Exeter City defender Jack Sparkes is confident his side can pick up their first win of the season against Leyton Orient. The Grecians travel to East London after back to back 0-0 draws but the 20 year old feels it is only a matter of time before the win arrives. Speaking to exetercityfc.co.uk “we are in a good place as a team. We played reasonably well Tuesday and played well Saturday. It’s a case of getting the ball over the line”.

The Grecians bowed out of the League Cup on penalties to Wycombe Wanderers on Tuesday night with manager Matt Taylor disappointed his side failed to score again. Speaking to exetercityfc.co.uk “we needed to create more, I felt it was a little timid from start to finish. First half it pitted out into a nothing game. We’ve got to show a little more and effect the ball in more dangerous areas”.

After having a Covid scare in midweek, the Grecians produced a clear round of tests on Thursday with Taylor keen to look ahead to the trip to Orient. It will be Exeter first away game with supporters for 524 days and the 29 year old excited to see them back. Speaking to exetercityfc.co.uk “all our minds are focused on this weekend, the squad is a little bit thin with injuries anway then the covid is not ideal. When we travel in numbers it just shows our unity as a club. We are so well supported on our travels so to hear any noise will be absolutely brilliant”.

Exeter brought in striker Padraig Amond on loan in midweek hoping to add to their firepower going forward. Despite the lack of a goal, Sparkes knows his side have been creating the opportunities to score. Speaking to exetercityfc.co.uk “we have made chances in the last few games, sometimes it’s how football works out. It’s a game we are going into thinking we can win. We’re looking forward Orient, focusing on ourselves and we’re ready.”.

The Grecians took four points off the O’s last season but Taylor is keen to highlight there has been plenty of positive changes at Brisbane Road over the summer. The 39 year old spoke to exetercityfc.co.uk “their not at full strength similiar to ourselves. They have a really experienced manager who has a lot of knowhow at this level and above. We do expect them to be stronger than last season and to improve. Judging by their game at Salford, they were really impressive and we feel they are moving in the right direction”.

Taylor saw Orient first hand on Wednesday as the O’s bowed out to QPR on Wednesday night and the 39 year old knows the threat they may pose. Speaking to exetercityfc.co.uk “it was a game of two halves, Orient became more aggressive as the game went on. They were had more purpose in and out of position and probably deserved to win the game of football. We both had creditable performance and lost on penalties. Both will be looking for the same thing on Saturday, three points and a return for their effort”.

Taylor’s League Record – P130 W55 D41 L34

Team News

New signing Padriag Amond is available after his loan move from Newport. Josh Key should be available after receiving a negative Covid test. Tim Dieng and Jonathon Grounds are doubts but Sam Nombe is out with Covid. Archie Collins, Sam Stubbs and Josh Coley are all still unavailable through injury.

Head to Head – Exeter City 33, Draw 26, Leyton Orient 33

Exeter are unbeaten in last eight games – W6 D2

Exeter are unbeaten on last three trips to Brisbane Road – W2 D1

Exeter have scored in last eight games, scoring 22 goals

Prediction – Leyton Orient 2-2 Exeter City