Leyton Orient striker Harry Smith insists his side remain grounded despite siting second in League Two. The O’s travel to fellow promotion cantidates Port Vale on Saturday but the 26 year highlights there is still plenty of work to do in the season starting at Vale Park. Speaking to BBC London “collectively to sit second at the end of September, it’s a good start, we‘re not going to get carried away. It’s only a start, there’s a long way to go and the league hasn’t really sorted itself out yet”.

Second in League Two – four points behind league leaders Forest Green

Taken 11 points from last 15 available

Orient made it six unbeaten after a 0-0 home draw with Mansfield last weekend with manager Kenny Jackett left slightly disappointed his side couldn’t grab all three points. Speaking to leytonorient.com “it’s slightly frustrating at the end for us, I thought the first half was quite cagey. In the second I thought we were very good and created a high number of chances. It wasn’t quite our day in the final third”.

On loan defender Alex Mitchell is loving his time in E10 playing first team football. The 19 year old joined the O’s on loan from Millwall back in August and his relishing the chance of League Two football. Mitchell’s arrival has seen the O’s keep three clean sheets in five games and Mitchell highlighted the importance of keeping out the opposition. Speaking to leytonorient.com “it’s a huge step up, I’m really grateful for the opportunity, the gaffer and the lads have been brilliant. We’re all fighting for the clean sheet, we really want to get one every week, we know we’ve got players who can score goals so if we do our job, they will do there’s”.

Only conceded seven goals all season in League

Conceded in every away league games this season

Conceded a penalty in last three away league games

Saturday’s trip to Vale is the first of three away trips for the O’s and Jackett knows they will all bring different challenges. Orient are unbeaten on the road so far this season with the 59 year old keen for his side continue their form away from Brisbane Road. Speaking to leytonorient.com “if you want to be successful you have to be good enough to win away and at home. The different type of games, your side has to be good enough mentally, ability and rise to the challenge as a player. We’ve had a bright start but it doesn’t give you anything”.

Vale sit fourth after winning their last three and appear to be gelling under manager Darrell Clarke. Clarke’s men have already beaten Forest Green and Harrogate this season with Jackett fully aware of the danger they will possess. Speaking to leytonorient.com “they are one of the sides that have impressed me, I thought they finished season very strong last season. They do look like one of the promising starts in the league most definitely. It’s always a difficult place to go, we don’t ever under estimate anybody, we are looking forward to the game, it’s going to be a big test for us”.

Orient have not won back to back away games since April

Orient have only played three of the current top half (all at home) – W2 L1

Despite Orient having only one defeat so far, Jackett is keen to highlight there is still plenty of work to do for his side. All of the top three drew last weekend and the 59 year old wants his side to continue with their level of performance. Speaking to leytonorient.com “we’ve still got a lot of work to do in terms of growing and we need consistency aswell. Our side has a good understanding, cohesion defensively and going forward. We want to keep that performance level up if we can, we certainly need to do if we want to be competiting at the top end of the table”.

Orient are one of three sides to score in every away league match this season

Only Forest Green (18) have scored more league goals than the O’s

Team News

Defender Tom James is suspended after picking up five bookings last weekend while Adam Thompson remains out as he continues his rehab from injury. Forward Paul Smyth is back in the squad after recovering from injury. Hector Kyprianou could be back in the starting 11 with Craig Clay moved out to the right.

Head to Head – Leyton Orient 19, Draw 10, Port Vale 34

Orient have only lost one of the last five meetings – W2 D2 L1

Orient have won two of their last four trips to Vale Park W2 L2 (both defeats 0-3)