Cup run won’t be a distraction as O’s head for Rochdale

JIMMY SMITH emerged as the hero when he headed home the only goal of the game at Norwich on Saturday as Orient delivered an FA Cup giant killing.

It was the second match in succession the midfielder had arrived late in the box and found the target - and he now wants to keep adding to his tally.

“It’s something I want to try and bring in to my game,” said Smith.

“I work hard and create chances and at times I have got to be a bit selfish and score as well.”

Smith has now netted three goals this season after previously taking some stick from O’s boss Russell Slade about his heading ability.

“Two headers in two games, I think the gaffer will be pleased with that,” he smiled.

After last weekend’s emotion-charged FA Cup win, O’s return to earth with a bump when they travel to Rochdale at the weekend.

Smith insists the Orient side, which worked so hard at Norwich, will be equally determined to record a win and the FA Cup run won’t be a distraction, as Orient try and haul themselves up the League One table.

“We take every game as it comes and it doesn’t matter whether it’s at Norwich in front of nearly 20,000 or at Rochdale in front of 2,000,” he said.

“We will go there in the same frame of mind and we will go there looking to win the game.” Smith knows that he will have to keep doing well to retain his place in the side and said: “There is competition in every position, when you cross that white line you have got to play well to keep your place.”

Smith was quick to praise his team-mates after Saturday’s game, as the O’s defended superbly to keep hold of the advantage that Smith had given them.

“From the goalkeeper right the way through to the strikers, we defended well as a unit and we attacked as a unit and the gaffer will be pleased with that,” he said.

The win was especially gratifying for Smith, who spent a loan spell at Norwich earlier in his career.

“Everyone was fired up for the game. We just wanted to go out there and do our jobs and we did that,” he said.

“We knew they would come out at the start of the second half and the gaffer told us to stay strong as a unit for the first 15 minutes.

“This means so much to the players and the fans were unbelievable. This win goes to them.”