Football Analyst

Salford captain Liam Hogan felt his side were almost back to their best in their 2-0 victory over Wrexham on New Years Day. The Ammies head to league leaders Leyton Orient on Saturday in a crunch game with the 29 year old highlighted the importance of the clash at the Breyer Group Stadium. Speaking to salfordcityfc.co.uk after the Wrexham victory “to a man defensively it was a Salford type of performance we have seen from the early part of the season. Long may it continue, they don’t come any bigger next week”.

• Sit 3rd on 52 points – five off top spot
• One win in last five league games
• League Record – P28  W15  D7  L6  F53  A31
• Taken six points out of last 18 available

Salford’s Next Six Fixtures

Graham Alexander’s men ended their losing run against Wrexham thanks to goals from Matt Green and Rory Gaffney. Salford had lost their last four league games, dropping to third in the league but Alexander was thrilled with his sides return to winning ways. Speaking to salfordcityfc.co.uk “the players were immense today, when you get doubted you doubt yourself. It takes a big heart and a strong mind to show what you are capable of and I thought they did that today”.

Salford’s Last Six Results

Striker Matt Green has settled into life quickly at the Penisula after his move from Lincoln in December. The 32 year old has netted in back to back games and was finally able to taste victory as an Ammie. The striker was quick to praise the whole squad to salfordcityfc.co.uk “we felt more organised, resolute to what we believe in and that belief would get us the right result. We stuck to that, the whole squad dug in and stuck together to show what this group can achieve”.

• Joint top scorers in National League
• Failed to score in just three league games
• Scored in last five games – scoring nine goals
• Only failed to score in one of their last eight games
• Scored in nine of last 11 away games

Salford were only promoted to the National League last season but have their sights fully on the Football League. After bouncing back from consecutive defeats, Alexander was keen to stress to his side to grasp the chance of playing in the Football League next season. Speaking to salfordcityfc.co.uk “I can’t speak highly enough of the character of the team and individuals within the squad. I am really pleased, we have worked exceptionally hard this season and got an opportunity, we don’t want to waste it, we showed today how much we wanted to take it”.

Salford’s last four Season finishes

Striker Rory Gaffney grabbed his first goal since the end of November against Wrexham and was delighted for his side to start 2019 with a win. After playing title rivals Wrexham home and away over Christmas, Gaffney is relishing the trip to Leyton Orient on Saturday. Speaking to salfordcityfc.co.uk “these are the games we want to be involved in, big crowds. At the minute these are very important games against top teams in the league and we want to show what good team we are”.

• Away League Record – P14  W5 D4  L5  F21  A18
• Lost their last three on the road
• Winless in their last six away games – D3  L3
• All five away wins have been by two or more goals
• Last victory on road – 3-1 at Barnet, 30/10/2018

One major positive coming from the Wrexham victory that Alexander is hoping to take with him is a clean sheet. The Amnies had conceded 13 goals in the previous five games but the 47 year old revealed defensive stability needs to be on the top of his agenda. Speaking to salfordcityfc.co.uk “we need more clean sheets, I take that on board myself, we have to work on our defensive discipline and responsibilities as much as we do on our attacking senses. We are the top scorers but maybe I have taken my eye off the ball defensively, it’s something we need to address and fix”.

• Kept 10 league clean sheets
• One in their last six games
• Two in last eight games
• Conceded ten goals in last three away games

Goals Conceded by the Top 10 teams

A result on Saturday would see Salford cut the gap to Orient but the O’s have only lost once at home this season. The Amnies have only won back to back games once since October and Alexander is aware the challenge that will await his side on Saturday. Speaking to salfordcityfc.co.uk “we’ve got another serious test on Saturday, we have to look forward to it”.

• Scored 28/53 league goals in second half (11/21 away)
• Four of their last five have been in second half
• Conceded 16/31 goals in first half
• Eight have been between 31-45 minutes

Team News

Gus Mafuta is suspended after his red card against Barrow over Christmas. Matt Green looks set to continue in attack after netting in back to back games for the Amnies. Top scorer Adam Rooney and midfielder Danny Lloyd could be recalled to the starting 11 after dropping to the bench in the victory over Wrexham on New Years Day.

Alexander to salfordcityfc.co.uk on his squad “we might have to use the squad again Saturday. I felt we needed to bring in some fresh legs. It is going to take more than 11 players to have any success, it does with any team”.

Head to Head – One previous meeting

04/08/2018 – Salford City 1-1 Leyton Orient

Last Time Out – 2-0 win over Wrexham

Starting 11 vs Wrexham

Prediction – Leyton Orient 1-1 Salford

Leyton Orient head coach Justin Edinburgh highlights that it’s a key time for his side as they look to maintain their position at the top of the National League. Orient’s lead was cut to the three points at the top following their defeat on Boxing Day and Edinburgh wants his side to bounce back at Dover today. Speaking to leytonorient.com “we spoke as a group the second half of the season is so different to the first. The games are running out, in the early part, there was always another game. We’re in the toughest part of the season now”.

• Sit 1st on 53 points
• Two defeats in last four games
• Two defeats in last 12 league games – W7  D3  L2
• League Record – P26   W15  D8  L3  F48  A1

The O’s fell to their second successive away defeat after a 2-1 loss at Dagenham & Redbridge on Boxing Day. Josh Koroma grabbed his ninth goal of the season to put Orient ahead but two goals in the last 13 minutes from Alexander McQueen and Ben Nunn inflicted defeat. Edinburgh was disappointed with his side squandering a lead, stating to leytonorient.com “it is very unlike us when we take the lead to let it slip and the way we let it slip. We switched off at time as if we were losing the game, it is very much unlike us to allow those goals to be scored against us”.

Orient’s Last Six Results

Goalkeeper Dean Brill has played every minute since Justin Edinburgh’s arrival back in November 2017 and was disappointed with how side conceded on Boxing Day. The 33 year old pulled off some key saves in the first half to keep the scores level, providing a strong base for his side. Speaking to leytonorient.com “it’s not what we’re about, we have got a very good defensive record, we take pride in that. We know we are going to concede goals but in the manner we did is not acceptable. As a team we’re disappointed and we put it right and go again”. 

The Boxing day defeat was the first time under Edinburgh, Orient had conceded more than one goal in an away league match. 

• Kept 11 league clean sheets 
• Second best defensive record in league
• No clean sheet in last two
• One in last four games in all competitions
• Three in last six league games
• Only one in last five away games

The O’s grew into the contest at Victoria Road and enjoyed the majority of the second half and duly went ahead through Josh Koroma. Uncharacteristically, Orient conceded two late goals to fall to defeat, their first league defeat in 23 games after scoring first. Edinburgh thought his side competed well and stated to leytonorient.com “we had to weather the storm, they started brightly which we understood as they have won a lot of games of late. Once we weathered the storm, the second half we started really well and got 1-0 up, I couldn’t envisage losing the game”.

• Failed to score in four league games
• Scored in last three and four of their last five
• Scored in 12 of their last 13 away league games
• 31/48 goals scored have been in second half (13/23 away)
• Only Harrogate 33 have netted more
• Netted 23/48 goals after the 60th minute

The O’s have taken pride in their away record this season but after successive defeats Brill is looking for a reaction from his side at Dover on Saturday. Orient went the first 11 away league games unbeaten and with back to back home games to start 2019, an away win could set them up nicely to start the year. Speaking to leytonorient.com “we haven’t got time to feel sorry for ourselves, it’s another away game. We’ve lost two on the bounce, we certainly won’t want to be losing three. We will be going there on Saturday to win and stay where we are, top of the league”.

• Away League Record – P13  W7  D4  L2  F23  A10
• Best record in league and top scorers away from home
• Lost back to back away league games – first time since December 2017
• Only lost two of their last 14 away league matches – W8  D4  L2
• Five of their seven wins have been by two or more goals

Saturday’s fixture at Dover is Orient’s last of 2018 and the former Tottenham defender acknowledges that his side are further ahead than he expected at this stage. The O’s sat 19th at the start of the year but with Edinburgh in his second season in charge, Orient are looking to maintain their promotion challenge. Speaking to leytonorient.com “we have come a long way in a short space of time, we are certainly ahead of were we thought we’d be as a club and group. We always say once you’ve got yourself into the position , you mustn’t ever turn down the opportunity which this group hasn’t. It’s been a fantastic 2018″.

• Orient’s 2018 League Record – P45  W23  D14  L8  F71  A30  – 83 points

Orient’s Next 6 Fixtures

Team News

Captain Jobi McAnuff is a doubt after suffering a fractured toe whilst James Dayton,  Myles Judd and Charlie Grainger remain sidelined through injury. Midfielder Charlie Lee should overcome a head injury that forced him off on Boxing Day.  Matt Harrold is pushing for a starting place in attack after his cameo at Dagenham on Boxing Day.

Head to Head  – Leyton Orient 2, Draw 1, Dover Athletic 1

The Four Meetings Between the Sides

Last Time Out – 2-1 defeat at Dagenham

Starting 11 vs Dagenham

Prediction – Dover Athletic 1-1 Leyton Orient

Dover Athletic manager Andy Hessenthaler is relishing the visit of league leaders Leyton Orient on Saturday. The Whites moved out of the bottom four on Boxing Day after a win over neighbours Maidstone United and Hessenthaler is hoping it can give them boost going forward. Speaking to kentonline.co.uk “the players look at the table and hopefully psychologically it can give them a real lift before we go into a real tough game against Leyton Orient”.

• Sit 20th on 24 points – outside relegation zone on Goal Difference
• Lost one of last seven in all competitions – W4  D2  L1
• Taken 13 points from last 18 available
• League Record – P26  W6  D6  L14  F28  A46

Last Six Results

Dover came from behind against Maidstone after Jake Robinson put the away side ahead in the first half.  Mitch Brundle equalised before goals from Bedsente Gomis and Inih Effiong secured the win. Hessenhaler was thrilled with the response from his side after falling behind, stating to kentonline.co.uk “credit to the boys, they were excellent in the second half, we got the goals and deserved to win the game”.

• Only Braintree and Maidenhead (49) have conceded more goals
• Kept three league clean sheets
• No clean sheet in last five games – conceding eight
• One clean sheet in last nine games 
• Two clean sheets in last 16 league games
• No clean sheet in last four home games

Half time substitutes proved crucial for Hessentahler’s men with Scott Doe and Alfie Pavey introduced from the bench.  The 53 year old revealed why he changed his personnel at the break. Speaking to doverathletic.com “half time we thought we needed another body down the middle. We pushed Brundle into midfield, we felt that the way the game was going, we had to play a little more direct and squeeze them in. We got the goal and went on from there”.

• Failed to score in 10 league games
• Scored in six of their last seven games
• Scored in last five home games and six of their last seven at home
• 19/28 goals scored have been in second half (12/17 home goals)
• Dover’s last eight have been scored in second half

Hessenthaler returned to the Crabble in October from Eastleigh to try and turn the Whites fortunes around. Dover have been steadily improving since his return and have slowly adapted to going full time. The victory over Maidstone was a perfect response to defeat against Barnet four days prior and saw Dover pull themselves out of the relegation zone. Speaking to doverathletic.com “we all look at the table, I do keep an eye on it. I’m sure the players will look tonight and see we are out of the bottom four and kick on. We now look above not below”.

League Table since Hessenthaler returned to Dover

Important to any side fighting to avoid relegation is their home form and Hessenthaler has called on side to continue their fine form at the Crabble. Speaking to kentonline.co.uk “we’ve won our last four home games so I don’t think anybody wants to come to the Crabble at the moment. It’s going to be an interesting game Saturday and a good atmosphere”. 

• Home League Record – P13  W5  D1  L7  F17  A22
• Only Braintree and Maidenhead (27) have conceded more goals
• Unbeaten in last five games – W4  D1
• Won last four league games – scoring at least two in all four
• Only lost one of six home games under Hessenthaler – W4 D1  L1

Saturday game against the O’s is their last home game of 2018 and Hessenthaler is hoping that the fans can give them a boost against the league leaders. Speaking to doverathletic.com “The fans are right with us and can see what we are trying to achieve. They play an important part. It will be a massive atmosphere on Saturday, Leyton Orient are going well, they will bring a lot of fans. They are well supported but hopefully we can keep bring the fans back here”.

• Conceded 24/46 league goals in second half
• 13 have been after 75th minute – most in league
• Only Maidenhead 1049 have trailed for minutes in league
• Eight of their 14 losses have been by two or more goals

Dover’s Next Six Games

Team News

Inih Effiong is struggling with a dead leg picked up against Maidstone while Alfie Pavey and Scott Doe are pushing for starts. Moussa Diarra, Joe Bedford and Kadell Daniel are all looking for a recall to the squad after missing out against Maidstone.

Hessenthaler on his squad to doverathletic.com “I have always got a selection problem. We don’t switch off over Christmas and I have had to disappoint a few players. I can’t keep everybody happy. Every game brings a different challenge, we’ve got good players, will they be changes? There could well be”

Head to Head – Dover Athletic 1, Draw 1, Leyton Orient 2

The Four Meetings Between Sides

Last Time Out – 3-1 win over Maidstone, 26/12/2018

Starting 11 vs Maidstone

Prediction – Dover Athletic 1-1 Leyton Orient

Dagenham & Redbridge striker Angelo Balanta insist his side are a match for any side in the division ahead of their visit of League Leaders Leyton Orient on Boxing Day. The Daggers ended Salford’s unbeaten home record on Saturday and Balanta highlights his side can be a threat against Orient. Speaking to daggers.co.uk “we are going to cause any team problems, the gaffer has put a philosophy down and we have been working on it. We are a good match for any side as we showed today”.

• Sit 15th on 31 points
• One Defeat in their last ten – W8  D1  L1
• League Record – P25  W9  D4  L12  F28  A31

Dagenham’s Last six Results

Dagenham’s sixth win in their last seven came courtesy of goals from Connor Wilkinson and Angelo Balanta at Salford. Carl Piergianni headed Salford ahead in the first half before Dagenham responded in the second half with the win moving them up to 15th. Manager Peter Taylor thought his side started the game slow but started to play once they fell behind. Speaking to daggers.co.uk “I actually thought we looked better 1-0 down than we did at the start. Sometimes you have to get on with it and got to show the opposition enough respect, but sometimes a bit too much”.

• Home League Record – P12  W4  D4  L4  F16  A16
• Unbeaten in their last four – W3  D1
• Three of their four home wins have been by one goal
• Not beaten Orient at home since 2010

Form in Last Eight Games

The Daggers are in the inform side in the National League and made the perfect start to their festive fixtures and will be hoping to back it up with a result against Orient. Taylor’s side were heavy outsiders at Moor Lane but the 65 revealed the confidence his side have. Speaking to daggers.co.uk “after we went a goal down, we scored a good goal. We said at half time, we can go on and win the game. We were very confident because Salford were expected to beat us and were going to come at us. I felt like we could have had three or four goals in the second half, if our finishing had been better”.

Dagenham’s Next 6 Results

Balanta moved to the Daggers in October and has been in fine form, scoring four goals in his last six games. The 28 year old is pleased that the hard work going on behind the scenes is starting to pay off on the pitch. Speaking to daggers.co.uk “we work on it all week and to see it come out on a Saturday, it is no surprise to myself or the management team. There is a real good factor around the place. We work hard all week in training and the fact we’re putting in performance in on Saturday’s and starting to get results is no surprise”.

• Dagenham failed to score in six league games
• Scored in their last seven games in all competitions
• Only failed to score in one of their last 10 league games
• Scored in last four away games and five of their last six
• Scored 15/28 league goals in second half (seven of their last 11 have been in second period)

Taylor’s side struggled at the start of the season picking up just two points from their first eight games. However since their takeover in September, they have been steadily improving and have now won seven of their last nine league games. Taylor admitted the mood has changed since the upturn in results at Victoria Road. Speaking to daggers.co.uk “good results bring the confidence out. The togetherness is important when you’re not winning, at the start of the season it wasn’t happening, now all of a sudden it’s happening. The two strikers will always get goals, their hold up play helps to link up play”.

• Kept five league clean sheets
• Kept just one in their last five games
• Kept just two in their last eight games
• Not kept a home league clean sheet since 04/09/2018 (seven games)

Boxing Day opponents Orient have enjoyed life at the top of the National League for the majority of the season. The Daggers have been slowly climbing the table and Taylor admits he feels his side now have a chance against the table toppers. Speaking to daggers.co.uk “Eight, nine or ten games ago, we were looking at Leyton Orient and thinking Oh Dear. Now we feel we can enter the same field and give them a good game”.

• Record against top six – P6 W3  D1  L2  F7  A7
• Only lost one of their four home games against the top five (2-1 defeat vs Wrexham)
• Have won their last two games against top five sides (2-1 vs Fylde and Salford)

 Team News

Elliott Justham is set to continue in goal after returning from illness against Salford on Saturday. Connor Wilkinson and Angelo Balanta will be looking to continue on the goal front after the pair have been involved in nine of their last 13 goals in all competitions. 

Head to Head – Dagenham 5, Draw 4, Leyton Orient 8

• Dagenham have not beaten Orient in last 11 meetings (90 minutes) – D5 L6
• Last beat Orient in 2010 in a 2-0 home victory
• Have not score in last four meetings against Orient
• Three of the last five meetings at Victoria Road have ended in draws
• Dagenham have only scored in one of the last four home games at Orient

The Last Eight meetings Between Sides

Last Time Out  – 2-1 victory at Salford

Starting 11 vs Salford

Prediction – Dagenham 1-1 Leyton Orient

Leyton Orient assistant coach Ross Embleton insists his side must stay focused as they head to neighbours Dagenham & Redbridge on Boxing Day. The O’s moved four points clear at the top of the National League on Saturday but Embleton knows it is important to stay grounded despite sitting top. Speaking to East London Advertiser “we have given ourselves a really good opportunity and if we continue to work hard and do things right and keep our focus on not getting carried away then we have a good chance of doing it but there is such a long way to go”.

• Sit 1st on 53 points – Four clear of Salford
• Won six of their last eight in all competitions
• Lost just one of their last ten – W7 D2  L1
• League Record – P25  W15  D8  L2  F47  A15

Orient returned to winning ways in the National League with a 3-1 home win over Chesterfield. Josh Koroma opened the scoring before Alex Kiwonya levelled but second half goals from Marvin Ekipeta and MacAuley Bonne saw Orient take full advantage of their rivals dropping points. Embleton acknowledged to leytonorient.com that the gap was nice but he wants to keep extending it “the most important thing off the back of that is we don’t take it for granted. We have to make sure we continue to strive to make the gap bigger”.

Orient Last Six Results

Defender Marin Ekpiteta grabbed his fourth of the season on Saturday and highlighted it was important to return to winning ways. The young defender gave the O’s the initiative in the second period and despite being level at the break, the 23 year old was confident his side would pick up the win. Speaking to leytonorient.com “we knew we had to keep going, we played well and battled well. The second half we knew they would blow up nd eventually and we would get our goals”.

• Failed to score in four league games
• Scored in three of their last four games
• Netted two or more in six of their last eight games and five of their last seven away games
• 30/47 league goals scored in second half (only Harrogate 33 have scored more)
• 22 after the 60th minute
• 12 of their last 14 have been in second half

Midfielder Charlie Lee returned to action after seven weeks out injured and helped Orient deal with the physical threat of Chesterfield. The O’s conceded only their 15th goals in 25 league games on Saturday and Embleton admitted his side have learnt how to deal with the physicality of the league. Speaking to leytonorient.com “we never want to concede, something we work on a lot. The boys have really improved with what the league throws at you. It’s disappointing for us but overall we dealt quite well”.

• Second best defensive record in league
• Kept 11 league clean sheets (four away)
• Kept four in their last six games – conceding just two goals
• Kept just one in their last three games
• Kept one in their last four away league games
• Kept three in their last seven league games

Defender Sam Ling will make his first return to Victoria road after his move to the O’s back in February. The 22 year old spent 19 months with Daggers before rejoining the Orient and admits that after Dagenham’s upturn in form it will be a testing clash on Boxing Day. Speaking to East London Advertiser “it will be a tough game and they’ve been in good form. At the start of the season they were struggling but they’ve done well since the takeover went through. They’ve hit some really good form of late and they have some very good players, so I can’t wait to play against them”.

• Away League Record – P12  W7  D4  L1  F22  A8
• Best Record in League – scored joint most, conceded joint fewest
• Only lost one of their last four – W2  D1  L1
• Only lost one of their last 13 away league games – W8  D4  L1
• Five of their seven away wins have been by two or more goals

Orient play the Daggers twice over Christmas with the return leg at Brisbane Road on New Years Day and Embleton admits his side have a tendency on facing sides who are in good form. After a poor start to the season, Dagenham are the inform side in the league alongside the O’s. Speaking to leytonorient.com Embleton stated “Dagenham’s start to the season has given people a different impression of what they are about and capable of. They have made some good signings themselves. Balanta has gone in and made a real impact. They are a different proposition to what everybody expect to see after their start”

Form in Last 8 League Games

• 12 of their 15 wins have been by two or more goals
• Unbeaten against bottom half teams – P12  W9  D3  F27  A6

With Wrexham hosting Salford on Boxing Day, a win could see Orient extend their lead at the top. The O’s have a great record against the Daggers in recent history and Ling admits his side may have to be patient to get the three points. Speaking to East London Advertiser “every game is tough and it’s just down to the boys. We know what we can do. We know even if we have a sticky period, as long as we stick at it we can get three points and get a lot of goals”.

Orient’s Next 6 Results

Team News

Josh Coulson should overcome a knock he picked up in the victory over Chesterfield. Charlie Lee is set to continue in midfield alongside Craig Clay. James Dayton, Charlie Grainger and Myles Judd remain sidelined through injury.

Head to Head – Leyton Orient 8, Draw 4, Dagenham 5

• Orient are unbeaten in the last 11 meetings (90 minutes only) – W6  D5
• Three of the last five meetings at Victoria Road have ended in draws
• Both games at Victoria Road last season ended 0-0
• Orient have kept four consecutive clean sheets against Dagenham
• Orient’s last defeat – Dagenham 2-0 Orient, 4/9/2010

The Last Eight Meetings between Sides

Last Time Out – 3-1 vs Chesterfield

Starting 11 vs Chesterfield

Prediction – Dagenham 1-1 Leyton Orient

Chesterfield manager Martin Allen insist his side are relishing their trip to league leaders Leyton Orient on Saturday. The Spireites beat second placed Salford a fortnight ago and Allen is hoping his side can replicate that form on Saturday. Speaking to derbyshiretimes.co.uk “next we go to Leyton Orient, they’re top aren’t they? I’m looking forward to going there with these players behind me”.

• Sit 20th on 23 points – two points above relegation zone
• League Record – P23  W4  D11  L8  F20  A24
• Only lost one of their last 14 games all competitions – W3  D10  L1

Chesterfield’s Last Six Results

Chesterfield head to E10 on the back of consecutive victories, their most recent a 5-1 home win over Basford United in the FA Trophy. A brace from Tom Denton and goals from Alex Kiwonya, Jonathon Smith and Lee Shaw saw them progress to the second round. Allen praised the professional nature of the victory stating to chesterfield-fc.co.uk “these games are always difficult but I thought the attitude of the players was absolutely spot on. It was a professional job and we played some good football”.

• Failed to score in eight league games
• Scored in their last two and five of their last six games
• Last failed to score – 2-0 home defeat to Grimsby – 02/12/2018
• Scored in seven of their last eight league games
• Scored in last eight away games in all competitions

The Spireites have found life difficult after their relegation to the fifth tier in May. After winning their opening three games, Allen’s men then went 19 league games without a victory until their 2-0 victory over Salford in early December. The former Barnet boss is hoping that back to back victories can be the catalyst for their turn in fortunes. Speaking to derbyshiretimes.co.uk “we’ve had such a crap time on and off the field, the supporters, players and myself. But the more wins you get under your belt the better it is, they’re all buzzing. We’re starting to see the emergence of a team, they’re young and hungry”.

• Kept seven league clean sheets (one away)
• Only kept one in their last six in all competitions
• Kept two in their last four league games
• No away clean sheet in last 12 games
• Without a away clean sheet in league since opening day – 10 games

Striker Lee Shaw grabbed his first goal for the club in their victory last weekend and the former Grantham man is confident his side can head back north with some points. Chesterfield are unbeaten in their last three fixtures against top seven teams and Shaw is hoping to make that four on Saturday. Speaking to derbyshiretimes.co.uk “we know it’s a big game and it will be a tough game at Leyton Orient, every game has been in truth. There’s no reason why we can’t go to Orient and get something off them, if we play like we have been doing in these past couple of games”.

• Record vs Top Seven – P7  W1  D3  L3  F6  A8
• Away League Record – P11  W1  D6  L4
• Unbeaten in last eight in all competitions – W2  D6
• Last victory – 3-1 vs Billericay, 20/11/2018
• No away league win since opening day win at Ebbsfleet (1-0) – D6  L4

Despite their long wait for a league win, the Spireites are unbeaten in their last ten league games but Allen knows his side are the outsiders on Saturday. Speaking to chesterfield-fc.co.uk “everyone is aware how important this next game is to us, as the underdogs going to London to play Leyton Orient. They’ve got some really dangerous players, so it’s going to be a tough one but I don’t think we have any fear going to play the best team in the league at the moment”.

• 13/20 league goals have been scored in the second half (7/11 away)
• Five of their last eight have been in second period
• Only scored two or more goals in 4/23 league games
• Six of their eight defeats have been by just one goal

Chesterfield’s start to life in the National League was very similar to how Orient faired last season. After shoots of recovery in recent weeks, Allen is hoping his side can use the O’s as a benchmark on their turn of fortunes . Speaking to derbyshiretimes.co.uk “it has taken 18 months to get there, that’s what we have got to aspire to. Good lads from non-league, good lads from the youth team and building on our current squad with a younger, more vibrant squad. I want to rise like Leyton Orient”.

• Only Braintree (317) and Halifax (319) have led for less minutes in National League than Chesterfield (389)

Chesterfield’s Next Six Fixtures

Team News

Bradley Barry is out with a head injury while Jordan Hallam is a doubt after suffering a knock in training. Laurence Maguire, Charlie Carter, Sam Wedgebury and Drew Talbot are all long term absentees. Alex Kiwonya will be hoping to add to his three goals in his last two games.

Allen on his team to derbyshiretimes.co.uk “we will put out a team which is as close to the Salford game as we can, The only change we will be making is to replace Bradley”.

Head to Head – Chesterfield 8, Draw 9, Leyton Orient 9

• Chesterfield have only won one of the last ten meetings – W1  D4  L5
• Last five wins in fixture have been by the away side
• Chesterfield are unbeaten in their last four trips to the Breyer Group Stadium – W1  D3

The Last Ten Meetings Between Sides

Last Time Out- 5-1 vs Basford United

Starting 11 vs Basford United

Prediction – Leyton Orient 2-1 Chesterfield

Leyton Orient head coach Justin Edinburgh insist his side will not take Beaconsfield Town lightly on Saturday. Orient host the Rams in the FA Trophy first round and despite their opponents being two divisions lower, Edinburgh is not undervaluing them. Speaking to leytonorient.com “you never know, anything can happen on the day, we are fully aware and respectful, we have prepared like every other game. If for any reason anyone underestimates them, the evitable may happen”

• Sit 1st in National League

Orient’s Last Six Results

The O’s head into Saturday’s trophy clash after suffering their first defeat in eight games at Boreham Wood last weekend. Femi Ilsanmi third minute strike was enough to inflict Orient’s third defeat of the season. Edinburgh was disappointed by his sides start and is looking for a reaction against Beaconsfield. Speaking to leytonorient.com “it wasn’t a good start, we know that and not to our standards. We bounce back from that. It wasn’t to be today, we have to accept that, it’s disappointing because we don’t like losing”.

• Home Record this season – P12  W7  D4  L1  F22  A6
• Unbeaten in last five home games – W3  D2  F9  A1
• Won seven of their last ten – W7  D2  L1  Scoring 19 goals
• Scored two or more goals in six of their last nine at home

Orient have only suffered back to back defeats once under Justin Edinburgh and midfielder Craig Clay admitted the opening period killed his side. The 26 year old has been a constant this season and highlighted the message Edinburgh gave after the match. Speaking to leytonorient.com “the gaffer got us in there at the end and we were obviously down but he lifted us and said look it’s only the second defeat. The gaffer got his arm around us and told us what we need to do and I’m sure we will go back in training and be straight back on it”.

• Kept 11 clean sheets this season
• Kept three in last four
• Kept four in their last five home games
• Kept six clean sheets in last ten games – conceding just four goals
• Not kept a clean sheet in the FA Trophy

The O’s lost out to Gateshead in the quarter finals last season and after already exited the FA Cup, Edinburgh’s men are keen for a run in the competition. Despite sitting top of the National League, Edinburgh does not see a run in the trophy as a distraction. Defender Joe Widdowson is excited by the prospect of the final at Wembley and acknowledge his side will be taking the competition seriously. Speaking to East London Advertiser “we want to win and get through to the next round and we have to beat whoever is in front of us. It is a competition we will take seriously and we look forward to being competitive in it this season”.

Orient’s Result in trophy 2017/2018

Midfielder Alex Lawless has had to bide his time this season with playing time limited with the competition in the squad. Lawless came on at Boreham Wood last week and highlights with a hectic festive period Edinburgh may call upon the whole squad in the coming weeks. Speaking to leytonorient.com “quite a few of the lads have been looking at the game as an opportunity to get some minutes. There are a lot of games where a lot can happen but hopefully it’s goes well for everyone and we have a near full strength squad over festive period”.

Orient’s Next Six Fixtures

Team News

Myles Judd, James Dayton and Charlie Grainger are all out through injury. Charlie Lee could be included in the squad while Alex Lawless is pushing for a starting berth. Daniel Happe, Matt Harrold, James Alabi are set to start on Saturday.

Last Time Out – 1-0 away defeat vs Boreham Wood

Starting 11 vs Boreham Wood

Prediction – Leyton Orient 3-1 Beaconsfield Town

Beaconsfield Town manager Gary Meakin is hoping for the unexpected when his side travel to National League leaders Leyton Orient on Saturday. The sides meet in the first round of the FA Trophy but despite 52 league places and two leagues separating the sides, Meakin highlights football can bring surprises. Speaking to bucksfreepress.co.uk “we will be going there to win and although we are expected to lose, football’s a funny old game and anything can happen”.

• Unbeaten in last four – W2  D2
• Only lost two of their last 19 games – W11  D6  L2

Beaconsfield’s Last Six Results

The Rams head to the Breyer Group Stadium on the back of a 1-1 home draw with Poole Town last weekend. Beaconsfield sit seventh in Evo Stick Southern Premier South Division and have adapted to life well at Step Seven after promotion last term. The Buckinghamshire outfit have competed well in both the cup competition this season but acknowledged to bucksfreepress.co.uk what their ultimate aim is”we have done very well, the first thing is to stay up and we currently sit seventh which is fantastic for us, hopefully we can continue our form”.

Beaconsfield Record in Cup Competitions 18/19 

Meakin returned to the Rams at the start of the 2017/2018 season for his second reign as Beaconsfield manager coinciding with Chris Coyle’s appointment as Chariman. The Buckinghamshire outfit have been steadily improving and have come close in recent cup competitions. Saturday’s clash with Orient has given the Rams a chance to showcase what they are about. Speaking to non-league paper Meakin stated “it’s what we needed really as a club. We have been doing so many great things in the last few years and getting a draw like this makes people sit up and notice. It’s not going to change the world but it will put what we do in the spotlight a bit more and hopefully people will recognise what club is all about”

Gary Meakin’s Record in All Competitions since start of 17/18 season

Despite a lower than normal crowd expected at the Breyer Group Stadium, Meakin is relishing the prospect of his side playing in front of a large crowd and doesn’t think they will be intimated  by the contest. Speaking to BBC Three Counties Radio “Orient are a Football League club really, they struggled a bit last year, but we have a headed group, they take it in their stride and will enjoy the game without being overawed by the occasion”

• Kept eight clean sheets this season
• Without a clean sheet in last six
• Kept just one in last ten games (1-0 vs Swindon Supermarine, 06/11/18)
• One in last six away games
• Not kept a clean sheet in last six FA Trophy games

The Rams will take confidence from Maidstone United who beat Orient in FA Cup Fourth Qualifying round back in October. With the O’s sitting top of the National League, Meakin knows that if Orient don’t have their full attention on the game, The Rams could provide a shock. Speaking to bucksfreepress.co.uk “we can cause an upset, if we are on top of our game and Orient don’t give us the respect we deserve and don’t take us seriously; we can definitely give them something to think about”.

• Away Record this season – P12  W7  D3  L2  F18  A11
• Unbeaten in last five – W3  D2
• Only lost one of their last ten on the road – W7  D2  L1
• Defeat 2-1 vs Concord Rangers, FA Cup Third Qualifying, 6/10/18

Vice chairman Steve Sweetlove will have divided loyalty in E10 tomorrow, being a boyhood Leyton Orient fan. Sweetlove is one of three generations of O’s fans in his family and always dreamt of a time when Beaconsfield would be in the same draw as Orient. Now, he is hoping that the draw can highlight the work that has been going on at Holloways Park. Speaking to BBC Three Counties “hopefully it draws some press and attention so we can get some more people along. The players are playing out of their skin, last season and this season. All we can do is keep doing it on the pitch and the town can get behind us”.

• Only failed to score in one game this season
• Scored in last 19 games in all competitions
• Scored in all 12 away games
• Only failed to score in one of their last 28 games (0-1 Tiverton, 01/09/2018)

Team News

Skipper Wes Daly and midfielder Nathan Webb are both doubts after being substituted in last weekend’s draw with Poole Town.

Gary Meakin to bucksfreepress.co.uk on his squad ahead of the visit to Orient

“I am hoping to have a full squad available for the game. Some of the guys missed out against Poole Town, but they missed out with knocks and bruises so the players should all make a full recovery”i

Last Time Out – 1-1 draw vs Poole Town

1. Ravan Constable, 2. Jerome Eccleston, 3. Mayowa Balogan, 4. Reece Yorke, 5. Luke Neville, 6. Wes Daly, 7. Louis Stead, 8. Dan Brown, 9. Brendan Matthew, 10. Bajram Pashay, 11. Charlie Losasso

Prediction – Leyton Orient 3-1 Beaconsfield Town

Leyton Orient head coach Justin Edinburgh insist his side are keeping focused ahead of their trip to Boreham Wood tomorrow. The freshly named November Manager of Month admits he didn’t expect his side to be top of the league but is fully aware there is still plenty of work to be done. Speaking to the O’s Show “we’re not getting ahead of ourselves or getting carried away. We are at the halfway stage, the challenge is to now replicate what we have done in the previous 23 games. It is a tough and tall order but a challenge we are looking forward to”

• Sit 1st on 50 points – a point clear of Salford
• League Record – P23  W14  D8  L1  F44  A13 
• Only Salford (22) have taken more points in last ten games (21)

Orient’s Next Six Fixtures

The O’s head to Hertfordshire after extending their unbeaten run to nine games with a 2-0 home victory over Gateshead last Saturday. Josh Koroma and MacAuley Bonne struck in the second half to keep Orient in top spot. Assistant coach Ross Embleton was pleased his side got back to winning ways before a week on the training ground. Speaking to leytonorient.com “it was important to sign off the week with a good feeling. To bounce back with three points was vitally important”.

Orient’s Last Six Results

Saturday’s victory over Gateshead included another clean sheet, their 11th of the season. The O’s have the best defensive record in the league with Embleton quick to praise the whole team. Speaking to leytonorient.com “it is something all deserve credit for. It is a massive element of what we’re about. At times last year we were vulnerable but we have added that element of enjoying defending our box. If you look at our back four, goal keeper and midfield, they are happy to defend the box”.

• Kept three clean sheets in a row, for the third time this season
• Kept six clean sheets in last nine games – conceding just three goals
• Kept two clean sheets in last five away games
• Only conceded two or more goals in one league games this season

Orient made it 11 unbeaten away from at Wrexham a fortnight ago, a new club record and Edinburgh will hoping his side can continue that in front of the cameras. Edinburgh has only lost three of his 23 away league fixtures as Orient head coach but is aware of threat that Luke Garrard’s men could be. Speaking to nationalleague.org “Boreham Wood will want to cause a headline, I like the way they play and have a lot of time for what they achieved last season. I don’t think they have quite got going yet but they will. They will see it as us next and fancy it. When they click into gear they can be dangerous”.

• Away League Record – P11  W7  D4  F22  A7
• Best record in league, scored the most goals
• Only Fylde (6) have conceded fewer goals
• Won five of their last six away league games
• Only lost one of their last 16 away league matches – W9  D6  L1

Tomorrow’s game at Boreham Wood is Orient’s first of the festive fixtures before a break next week with the FA Trophy. Defender Sam Ling returned against Gateshead after a period of injury and highlights it is all about staying patient as they have the quality to overcome teams in this division. Speaking to guardianseries.co.uk “I think every game is tough, we know what we can do and we know even if it is a bit of shaky start, that if we keep it up we can get three points. We can score, we can put five or six past teams, that’s why we have to stay confident when things aren’t going right”.

• Failed to score in three games (0 away)
• Only National League side to score in every away game
• Scored in six of their last seven games
• Scored 28/44 league goals in second half – (12/22 away)
• Orient’s last seven goals have all come in second half
• Netted 20 goals after 60th minute

Team News

Myles Judd remains a doubt after missing last weekend’s victory over Gateshead. Charlie Lee is back training and could be available while Sam Ling is looking to keep his place. Sam Sargeant and Charlie Grainger are still out so Artur Janata is set to continue as second choice goal keeper.

Head to Head –Leyton Orient 1, Draw 1, Boreham Wood 1

• Orient unbeaten in last two meetings
• Kept a clean sheet in past two meetings

Previous Three Meetings

Last Time Out – 2-0 home win vs Gateshead

Starting 11 vs Gateshead

Prediction – Boreham Wood 1-2 Leyton Orient 

Boreham Wood manager Luke Garrard is hoping his side relish the underdog card when they host league leaders Leyton Orient tomorrow. The O’s visit Meadow Park in front of the BT Sport cameras and the 33 year old can’t wait to pit his wits against them. Speaking to bwfctv.co.uk “it is going to be a tough task but one I relish along with the group, the fact it is live on BT Sport aids both dressing rooms but for us we’re the underdogs and we can’t wait for them to come here“.

• Sit 11th on 28 points – eight off the play offs
• League Record  – P22  W7  D7  L8  F23  A25
• Only won two of their last 12 league games – W2  D3  L7

Garrard’s men head into tomorrow clash on the back of 1-0 home defeat to Dover ten days ago. Inih Effiong grabbed the only goal of the game which extended Boreham Wood’s winless streak to six games. Captain Tom Champion admitted his side were no were near the standard they set themselves to bwfctv.co.uk “we came here tonight to try and get a reaction and then to play as badly as we did is really gutting for everyone. We know things have got to change for us and hopefully we can draw a line underneath and start to show the performances we had before”

The Last Six Results

By Garrard’s own admission Boreham Wood over achieved last season finishing 4th but after a summer of rebuilding they found life more difficult this term. Boreham Wood sit 22 points below Orient heading into the clash Saturday and Garrard praised the work that Justin Edinburgh has done at the Breyer Group Stadium. Speaking to bwfctv.co.uk “we are coming up against one of the best teams at this level. You look at the work Justin has done along with Ross Embleton and Danny Webb, they play a certain way and they are ever so good at what they do. They don’t really play from the back, make good decisions nd are a very good side”.

• Kept six league clean sheets – (three at home)
• Kept one in last three and two in their last five (both 0-0 draws)
• Have only kept two in last 12 league games
• Kept just one in their last six home games 

Champion highlight that one big result could help to kick start their season but acknowledges that the squad needs to stay together. A result and performance in front of the BT Sport cameras could be just what Boreham Wood need according to Champion. Speaking to bwfctv.co.uk “the experienced boy will have to rally the troops and build from here and try and kick start our season so it doesn’t fizzle out. That game against Orient next is going to be a big game and obviously we hope that we can raise our game and beat them”.

• Failed to score in eight league games – (two at home)
• Only scored in one of their last five games in all competitions
• Failed to score in last two home games
• Scored just two goals in last six games
• Only scored two or more in six of 22 league games

Boreham Wood are definitely the outsiders tomorrow despite having home advantage according to Garrard but it is a position which his side have done well in previously. Speaking to bwfctv.co.uk “we’re the underdog come Saturday. I feel as underdogs we play it well. It is back to the bread and butter, it is very much about getting ourselves organised and can be clinical in front of goal, if we do we can probably make an upset”.

• Home League Record – P11  W5  D4  L2  F14  A11
• No win in last two – D1  L1
• Only lost two of their last nine home games – W3  D4  L2
• Have not lost back to back home games since January

Tomorrow’s clash with Orient starts a busy month of games where Champion hopes his side can pick up some form, helping them climb the table to where they want to be. Speaking to bwfctv.co.uk “we’ve got loads of games coming up in December, it’s obviously a busy times with games coming thick and fast. That’s one of the best things about football you can put to bed a bad result as soon as you can and build something”

Boreham Wood’s Next Six Fixtures

After breaking the record crowd at Meadow Park in the meeting last season, Garrard is urging the Boreham Wood fans to get themselves down to support his side once more. Orient have already sold over 1000 tickets for the clash with Garrard stating “they will probably land that bottom end with 1400/1500 fans again and hopefully ours come out again. It makes for a cracking game, they are very good side, on our day at home we are to, so come down and support the boys”.

• Scored 14/23 in second half – including seven between 46-60 minutes
• Five of their last seven have been scored in second half
• Conceded 17/25 league goals in second half (9/11 at home)
• Conceded eight in final 15 minutes and 12 after the 60th minute

Team News

Connor Smith, Bradley Ash and Sorba Thomas all scored in Wood’s 5-1 Hertfordshire Senior Cup win on Monday and are hoping to be involved. Garrard has no new injuy concerns head of Orient.

Head to Head – Boreham Wood 1, Draw 1, Leyton Orient 1

• Boreham Wood have failed to score in last two meetings
• Both wins in fixture have been home wins

The Three Previous Meetings

Last Time Out – 0-1 home league defeat to Dover

Starting 11 vs Dover

Prediction – Boreham Wood 1-2 Leyton Orient