Former Chelsea, Queens Park Rangers and Brentford midfielder Manny Oyeleke stood out for Aldershot Town as they were held to a frustrating 2-2 draw by Leyton Orient on Saturday, despite having led the east Londoners 2-0 after 21 minutes.

Orient scored late on in each half to earn a point at the EBB Stadium, but after a indifferent second half display, the home team were left disappointed by the result, which saw them drop to second in the National League table.

It was the ideal start for the Shots as Cheye Alexander scored a goal any striker would be proud of after just nine minutes. From the edge of the box, the full-back swung a left-footed shot into the top corner of Charlie Grainger's net, giving the Orient keeper no chance.

Aldershot celebrate Cheye Alexander's opener

After 21 minutes it was 2-0 when a slip by Orient's Jamie Sendles-White let in Matt McClure and the Aldershot striker didn't need a second invitation, firing the ball home from the right-hand side of goal.

But the hosts didn't have it all their way and were pegged back to 2-1 after 39 minutes when, from a free-kick on the right, Orient's Craig Clay turned the ball home at the far post.

The Shots struggled to keep up the pace in the second half and battling Orient finally got their reward in the 83 minute when substitute Romauld Boco latched onto a through-ball, rounded Jake Cole and slotted the ball home for 2-2.

But enough about the game, what about the players? Here's our ratings

Starting XI

Jake Cole – Made a super save to deny Orient what would have been an equaliser in the final moments of the first half. Couldn't have done much for either Orient goal. 8

Cheye Alexander – Superb opening goal with his 'weak' foot; the full-back just doesn't know how to score tap ins and then played a part in McClure's second. Cleared one off the line in the second half. 8

Manny Oyeleke – Fifth man in defence when needed but also got forward well when the Shots were attacking. Controlled the game from the middle but as he was returning from a recent injury, was never going to be able to complete the whole 90, unfortunately for Aldershot. Substituted on 79 minutes for Fabien Robert. 9

Matt McClure – Capitalised on a slip by his marker after 21 minutes to add the Shots' second. Well taken goal. Substituted for Scott Rendell after 70 minutes. 7

Jake Gallagher – Got stuck in where he could. 7

Jim Kellermann – Gave it his all, as usual. Went close with a header after 76 minutes that would have put the game to bed at 3-1 had it gone in. 7

James Rowe – He might better known for his fancy footwork but he was unlucky not to score in the first half with a header. 7

Adam McDonnell – Clearly growing in confidence and was unlucky not to score with 20 minutes to go when he aimed at the bottom right-hand corner but the keeper got a hand to it. Tried his luck with a shot from distance that was marginally wide five minutes later. 7

Chris Arthur – Sometimes struggled with the Orient forwards' pace but otherwise did well enough. 6

George Fowler – Mature display from the young Ipswich Town defender who looks more assured as every game passes. Good late block. 7

Callum Reynolds – So rarely puts a foot wrong. Saved the Shots in added time at 2-2 with a vital clearance under pressure. 7

Substitutes

Scott Rendell (on for McClure, 70) – Held the ball up well when the Shots were under pressure in the second half. 7

Shaun Okojie

Kodi Lyons-Foster

Mark Smith

Fabien Robert (on for Oyeleke, 79) – Unsure. 6