Gunter shines, Yang makes debut in Under-21s' clash with Orient

Two late goals saw Leyton Orient retain the JE3 Foundation Trophy after a high-energy pre-season clash with our Under-21s at Brisbane Road on Tuesday night.

We'd stood firm for most of the game in the wake of the hosts' attacks with goalkeeper Luca Gunter producing a string of fine saves that led to him being applauded off when he was substituted 12 minutes from time.

Orient had restored their lead by that point after half-time substitute Tynan Thompson had cancelled out Aaron Connolly's opener, while Diallang Jaiyesimi routinely nodded home a few minutes later to make sure the League One side maintained their grip on the silverware, which honours our late, legendary former defender and ex-Orient boss Justin Edinburgh while advocating the important work of the Foundation set up in his memory as they champion the installation of defibrillators in health and sports facilities around the country.

The match also saw the first on-pitch outing in our colours for Yang Min-Hyeok. The 19-year-old South Korea international played the first half on the left flank, joining the likes of Dane Scarlett, Jamie Donley, Will Lankshear and George Abbott - all of whom have trained with the first team this summer - in our starting XI. Both sides rang the changes after the break, with more useful minutes in the tank for a number of players.

Thompson's well-taken strike 20 minutes into the second half had given us hope that we could take home the trophy after weathering Orient's pressure earlier on. Opening goalscorer Connolly, in truth, could have had a hat-trick, but he was thwarted by Gunter on a handful of occasions. Unfortunately, we couldn't take advantage and the home side claimed the win in the end.

Gunter denied Josh Koroma in the opening stages while Donley - back on familiar ground after his successful loan spell at Leyton Orient last term - nearly outfoxed goalkeeper Tommy Simkin at the edge of the area at the other end. Connolly's first-time shot in the centre of the box was later saved by Gunter before the forward curled another effort just wide and was then denied by a great block from defender James Rowswell. There was no denying him on 32 minutes, though, as Koroma sent him clean through on goal from the half-way line after a turnover in possession and he advanced towards the edge of the box before deftly chipping the advancing Gunter to give his side the lead.

Connolly could have scored again at the start of the second period but saw his header blocked on the line by Rio Kyerematen before more brilliance from Gunter, the keeper this time producing a brave, low double save to keep out Connolly and Tyreeq Bakinson. Oli Irow had the ball in the net moments later but a swift offside flag denied him. However, he had a hand in our equaliser in the 65th minute - Calum Logan drove into space towards the edge of the area, his shot was charged down but Irow turned the loose ball out to Thompson on the left and he advanced into the box before finishing clinically from the angle.

Another flying save from Gunter followed but he was beaten on 74 minutes when an Orient trialist slid home following a cut-back from the left. The keeper's replacement, Sam Archer, saw Jaiyesimi routinely head a third goal past him after a cross from Demetri Mitchell on the right and although we continued to push forward, we couldn't find a response.

Match data

Goals: Leyton Orient - Connolly 32, Trialist 74, Jaiyesimi 84; Spurs - T Thompson 65.

Referee: Sam Mulhall.

Venue: Betwright Stadium, Brisbane Road, Leyton.

Weather: Thundery showers, gentle breeze, 20 degrees.

Attendance: 1,525.