth team are flying high at the top end of the Youth Alliance South East Conference, but Orient were unfazed and could have taken all three points.

Kevin Nugent's side twice fell behind against the run of play, but he was pleased with their determination as goals from Jake Argent and Harry Beautyman earned them a draw.

Nugent said: "It was an excellent response to the Youth Cup defeat and we gave one of our best performances of the season.

"We probably had 70% of the play and should have won.  That didn't quite happen for us but it was nevertheless pleasing to see the spirit we showed to get back on level terms twice."

Orient started well but found themselves a goal down.  They didn't allow their heads to drop and made it 1-1 when Argent took advantage of a defensive error to score from close range.

Southend re-established a lead, but again Orient heads did not drop and Beautyman made an excellent late run into the box to meet Musa Manneh's cross with an unstoppable header.

The Londoners continued to press in search of a winner, but they couldn't force a third and had to be content with a point.

Orient: Jack Giddens; Brandon Martin, Pat O'Donnell, Stephen O'Hara, Ryan Nelson; Harry Baker, Daryl Sydes (Michael Richardson 88), Harry Beautyman, Musa Manneh; Adam Bolle, Jake Argent
Subs (not used): Daniel Bygrave (GK0, Fahola Fahinty, George Artemi