Striker's delight at Orient brace
It was certainly an eventful day at the office for Conor Chaplin against Leyton Orient.
The striker deservedly collected the man-of-the-match award following his brace in a 2-1 victory at Fratton Park.
He had earlier seen a penalty saved by Alex Cisak, only to convert Carl Baker’s cross just a few seconds later.
Gavin Massey drew the struggling visitors level with a stunning strike, but Chaplin headed home after the break to secure a valuable victory.
The 19-year-old said: “It’s always important how you react to disappointment. I hit the penalty nicely and thought it was a goal, but it was a good save.
“Moments later, Bakes has hit a shot-cum-cross and it’s bobbled into my path. It seemed so long coming across to me and it was such an easy chance.
“Just after missing a penalty, I was concentrating as hard as I can, just hoping I wouldn’t sky it.
“Thankfully, I put that one in and it was a relief to get that goal straight away, but you haven’t got too much time to be disappointed after a miss.
“It was gutting for them to equalise before half-time, although credit to their lad because it was a great finish.
“Then it was another assist from Bakes for my second goal – so I’ve got a lot to thank him for. It was a great ball and I was only six yards out.
“I don’t win many headers, but I back myself in the air and three of my seven goals have come with my head this season.
“Orient didn’t have another shot in the game and we were on top for the majority of the game, so we deserved the win.”
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