Azeem Abdulai was the star of the show as Leyton Orient stormed into the League One play-off positions with a dominant 6-2 victory over Exeter City at St James Park.
The O’s made it nine wins in their last 11 games with a ruthless attacking display, leaving Exeter stunned after a relentless first-half performance.
Blistering Start Sets the Tone
Leyton Orient wasted no time asserting their dominance, racing into a 2-0 lead within the first seven minutes. Abdulai opened the scoring by sweeping in Dilan Markanday’s pass, before doubling his tally moments later with a composed finish from Jamie Donley’s pinpoint cross-field ball.
Exeter’s woes deepened in the 14th minute when Sean Clare produced a moment of brilliance, curling a stunning strike into the top corner from 20 yards. The visitors continued to capitalise on Exeter’s defensive lapses, and their fourth goal arrived in the 34th minute. A mistake from a poorly executed free-kick allowed Orient to press high and regain possession, with Donley setting up Markanday to finish past an exposed Joe Whitworth.
Exeter’s Response Falls Short
Trailing 4-0 at the break, Exeter needed a strong second-half performance to salvage pride. Substitute Tony Yogane provided a spark, delivering a cross to the back post where Millenic Alli pulled one back. Alli struck again in the 56th minute, heading home from an Ed Francis corner to give Exeter a glimmer of hope at 4-2.
However, any thoughts of a comeback were quickly extinguished as Abdulai sealed his hat-trick in the 64th minute, turning in Jack Currie’s low cross to restore Orient’s commanding lead.
The scoring was wrapped up in the 78th minute when Donley produced a spectacular volley from the edge of the box, ensuring an emphatic win for the visitors.
Writer’s View
Leyton Orient’s ruthless attacking play proved too much for Exeter City, who were left chasing shadows in a first half that saw them completely outclassed. Abdulai’s hat-trick underlined his growing influence, while Donley’s creativity provided the cutting edge Orient needed. For Exeter, defensive frailties were once again exposed, and they will need a swift response to avoid slipping further down the table. Orient, meanwhile, look like serious contenders for a play-off spot with their current form.
