After two contrasting months of the season, Orient moved into October without a win since the 2nd September. With long away trips ahead and a date with local rivals Dagenham & Redbridge in the FA Cup, what would October bring?

First up a midweek trip to Tranmere Rovers, you can sense what is coming, a game on BT Sport. Yes, you got it another defeat. Much like Hartlepool in September, the O’s took the lead when Matt Harrold turned in James Dayton’s cross. But in the torrential rain and blustery conditions, Orient’s defense went walkabouts again allowing Andy Cook to finish after a fine save from Charlie Grainger. Both sides went close but Orient succumbed to a late James Norwood header to extend their winless run.

After just getting home, back up North to Barrow we went, where you guessed it dark, bleak and horizontal rain on the uncovered terrace. The first sight of a back three for the Orient with Joe Widdowson proving most of his doubters wrong with a fine performance. David Mooney fired the O’s ahead before a very fortunate leveller from Bedsente Gomis after his mistimed volley bounced over Grainger. Craig Clay restored Orient’s lead with the mother of all penalty box scrambles but once more the O’s defensive frailties popped up. A free header inside the box and a sleeping Mark Ellis allowed Jordan White to tap home for a point.

A break from the League with a trip to Dagenham & Redbridge in FA Cup qualifying action. A first for Orient who after relegation had to fight to make it to round One. In a cagey affair both Bonne and Mooney hit the crossbar while Bonne also missed the target with a header. But finally the winning feeling returned in the replay on Tuesday when Bonne notched to send Orient to round One. The relief on Steve Davis’s face was for all to see, but could they grab three points in the League?

Well, it probably should have been when Macclesfield visited Brisbane Road. After strong winds disrupted kick off with the “energy bet” hoardings failing in the wind. With the brief disruption, the O’s started on the front foot and should have been ahead. However much like recent weeks, a lapse in concentration allowed Scott Wilson to head home at the back post after Jake Caprice decided he would be better left unmarked. The O’s huffed and puffed in the second half and should have been level but that was how it was running for Orient at the time.

A quick response and a chance to bounce back on Tuesday against Gateshead. Well the response was Steve Davis changing formation more times than the ball went out of play in the first half. A unchallenged cross into the box and free header, need I say more, allowed Jordan Burrow to put Gateshead ahead. Orient struggled to create with David Mooney getting confused inside the box taking a million and one touches before seeing his shot saved. A guilt edge chance, which Gateshead put behind them when an early Christmas contender for the Bloopers DVD’s. A long ball forward, easy to deal with but when no Orient player takes control, Mark Ellis heads the ball past the onrushing Grainger, leaving Burrow to notch his second.

A European away day, well it may have only been in Wrexham but they all count. A quick start was needed from the O’s…….. well it was after they picked the ball out of the net after 30 seconds when Chris Holroyd put Wrexham in front. With injuries and suspensions in the squad, Zain Westbrooke was handed a start in midfield and was the best player on the pitch. Wrexham sat back and allowed Orient to play, Bonne levelled when his cross shot from the left found the top corner.

Despite being without an away win since the start of September, Orient were the better side with Dayton seeing a wonderful effort cannon off the bar. However, in true Orient fashion, Wrexham went ahead three minutes later when Holroyd swept home. But after his mistake on Tuesday, Mark Ellis responded powering home the equaliser much to the delight of Kent Teague who was celebrating in the away end.

Another month, no league win but at least we’ve won a game. The pressure on Steve Davis is continuing to mount, how long will the former Crewe man last…..