WHAT WE LEARNED: Leyton Orient (1) Swindon (1)

Jacob Wakeling’s second goal in as many away games saw Swindon Town come from behind to earn a valuable point against runaway leaders Leyton Orient. Total Sport’s Joe Acklam looks at what lessons can be learned from the match.

Here are the lessons that can be learned from Swindon’s valiant draw with the O’s.

1. Jody Morris had his team incredibly well drilled.

I have been critical of some of Morris’ early coaching displays, but I think he deserves an immense amount of credit for this performance. He said himself on Thursday that he couldn’t really work on systems as he didn’t know who was available, but he managed to get Swindon to almost entirely thwart the runaway league leaders. With a makeshift backline that even featured Wakeling as a wing-back for over half an hour, Swindon held their hosts at arm length were only really in any danger from set pieces. There was more work needed to become more dangerous in transitions, but defensively they were impeccable.

2. Harrison Minturn acquitted himself very well.

It was tough to work out who would partner Tom Clayton in defence coming into the match, as even with Minturn being the only other fit centre back, his manager never sounded overly confident in him. But he trusted him to start at the home of the champions-elect in his first ever league start, and he never put a foot wrong. Understandably Minturn was safety first and never wanted to pick a risky pass, but in this environment that was probably the best approach and we have seen him look very comfortable in possession before. This performance and everything else I have seen of Minturn makes me believe he is ready for this level, not as a first choice, but as a proper part of the squad.

3. George McEachran’s optional extension needs to be triggered as soon as possible.

Once again McEachran showcased himself to be far above League Two level. Calm under pressure, always playing the right pass, and Swindon’s most effective presser. Even half fit against Sutton he looked excellent and is only getting better as the games go on, and you really have to question how he didn’t get a club for six months. I don’t think there is any chance he plays for Town next season because of how far above the level he looks, but there is a pretty penny in it for Swindon in the summer when they take up his option for an extra year.

4. Still a lot of work to do on the attack.

Defending was the priority for a litany of reasons, but I think Swindon should have caused Leyton Orient a few more problems. There were a series of occasions where Town would win the ball back in good positions to attack the O’s and failed to make things happen. With the pace of Rushian Hepburn-Murphy, Jacob Wakeling, Remeao Hutton, and Reece Devine (who himself had a good first league start, even if it ended early) they had the tools to recreate how the goal was scored more often. Not being able to trouble more regularly on the attack allowed the hosts to have control for long stretches and apply more pressure. This one feels like more of a nit-pick on what was an excellent away performance.