Captain’s delight as first goal for Orient seals win over Tranmere

CAPTAIN Stephen Dawson was delighted to score his first goal in Orient colours during Saturday’s win over Tranmere, but insisted the three points were more important.

The 25-year-old had failed to open his O’s account in 20 appearances since moving from Bury in the summer, but made amends at Prenton Park with a first-time effort from the edge of the penalty area that flew past Rovers keeper Gunnar Nielsen.

It was a goal that set-up the O’s second away win of the season and the Irishman was delighted to have played a key part in the win which saw the east Londoners climb to 16th in League One.

“It’s about the three points, obviously it’s nice to get the goal, but the team was more important today,” he said.

“It’s nice on a personal level. The boys have given me a bit of stick saying I’ve just been passing the ball back to the keeper, so on a personal level it was nice, it fell nicely for me, but it was just the performance.

“Obviously it was great to score, but the more important thing is the team. We’re all in it together, there’s some games where I don’t have good games and they dig me out and likewise because that’s what a team’s about.

“I’m thrilled for everyone at the club, because it’s a big win for us.

“I’m just over the moon to see us move up the table.”

Russell Slade was forced to make changes to his side, with Ben Chorley and Terrell Forbes missing through suspension after the pair were sent off in the FA Cup win over Droylsden.

That gave the chance for Aaron Brown and Andrew Whing to make rare starts in an unfamiliar looking defence and Dawson was full of praise for the duo’s part in a strong team performance.

“Obviously we’re going to miss Chorley, he’s been in the game a while and Terrell as well, they’re two very experienced players, but I have to give credit to Whingy and Brown,” said the skipper.

“Whingy hadn’t played for a couple of weeks and was absolutely brilliant, so all credit to the team because we worked hard today. It was a great team performance.

“With 120 minutes on Tuesday and a few lads out with injuries and suspensions as well, we knew it was going to be hard, but I thought we were magnificent again, everyone dug deep.

“I couldn’t fault any of them, every single one of them were brilliant it was a great performance.

“The fans were great, it was brilliant today.

“Although it wasn’t pretty at times we dug deep, so we’re thrilled to bits with the three points.”