Dagenham & Redbridge U18 0 - 1 Leyton Orient U18
Football League Youth Alliance South East Conference

CESTOR MIKE'S injury time goal handed Orient's youngsters their sixth successive win as they edged past local rivals Dagenham & Redbridge on Thursday.

Having twice hit the post in the first half, it looked as though the O's were going to have to settle for a point, but defender Mike nodded home at the death to ensure Orient's hot streak continued.

Orient started well and created an early chance to go 1-0 up when a great ball from Ryan Nelson picked out Louis Crowther in the middle. The O's striker controlled on his chest and shot for goal, but saw his effort rebound off the post.

The visitors continued to press for the opener and good individual work from Chris Benjamin ended with the Dagenham keeper making a save.

Musa Manneh then went close with a header from Moses Odubajo's cross before Stephen O'Hara hit the inside of the post.

Jack Giddens was rarely tested before the break in goal for the O's, but they couldn't force the breakthrough at the other end and the scoresheet remained blank at the break.

Dagenham gained more of a foothold in the contest after the break, but Orient came on strong in the final ten minutes as substitute Jake Argent twice had opportunities.

Just as it looked as if they game would finish 0-0, Orient created one final chance when the hosts failed to clear a free kick, Harry Beautyman sent the ball back into the box and Mike rose highest to head the decisive goal.

Orient: Jack Giddens; Alan Mabuyaku, Elliott Babbs, Cestor Mike, Ryan Nelson; Moses Odubajo, Callum Compton (Harry Beautyman 75), Stephen O'Hara (Jake Argent 75), Musa Manneh; Louis Crowther, Chris Benjamin
Subs: Thomas Lovelock (GK), Josh Millwood