Leyton Orient defender Connor Wood insists his side are only at the start of the journey. The 25 year old joined the O’s from Bradford in the summer and wants his side to build on their promosing start as they head to Carlisle on Saturday. Speaking to leytonorient.com “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it so far, we’re a fairly new back four but their is real togetherness already. We want to continue to build solidarity and become a real force. Keeping as many clean sheets is the main aim as defenders”.

Orient head North after a comprehensive 3-0 home win over Exeter last weekend. First half goals from Aaron Drinan and Omar Beckles set them on their way before on loan Lincoln winger Theo Arichbald sealed the victory. Manager Kenny Jackett stated to leytonorient.com after the win “we didn’t have everything our own way, I always felt we needed that third goal and it was a real quality goal”.

There was plenty of change at the O’s during the summer with Wood one of nine summer signings alongside Jackett’s arrival. Despite the wholesale changes, Wood feels there is a real togetherness being developed and is keen to continue their unbeaten league run. Speaking to leytonorient.com “you can already see how well we have gelled together, we have bonded as a team which is massive. It’s important to get a run going early doors and build momentum. You can see it on the pitch how close we are and how much we demand of each other. It’s a great bunch and I’m reallly excited to see where it goes”.

The trip to Carlisle starts a busy week for the O’s who have back to back home games on Tuesday and Saturday. Orient will be looking to build on recent performances with Jackett highlighting the significance of every game. Speaking to leytonorient.com “all games are important, you want a good home record and want to build a good raport with the supporters. Similiary when on the road, we do really appreciate the suporters who make the effort and help us to achieve”. He added “Salford was excellent in terms of support, it is up to us to put on a performance to encourage them, on and off the ball we have to be at our best”.

Carlisle are unbeaten so far in the league with five points from three games and Jackett knows that the Cumbrians could be a threat on Saturday. Speaking to leytonorient.com “they are a good team, well coached. They have a good attitude and quality, maybe Covid and a few things conspired against them last season, they were a little bit unlucky. They will be wanting to replicate that I’m sure. For us we won’t underestimate anybody, we will give them the respect they deserve. My focus is mainly on my team, my aim is my sides performance”.

Carlisle Sat Top of League Two at the start of 2021

After their COVID outbreak, Carlisle only took nine points from next 42 points

Wood lost both games against the Cumbrians for Bradford last season and certainly knows what to expect at Brunton Park. Speaking to leytonorient.com “it will be another tough challenge and one we want to overcome. Carlisle play completly differently to what we have experienced so far. We will create a gameplan to nullify their threats and provide best chance to win”.

Carlisle were joint top scorers at home last season

Team News

Striker Paul Smyth remains sidelined through injury while defender Adam Thompson is continuing his rehab from a broken leg. Harry Smith is fit after coming through last weekend’s victory over Exeter. Goalkeeper Sam Sargeant is unavailable after joining Barnet on loan in midweek so young Rhys Byrne is expected to be named on the bench. Forward Tyrese Omotoye should be on the bench after joining on loan from Norwich in midweek.

Head to Head – Carlisle 23, Draw 14, Leyton Orient 21

Orient have only won one of the last seven meetings – W1 D3 L3

Five of the last seven wins between the sides have been from the away side

Both teams have scored in six of the last seven meetings and 11 of last 13 games