Goal scorer: Jack Gage x2
Man of the match: Sam Bassett
Attendance: 5
After a third promotion in as many years, the step up in quality had been obvious and Elmsett knew they faced a difficult challenge when welcoming Leiston to a rain soaked shed who had won all of their opening three games.
The opening exchanges were fairly even between the two sides but it was Orient who stuck first with a tame free kick as the testing conditions got the better of Warner.
The two sides continued to battle but both defences dealt with most attacks until a lack of concentration from Elmsett allowed the Leiston forward to double the lead as he reacted quickest to the rebound.
With half time looming, Elmsett began to control proceedings and managed to half the deficit after a good ball forward from Bassett (one of many) to Vowles, who beat a couple of defenders before slotting the ball through for Gage who smashed it past the Orient keeper to make it 2-1.
Elmsett began the second half on the front foot and Gage managed to outmuscle the Leiston defender before lashing home from 25 yards to equalise for the home side.
Without any substitutes to call upon, Elmsett began to visibly tire but dug in and defended for their lives as they held out for their first point of the season.
So United climb off the bottom of the table and face The Feathers in the cup next Sunday but the boys have now shown they can compete at this level.
Player ratings:
Craig Warner - 7 - recovered well from an early error to make some crucial saves.
Sam Bassett - 9 - was excellent, fantastic debut.
Ben Berry - 8 - dealt with the forward superbly.
Elliot Leeder - 9 - Sunday’s own Chiellini.
Jacob Tampion - 7 - dangerous going forward.
Josh Everett - 8 - linked up well with the front two.
Tony Palmer - 8 - never seen him cover so much ground.
Ross Bray - 8 - his legs must hurt today.
Benjamin George - 8 - caused his full back lots of problems and tracked back well.
James Vowles - 7 - brilliant assist and on another day could have grabbed himself a goal.
Jack Gage - 9 - a nuisance all game and was clinical with his finishing.
Subs:
We wish.
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