Football Analyst

Leyton Orient midfielder Craig Clay is expecting an exciting clash when the O’s travel to AFC Fylde on Saturday. Both sides have only lost once in the league so far this season and with just two points separating them, Clay knows it will be a tough clash. Speaking to the O’s Show “it will be a good footballing game, they like to play and we like to play, as a neutral it will be a good footballing game. It’s going to be tough, they are only a few points behind us”.

• Sit 3rd on 37 points
• League Record – P18  W10  D7  L1  F34  A11

Orient’s Last Six Results

Orient head to Mill Farm on the back of a 1-1 draw away at Eastleigh on Tuesday night. Top scorer Macauley Bonne grabbed his 13th of the season in the second half earning his side a point after Josh Hare had headed Eastleigh ahead. Head Coach Justin Edinburgh admitted his side weren’t on top of their game but was pleased his side collected a point. Speaking to leytonorient.com “I think every point you earn is a point gained. We were far from our best today but a good trait is don’t play well and pick something up and we did that tonight”.

• Kept eight clean sheets this season
• Kept three in last five games
• Only conceded five goals in last 12 league games – keeping seven clean sheets
• Kept three clean sheets in last five away games

Orient were at their fluid best last weekend in their 4-0 over Havant & Waterlooville but Eastleigh made it difficult for them on Tuesday. The O’s struggled to create in the first half and found themselves a goal behind. Bonne stated to leytonorient.com “we spoke at half time about being tidier, be more us. We didn’t play our football in the first half. We needed to be tidier on the ball, make the right decisions and go out second half and put it right”.

• Scored 20/34 in second half – including 16 after the 60th minutes
• Nine of their last 15 have been scored in first half
• Orient have only led at half time in seven games
• Five of their last eight games, Orient have opened the scoring in first half

The O’s are unbeaten on their travels so far this season and are unbeaten against the current top six. Saturday’s clash with Fylde pits third against fifth and with just three points separating the top six, Edinburgh is keen to only look forward to the next game. Speaking to leytonorient.com after the Eastleigh draw “they are all big games, tonight was the biggest game of the season. The next one is, every game we play we always say this. Wherever we go, every team you play on it’s merit is a difficult game”.

• Away League Record – P9  W5  D4  F17  A6
• Best record in league and top scorers away from home
• Unbeaten in last 10 away league games
• Only lost one of their last 14 away league games – W7  D6  L1
• Won four of their last seven away games – W4  D2  L1

With Orient out of the FA Cup, Saturday’s meeting with Fylde is the O’s last game for two weeks. After their point at Eastleigh, Edinburgh’s men are now unbeaten in their last four league games and Bonne knows it is key for his side to keep the points ticking over. Speaking to leytonorient.com “credit to the boys, we came out second half and dug deep to come away with a point. To leave here without losing keeps the momentum going. Keep getting draws and wins is going to keep us climbing the table”.

Orient’s Next Six Games

The O’s won at Mill Farm back in February and after their good start to the season Edinburgh is expecting the Coasters to be challenging at the top end of the league come April. Speaking to East London Advertiser “we came up against them last season and they made the playoffs. They haven’t made wholesale changes, they’ve added, are accomplished and understand the league”. He added “I expect them to be in and around it again. That one this weekend will certainly be tough”.

• Failed to score in three games this season
• Scored in every away league game this season
• Scored in last 10 away league games
• Only failed in one of their last 13 away league games
• Scored two or more goals in 9/18 league games and three of their last four away league games

Team News

Joe Widdowson is available after serving the final game of his three match ban on Tuesday. Myles Judd is suspended after picking up his fifth caution of the season at Eastleigh. Sam Ling is a doubt with an ankle injury while Alex Lawless could deputise at right back if needed.

Head to Head –Leyton Orient 1, Draw 0, AFC Fylde 1

• Only the third meeting between the sides
• MacAuley Bonne and Danny Rowe have scored three of the four goals between sides in this fixture

Last Season’s Results

Last Time Out – 1-1 vs Eastleigh

Starting 11 vs Eastleigh

Prediction – AFC Fylde 1-1 Leyton Orient

AFC Fylde manager Dave Challinor is relishing the visit of Leyton Orient this weekend. Challinor who celebrated seven years in charge of the Coasters on Friday highlighted the test his side face on Saturday as 5th meets 3rd at the top of the National League. Speaking to afcfylde.co.uk “it will be a really tough game and one we look forward to, it’s a different challenge but we’ll put a plan in place”.

• League Record – P18  W9  D8  L1  F29  A7

Dave Challinor’s Record as Fylde Manager

Fylde head into Saturday’s game on the back of a third consecutive league win after Danny Rowe’s injury time winner against Gateshead on Tuesday night. After wasting chances in recent away games, Challinor was pleased his side were able to gain maximum points despite not playing at their best. Speaking to afcfylde.co.uk “to be able to stick one in right at the end and probably get a result which we didn’t really deserve is massively pleasing”.

Fylde’s Last Six Results

After defeat in the FA Cup qualifying rounds, Fylde will have a weekend off on the 10th November and striker Danny Rowe was thrilled his side can take momentum into Saturday’s game. Rowe struck his 12th of the season on Tuesday and highlighted picking up points when you’re not at our best is a good trait to have. Speaking to afcfylde.co.uk “three points is good for us and confidence wise going into a big game Saturday. We were no-where near our best to be honest, we didn’t create much tonight. In football if you don’t play well and win, you take that”

• Failed to score in seven league games
• Scored in eight of their ten home games this season
• Scored in their last four games and last three league
• Scored in their last five home games – scoring 10 goals
• Only failed in one of their last six games

The Coasters finished seventh in their first National League campaign and have started the season with just one defeat in their first 18 league games. Fylde were the league’s top goal-scorers last season and Challinor is aware that team’s are setting their stall out differently this year. Speaking to afcfylde.co.uk “we don’t expect it to be easy here, we expect teams to make it difficult for us. Teams know we like to be open and expansive and try to make the game as open as we can. People have been weary of that and set up differently”.

• Home League Record – P9  W7  D1  L1  F18  A4
• Best record in division, only Wrexham (3) have conceded fewer goals
• Won last four home league games
• Only lost one of last five in all competitions – (1-3 vs Chesterfield, FA Cup)
• Only lost one of lasts 15 home league games – W11   D3  L1  

Fylde’s success this season has been built on their fantastic defensive record, only conceding seven goals in 18 league games. The Coasters have gone 610 minutes without conceding in the National League with Challinor naming the same back five in their last seven league games and eight in all competitions.

Fylde’s Record after 18 games – this season and last season

• Kept 12 league clean sheets – most in league
• Kept six in their last seven games – six consecutive league clean sheets
• Kept eight clean sheets in their last nine games
• Kept five clean sheets in last six home league games
• Conceded just two goals in last 540 minutes of home league football

Fylde have only beaten one of the top six so far this season and after defeat to Orient in February, Rowe is excited to go head to head against the O’s again after netting a brace against Orient last season. Speaking to afcfylde.co.uk “it’s a big game, their a big club and are doing really well in the league. We are really looking forward to Saturday. We go into Saturday’s game looking to win. In the league we want to finish as high up as we can”.

• 18/29 league goals have been scored in second half
• 11/18 home league goals in second period
• Netted seven in the final 15 minutes of games
• Nine of the last 12 have been scored in second half

With just three points separating the top six, Saturday’s clash with Orient give Challinor’s men the opportunity to take points off one of their promotion rivals. Challinor stated to afcfylde.co.uk “we are three points behind them, we have a chance to go level on points at the weekend. Hopefully we get a good crowd, they are a good side. They are well managed, well organised and really organised”.

Top Six in National League

• Seven of their nine wins have been by two or more goals
• Eight of their last 10 wins have been by two or more goals
• Only trailed for 69 minutes this season
• Have only trailed in two games

Team News

Dave Challinor is expected to name a similar side that faced Gateshead on Tuesday night. Striker Danny Rowe will be hoping to add to his four goals in his last three games while full back Zaine Francis-Angol has three assists in his last two games.

Head to Head – AFC Fylde 1, Draw 0 , Leyton Orient 1

Last Season’s Results

• Danny Rowe and MacAuley Bonne have been involved in 3 of the 4 goals scored in this fixture

Last Time Out – 1-0 vs Gateshead

Starting 11 vs Gateshead

Prediction – AFC Fylde 1-1 Leyton Orient

Eastleigh Caretaker manager Ben Strevens remains uncertain over the vacant managerial role but is fully focused ahead of the visit of Leyton Orient. Strevens took over the reigns after Andy Hessenthaler moved to Dover Athletic three weeks ago . Speaking to the dailyecho.co.uk ahead of the Orient game, “I’ve honestly got no idea if I’m in charge on Tuesday. We’ll be read for Leyton Orient.  We’ll just have to wait and see how the next 24-48 hours goes, but in my mindset I’m getting ready for Leyton Orient. 

• Sit 10th on 26 points
• League Record – P17  W8  D2  L7  F15  A19
• Taken 15 points from last 18 available

Eastleigh’s last Six Results (all competitions)

The Spitfires picked up their fifth win in their last six league games on Saturday after a 1-0 victory at FC Halifax. Josh Hare’s second half header was enough to see Eastleigh move to within four points of the playoffs. Strevens was thrilled with the win stating to dailyecho.co.uk “it was a big win and a big performance, from the first minute you could tell our boys were on it today. We were the better team and defended really well as a group”.

• Home League Record – P8 W3  D1  L4  F6  A8
• Only won two of their last seven in all competitions – W2  D2  L3
• Joint lowest scorers at home
• Not scored more than one goal at home in any game this season
• Only scored nine goals in last 15 home league matches
• Scored two or more goals in just one of their last 15 home league matches (2-1 vs Dover, 27/03/2018)

After a slow start to the league campaign, Eastleigh after slow start have started to climb the table and have lost just one of their last eight league games. The victory on Saturday was their first after Hessenthaler‘s departure and Strevens was quick to praise his staff and players over their recent form. Speaking to dailyecho.co.uk “taking the F.A Cup out of the equation, that’s now seven games unbeaten out of eight and five wins from the last six. That’s not me, that’s the players. The boys haven’t changed and I haven’t changed in two weeks”.

Eastleigh’s Next Six Games

Eastleigh’s recent resurgence has coincided with a strong defensive base, seeing them only concede four goals in last eight. Saturday’s 1-0 win was their fourth in their last seven games and Strevens was pleased with sides defensive display. Speaking to eastleighfc.co.uk “it’s tough, you can’t have it all your own way, the defended really well as a group, Ben on the right and Yates on the left, did a good defensive job, getting back in and picking balls up”.

• Kept six league clean sheets
• Kept just one in last four games all competitions (FC Halifax 1-0 Saturday)
• Kept four in last six league games
• Kept three in last five home games

After creating a strong defensive base, Strevens’s next step is to get the Spitfires scoring some more goals. On Saturday, they found FC Halifax keeper Sam Johnson in fine form but Strevens is pleased with his sides progress “I see the boys each and every day in training and I know the work they are putting in. The got what they deserved today” Daily Echo. He added “I will take the 1-0, it shows how well they defended as a group, the four at the back were defensively good but there was hard work going on in front. We take the 1-0 but we would like a few more goals”.

• Failed to score in six games this season
• Only failed to score in one of their last eight games
• Scored in their last seven league games
• Scored in their last three home league games

Did you know – All eight league wins have been by a one goal margin this season

Did you know – 12/15 league wins in 2018 have been by just one goal

Team News

Reda Johnson could return after a family bereavement kept him out of the victory at Halifax. Chris Zebroski has resumed training but is not fully fit while keeper Max Stryyjek will continue in goal after his loan from Sunderland was extended. Mark Yeates will be hoping to continue his fine form after the winger has been involved in Eastleigh’s last seven goals (1 goal, 6 assists). 

Head to Head – Leyton Orient 0,  Draw 2, Eastleigh 0

Last Season’s Results

Last Time Out – 1-0 victory at FC Halifax

Starting 11 vs Halifax

Prediction – Eastleigh 1-1 Leyton Orient

Leyton Orient winger James Dayton insists his side head to Eastleigh brimming with confidence after returning to the summit of the National League on Saturday. Orient’s win over Havant put them top for the first time since September and with a tricky trip South, Dayton is excited for the clash. Speaking to leytonorient.com “Eastleigh have been on an okay run, it’s a tough place to go on a Tuesday night but we go there full of confidence after the performance we put on”.

• Sit 1st on 36 points
• League Record – P17  W10  D6  L1  F33  A10
• Two wins in last five

Orient last Six Results

Josh Coulson, MacAuley Bonne and Charlie all struck in the first half before Bonne notched his second and 12th of the campaign to wrap up victory against Havant & Waterlooville on Saturday. Head Coach Justin Edinburgh praised his sides start and response after only their second defeat of the season to Maidstone in the FA Cup. Speaking to leytonorient.com “I am pleased with the performance. It was a positive start and we always looked a threat and were worthy of the win. We spoke during the week ad did a lot of work on the training ground and the players responded”.

• Away League Record – P8  W5  D3  F16  A5
• Best record in division
• Won four of last six in all competitions – W4  D1  L1
• Unbeaten in their last nine away games
• Only lost one of their last 13 away league games – W7  D5  L1

The O’s struck twice in the opening 20 minutes on Saturday and it opened up the game for Orient. Edinburgh’s have found it difficult to break down teams recently but the former Newport man saw his side ooze confidence after opening the scoring. Speaking to East London Advertiser “once we got the early goal the game opened up nicely. It gives you the opportunity to have more calmness and dictate the play a bit more with your passing”.

• Failed to score in three games this season
• Scored in two of their last five games
• Scored in last nine away league games
• Failed in just one of their last 13 away league games

The O’s have been known for their late goals this season but Saturday’s game was the fifth game in their last seven league games where they opened the scoring in the first half. Dayton missed the defeat at Maidstone but returned in the win over Havant and revealed it was a plan to start fast. Speaking to leytonorient.com “we said, we wanted to come out of the blocks sharp and hit Havant hard. We feel we did that with the early goal and we kept our foot on the pedal and kept on going”.

• Joint highest scorers in league
• 19/33 league goals have been scored in second half – 15 after 60th minute
• Nine of their last 14 goals have been scored in first half
• Scored two or more goals in 9/17 league games and their last three away league games

Edinburgh reverted back to the formation and personnel which played the majority of their 13 game unbeaten start to the season on Saturday. The 48 year old praised his midfielders and their fourth goal which capped off the victory. Speaking to leytonorient.com “Craig Clay was immense today, he played off the front foot, Jobi and Dayts has some intricate play. Our fourth goal was as good as we’ve scored this year. The build up play. I thought we had purpose and intent to our game today and it’s what we’ve got to continue”.

• Kept 8 league clean sheets (only Wrexham (10) and AFC Fylde (11) have kept more)
• Kept three in their last four games
• Only conceded four goals in last 11 league games – keeping 7 clean sheets

Tuesday’s game is the first of two away trips this week with a trip to AFC Fylde on Saturday. Orient will be looking to pick up points ahead of their two week break from league action after their defeat in the FA Cup. The O’s drew both games against Eastleigh last season and Edinburgh is aware that it could be tight one again. Speaking to leytonorient.com “they are all big games, all tough games on merit. It’s another tough game on Tuesday but one we go in confident”.

Orient’s next 6 Games

Team News

Sam Ling looks set to overcome an ankle injury which forced him off in the victory over Havant. Joe Widdowson will serve the last game of his suspension after his red card against Hartlepool.

Head to Head – Leyton Orient 0, Draw  2, Eastleigh 0

The Results last season

Last Time Out – 4-1 vs Havant & Waterlooville

Starting 11 vs Havant

Prediction – Eastleigh 1-1 Leyton Orient

Havant & Waterlooville manager Lee Bradbury is expecting a reaction from his side as they visit Leyton Orient on Saturday. The Hawks lost 1-0 to Metropolitan Police in FA Cup 4th Qualifying last weekend, a side two league below them and Bradbury wants his side to respond at the Breyer Group Stadium. Speaking to havantandwaterloovillefc.co.uk “a bit of pride needs to be installed back into this team and show how much last weeks performance and result hurt them”.

• Sit 21st on 11 points – three from Safety
• League Record – P16  W2  D5  L9  F18  A30
• One win in last 12 – W1  D3  L8  (win 2-1 vs Aldershot, 05/09/2018)

Havant’s Last Six Results

A Jack Mazzone strike five minutes before half time saw Havant fall to their fourth consecutive defeat at Met Police. Bradbury was fuming with his sides performance last weekend stating to Portsmouth.co.uk “I told the players they should be embarrassed by their performance . The most disappointing aspect was our lack of application. To say that I am spitting nails is an understatement. We were outworked, outmuscled and outrun by a team two league below us. It hurts me to say it”.

• Kept just one clean sheet this season
• No clean sheet in last 15 – just one in their last 19 games
• Conceded two or more goals in 8/16 league games
• No clean sheet in last eight away games 
• Conceded 17/30 league goals in second half – eight of their last 13
• Only Dover (31) have conceded more

Havant are in their first season at this level after back to back promotions in the last two years. It has been a tough start to life in the National League and the Hawks are currently eight without a win. Following defeat last Saturday, Bradbury revealed to Portsmouth.co.uk “we need to act and I will have to speak to the board. Either we need to go full time to make a difference with the players or we have got or we need to bring in better players”.

Havant’s Last Six Seasons

With no midweek game, it has been a tough week on the training pitch for Bradbury’s men trying to find a solution to grab their first win since September. The O’s have the highest home attendance in the League and Bradbury is hoping his side can use that on Saturday. Speaking to havantandwaterloovillefc.co.uk “we’ve had a good weeks training, the lads have been on it as you’d expect and now we are looking for a performance up at Leyton Orient. A tough place to go, lost only once, we’ve got our hands full. A big crowd and we have to use it to our advantage”.

• Failed to score in six games
• Not scored in their last four games 
• Have gone 360 minutes without scoring
• Failed to score in their last two away games 
• Scored 11/18 goals in second half – 8/12 away goals

Havant have only won once away this season and heading to a side third in the League Bradbury knows that no one will give them a chance tomorrow. But being heavy outsiders, he highlights there are no expectations on his side. Speaking to havantandwaterloovillefc.co.uk “all the pressure is on them, some think they will wipe the floor with us. A team that came up last year and are fourth from bottom. Their crowd will be expecting. So we’re hoping to frustrate them a little and use our quality that we’ve got in our team, then I think we can cause an upset”.

• Away League Record – P8  W1  D2  L5  F12  A21
• Only Dover, Aldershot (4) and Dagenham (3) have taken less points away
• Worst defensive record in league
• No win in last six – D2  L4   Conceding 12
• Only win was 4-3 vs Braintree, 18/08/2018

The Hawks have lost their last four games by the solidary goal and Bradbury highlights his side must start well and keep Orient out in the early stages if they are to get a result. Speaking to havantandwaterloovillefc.co.uk “it’s important that we go there, stay in the game for as long as we can and frustrate the team and the supporters around them because they’re expecting a win”. He added “what we’ve got to do is go and do our best and if we can do that, then I think we can come back with something whether it be a point or three”.

• Seven of their nine defeats have been by just one goal
• Taken just two points against the current top seven – D2  L4

Team News

Andreas Robinson is suspended after getting sent off at Met Police for two cautions. Brain Stock should be back after he sat our last weekend’s game with illness. Tyler Cordner is available after being cup tied last week.

Last Time Out – 1-0 loss vs Met Police

Havant Starting 11 vs Met Police

Prediction – Leyton Orient 3-0 Havant & Waterlooville

Leyton Orient head coach Justin Edinburgh is fully aware that Havant & Waterlooville will have a point to prove at the Breyer Group Stadium this weekend. The Hawks lost to Metropolitan Police in the FA Cup Fourth Qualifying Round last weekend and will be looking for a reaction. Speaking to leytonorient.com Edinburgh stated “Havant are coming and looking for a response. The manager questioned the players for their performance and result, we know they are coming to put a performance on and try and get a result”.

• Sit 3rd on 33 points – one point off top
• League Record – P16  W9  D6  L1  F29  A10
• Four wins in their last seven

Orient themselves lost 2-0 at Maidstone in the FA Cup with second half strikes from Blair Turgott and Elliott Romain inflicting defeat. The O’s dominated possession for large spells but conceded twice in the second half with no response. Edinburgh stated to leytonorient.com “it’s not what we’re about, the disappointing thing was the manner of the goals and the reaction when we went 1-0 down. We became very erratic and that would be the disappointment“.

• Home League Record – P8  W4  D3  L1  F13  A5
• No win in last two, D1  L1
• Four wins in their last six
• Conceded just two goals in last six home games
• Ten of their 13 home goals have been scored in second half

With just one win in their last four games, Orient will be looking for a reaction in front of their home crowd. Midfielder Craig Clay sat out the defeat at Maidstone and highlighted that his side are ready to hit their early season form again. Speaking to East London Advertiser “we have set our standards at the start of the season. We have set the bar high and had a great start to the season. I am sure we will be working on stuff and trying to make ourselves better but we have started well and want to keep this feel good factor”.

Orient’s Last Six Results

The O’s have failed to score in three of their last four games and despite Havant sitting three points from safety and winless in their last eight, they won’t be any pushovers. Speaking to leytonorient.com Edinburgh stated “whatever team you come up against, it is always going to be a difficult encounter. There are always difficulties in games. Their league position is a low one, if you look at all their results they have only been by the odd goal. We have to be at our best and we will try to get back to winning ways”.

• Last failed to score in three consecutive home games – October 2016
• Scored two or more goals in 8/16 league matches (four of their last seven)
• 18/29 league goals have come in the second half – 15 after 60th minute
• Six of their last ten have been in the first half

Edinburgh made six changes to his side at Maidstone and also trialled from the start a 3-5-2 formation. It is expected that Orient returned to a more recognised 4-4-2 against Havant with Edinburgh stating to leytonorient.com “we made changes last week, it was the right decision, players in the squad need to play some games. We look forward now and look what brought us success and where we can hurt Havant. I always pick a team I feel can win the game”.

• Kept seven league clean sheets – four at home
• Kept two in their last three games (all competitions)
• One in last three home matches
• Only conceded two or more in 2/17 league games
• Conceded 9/12 goals this season in second half – including three of their last five

After their defeat in the cup, Orient’s full attention is on their league campaign and know every result can be key with just one point separating the top four. With three games in eight days, midfielder Charlie Lee points out that his side must be persistent in their search for a return to the Football League. Speaking to leytonorient.com “we must keep focus on the league now, the result wasn’t ideal. We have got to take the positives and look for a reaction on Saturday”

Orient’s Next Six Games

Team News

Joe Widdowson remains suspended after his red card  against Hartlepool. Midfielders Craig Clay and Jobi McAnuff are expected to return to the side after dropping to the bench at Maidstone. Sam Ling is expected to start at left back while Josh Koroma is likely to partner Macauley Bonne in attack.

Last Time Out – 2-0 loss at Maidstone

Orient’s Starting 11 at Maidstone

Prediction – Leyton Orient 3-0 Havant & Waterlooville

Leyton Orient midfielder Craig Clay insist there will be no let up from his side when they travel to Maidstone United in the 4th Qualifying Round of FA Cup today. Orient have only lost one of their 16 games so far this season and the former Motherwell man wants his side to carry their momentum in the cup. Speaking to East London Advertiser “We are going there to do a job, we will not be taking our foot off the gas and we will be professional about it and go there to win”. 

• Sit 3rd in National League
• Four wins in their last Six

Orient’s last Six Results

Orient were unlucky not to take all three points when they drew 0-0 with Hartlepool last weekend. Joe Widdowson saw red in the second half but despite the numerical disadvantage the O’s went the closest to breaking the deadlock. Edinburgh stated to leytonorient.com “I’m very proud of the performance and the manner we played, even with 11 men. We moved the ball well at times against a team that again came to frustrate us. Even with 10 ten men, we looked like the team going to win the game”.

• Kept seven clean sheets this season
• Kept back to back clean sheets and kept three in their last five
• Kept three in last five away games
• Conceded just nine goals in last 13 away games
• Only kept one clean sheet in last FA Cup games

Edinburgh’s side picked up their first victory of the season at Maidstone back in August and they haven’t looked back since. However, since the victory, Harry Wheeler has replaced Jay Saunders as Maidstone boss and Edinburgh highlights it will be a different Stones team they encounter on Saturday. Speaking to East London Advertiser “they will probably have a point to prove with us goin there earlier in the season and winning. They have a new manager and I’m sure they have new ideas and have had a bit of a bounce”.

• Away Record (this season) – P8  W5  D3  F16  A5
• Won their last three and four of their last six 
• Only lost one of their last 13 away games – W7  D5  L1
• Won three of their five away cup games under Edinburgh

The O’s have struggled in the FA Cup in recent seasons, winning just one of their last six games in the competition. A win would see Orient progress to the First Round Proper with Edinburgh highlighting it is a nice challenge away from their league campaign. Speaking to the O’s Show “the players are really looking forward to it, for me it’s a competition with a huge amount of history and prestige. It is one as players and staff we want to have a good run in, we know the fans will. It is a game we’re wanting to win”.

Orient’s Last Four Seasons in FA Cup

Midfielder Craig Clay has been an ever present for the O’s this season, starting all 16 games so far. The 26 year old has never progressed past the second round of the FA Cup and is keen for Orient to have a good cup run. However, first and foremost for Clay is beating Maidstone. Speaking to East London Advertiser “it would be nice to on a little cup run and experience the magic of the cup. We have to worry about Maidstone first”

• Only failed to score in two games this season
• But not scored in two of their last three
• Scored in last nine away games and 11 of their last 12
• Scored in just three of their last nine cup games
• Only scored in one of their last six away FA Cup games

Edinburgh could make changes at Maidstone allowing some of his players to have some competitive football. But the former Newport man is aware that it is all about the right equilibrium at the Gallagher Stadium. Speaking to the O’s Show “the position I’m in is all about getting the balance right and making sure the team that goes is a team that can get us through to the next round. Also making sure the squad is utilised to the maximum”.

Round Reached by Orient in last five seasons

Team News

Defender Joe Widdowson will start his three match suspension after his red card against Hartlepool with Sam Ling expected to replace him. Charlie Lee is set to return after being rested last week while Dale Gorman returns after International Duty with Northern Ireland U21’s. On loan winger Levi Lumenka is unable to play after permission from Crystal Palace was denied.

Head to Head – Leyton Orient 4, Draw 1, Maidstone 0

• It will be the fourth meeting between sides in 14 months
• Orient have won the last three league meetings

Last Five Meetings Between Sides

Last Time Out – 0-0 vs Hartlepool, 13th October

Starting 11 vs Hartlepool

Prediction – Maidstone 1-3 Leyton Orient

Maidstone United manager Harry Wheeler has urged his side to stay focused when they host Leyton Orient in the 4th Qualifying Round FA Cup. The Stones were holding their own against AFC Fylde last weekend until they conceded from a corner in the second half and Wheeler is asking for his side to maintain concentration on Saturday. Speaking to kentonline.co.uk “it shouldn’t be difficult to concentrate, we train regularly enough. I fully believe we’ve got a great chance if we get ourselves right”

• Sit 20th in National League
• Two wins in last five games

Maidstone’s Last Six Results

Defeat to Fylde was Maidstone’s third under Harry Wheeler’s reign and came courtesy of Neil Byrne and Arlen Birch’s goals in the second half. Wheeler’s side hit the post and were pushing for the opener before conceding. The 30 year old stated to maidstoneunited.co.uk “the performance up to 68 minutes was fantastic, I thought the least we would go away with was a point. We had chance after chance, they had one, we had seven. We were in control of the game and then the boys let themselves down”

• Home Record (This Season) – P8  W1  D2  L5  F5  A10
• No win in last five – D1  L4
• Last win 1-0 vs Barrow, 18/08/2018
• Only won two of their last 12 home games – W2  D4  L6
• Only won one of the last four home FA Cup games

It was the second consecutive game Maidstone conceded from a set piece and Wheeler was adamant that his side need to step up and stay switched on. Speaking to kentonline.co.uk “everyone makes mistakes, that’s fine but when it’s down to concentration, that’s the most disappointing thing. We’re in Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday and we are going to work hard and do everything we can to get a positive result and go through”

• Kept just three clean sheets this season
• No clean sheet in last three and just two in their last 11 games
• No clean sheet in last nine FA Cup games (last 2-0 win vs Dunstable 2015)
• Just one in last 13 FA Cup games

Wheeler is settling into life at the Gallagher Stadium and is shaping the personnel he wants. Jack Powell, Simon Walton and Elliot Romain have all been brought in since he arrived in September after Jay Saunders was sacked. Despite defeat at Fylde, Wheeler was encourage by the impact of his new recruits, “Powell made a difference, our structure was good, matching a side who were third favourites to win the league. We looked good but they need to stay focused. We are in transition”.

• Failed to score in seven games this season
• Failed in their last two games
• Scored in just one of their last four home games
• Only Scored 11 goals in 16 games
• Only scored more than one goal in a game twice this season

Midfielder Michael Phillips has relished the extra competition and knows that it is up to them to prove whey they should be starting. Phillips started in Orient’s 2-1 win at the Gallagher Stadium in August and the 21 year old is finally hoping his side can pick up a victory over the O’s. Speaking to kentonline.co.uk “last time we played them I felt we dominated. We let in a bad goal and everything dropped in the stadium. They are obviously a big club and a big threat. I think we can match them or even better them”.

Round Reached in last Five FA Cup seasons

Maidstone have progressed to the First Round Proper in each of the last four seasons and Wheeler is hoping that record continues when Orient visit tomorrow. Speaking to kentonline.co.uk “it’s an important cup for us, we’ll give it everything we’ve got. I’ve always had a good record in cups and hopefully we can bring that here and continue because Maidstone have had a good record too”.

Maidstone’s Results in FA Cup – last Three seasons

Team News

New signing Elliott Romain is available after joining from Dagenham & Redbridge on Friday while midfielder Jack Powell is set for his home debut after joining from Ebbsfleet; Simon Walton is set to continue in midfield. Striker Joe Quigley moved to Bromley on Thursday while midfielder Michael Phillips is hoping for a start. Captain Blair Turgott will be hoping to add to his eight goals against his old club.

Head to Head – Maidstone 0, Draw 1, Leyton Orient 4

• Maidstone have only scored one goal in last three meetings

The Last Five Meetings Between Sides

Last Time Out – 0-2 loss at AFC Fylde

Starting 11 vs AFC Fylde

Prediction – Maidstone 1-3 Leyton Orient

Leyton Orient assistant coach Ross Embleton insist the O’s must start quickly against Hartlepool today. At a sold out Breyer Group Stadium after the “football for a fiver” initiative, Orient will be hoping to stay in touch with League Leaders Salford and continue their challenge for promotion. Speaking to leytonorient.com Embleton stated “we are doing everything we can to start the game strong and make it an exciting game”

• Sit second on 32 points
• League Record – P15  W9  D5  L1  F29  A10
• Won nine of their last 12 – taking 29 points

Orient’s next Six Fixtures

The O’s returned to winning ways with a 2-0 victory at Maidenhead, Macauley Bonne and James Alabi struck in the first 30 minutes to keep Orient in second. Head Coach Justin Edinburgh was delighted with the response from his side after their first defeat of the season. Speaking to leytonorient.com “it was a bit of an unknown for us this season to be defeated but obviously it was the reaction we all wanted and I’m pleased for the group in terms of the result”.

Orient’s last six Results

Defender Myles Judd was pleased his side were able to grind out victory admitting the early goal helped Orient. The 19 year old has made the right back spot his own starting the last 12 games and was happy Orient were able to keep another clean sheet. Speaking to leytonorient.com “it’s always good to get a clean sheet, as long as you get one you get at least a draw or could win. It’s the most important thing for the defence”

• Kept six clean sheets – three at home
• Kept two in their last four
• Kept three in last five home games
• Only conceded four goals in last nine matches
• Third best defensive record in league – conceding just 10

Hartlepool arrive in E10 in sixth, looking for a third straight win against the O’s. Following defeat in their last home match, Embleton knows Pool will come and look to frustrate Orient. Speaking to leytonorient.com “they did it twice last year, we gave them the opportunity. We know at home teams are going to come, to try and make it difficult for us but we have to overcome that”

• Home Record – P7  W4   D2  L1  F13  A5
• Won four of their last five
• Only lost two of their last 11 at the Breyer Group Stadium – W7  D2  L2
• Three of the last four home wins have been by two or more goals

Edinburgh’s side have been known for their late goals this season but in three of their last four games, they have started strong scoring in the opening 30 minutes. With a packed out Breyer Group Stadium, Embleton highlights that it is up to the O’s players to get the fans up for the occasion. Speaking to leytonorient.com “we have had some fantastic home crowds this season and it will be even better to add to that number. We have the responsibility to excite people, get them off their seats and give the crowd something to cheer about”.

• Only failed to score in one league match
• Scored in nine of their last 11 home matches – netting 21 goals
• Scored 18/29 in second half – including 10/13 at home
• Six of last ten have been in first half
• Scored 51% (15/29) goals after the 60th minute

The top of the National League continues to be tight, with only two points separating the top four. Despite Orient’s closest rivals playing sides at the bottom, the former Newport man knows at this stage, his side just need to concentrate on their own performances. Speaking to nationalleague.co.uk “if we take care of ourselves then who knows what might happen. We can only concern ourselves with our performances and try to make sure we are better every week”

Promotion Rivals’ Fixtures

Team News

Leyton Orient will be without midfielder Dale Gorman who is away on International Duty with Northern Ireland U21’s. Striker Josh Koroma is a doubt with a knee injury so James Alabi should keep his place in the starting 11. Defenders George Elokobi and Daniel Happe are back in contention after returning from injury.

Head to Head – Leyton Orient 20, Draw 9, Hartlepool 21

• Hartlepool won both games last season
• Orient have lost two of the last three games at home
• Orient have only won three of the last eight meetings
• Both teams have scored in five of the last seven games
• No draw in last nine meetings and just one in last 16 meetings

The Last Eight Meetings

Last Time Out – Maidenhead 0-2 Leyton Orient

Starting 11 at Maidenhead

Prediction – Leyton Orient 1-1 Hartlepool

Hartlepool manager Matthew Bates insist his side are relishing their trip to second placed Leyton Orient tomorrow. Orient’s “football for a fiver” initiative has led to a sold out Breyer Group Stadium with Bates hoping his side can spoil that day. Speaking to hartlepoolunited.co.uk “we go there full of confidence and nothing to fear. We are second favourites which takes some pressure off. The lads can go out express themselves, get on the ball and we aim to do that”

• League Record – P15  W7  D6  L2  F18  A14
• Only lost one of last 12 – W7 D4  L1

Pool arrive in E10 following their first win in three last weekend. A goal in each half from defender Andrew Davies saw off Boreham Wood and moved Hartlepool up to sixth in the table. Assistant Manager Ged McNamee admitted his side altered their approach but was pleased with the victory. Speaking to Non League Paper “it’s a perfect day, a tough game, they make it hard for you, they are physical and direct. We were aware of that and we had to match them. We played a bit less, got the forward earlier and came away with a result”.

Hartlepool’s Last Six Results

Davies joined Hartlepool in the summer from Ross County and is now getting back after a stop start beginning to his Pool career. The 33 year old was delighted that his side were able to do the other side of the game to win. Speaking to Hartlepool Mail “Saturday was one of our most pleasing wins. Opposition teams are not going to let us pass them off the park and it showed we can do the ugly side as well which is a massive boost for the lads”

• Kept Four clean sheets – one away
• First clean sheet in five vs Boreham Wood
• Kept three clean sheets in last seven
• Kept just one away clean sheet in last 21 away games 

Bates took full time charge of Hartlepool in May after Raj Singh’s takeover and his side have continued to grow. The 31 year old has never lost at the Breyer Group Stadium when he’s played and wants his managerial reign to take a similar route. Speaking to hartlepoolunited.co.uk “I have always liked going to Leyton Orient as a player and I’m looking forward to going there as a manager. We’ve had some good results down there. It will be a good game, one that I’m excited for and I know the players are”.

• Failed to score in four games 
• Scored in last two and five of last six
• Scored in 12 of last 13 away games
• Scored 11/18 goals in second half (including 6/9 away goals)
• Four of their last seven goals have been in second half

With a crowd of over 8000 expected, it will be one of the highest in England and Bates knows that the occasion should not faze his players. Speaking to hartlepoolunited.co.uk “we have got a good group in there, the senior players have played in that type of atmosphere and much bigger than that. We’re used to playing in front of big crowds at home, we aim for it to give us a boost. The lads are excited for Saturday”.

• Hartlepool are the only side not to score or conceded in first 15 minutes of games
• 12/14 goals conceded have been in the second half
• Only Dover (12) have conceded more goals in last 30 minutes of matches than Hartlepool (11)

Davies has started the last four league games after returning from injury and relishes that his side are able to test themselves against one of the top guns. Speaking to Hartlepool Mail  “it will be tough, but let’s knock them off their perch, that’s the biggest thing for me. I love going away to play the best teams. They are showing they are one of the best at the minute but let’s see. We are really looking forward to it”.

Hartlepool’s Next Six Fixtures

Bates’s Pool have the third best away record in the League, only losing to Salford on their travels this season. The 31 year old knows his side will be the underdogs tomorrow, “ no one is expecting us to get anything going to Leyton Orient. We are, we ain’t going just for the day out, we are going to pick points up. There’s no reason we can’t”.

• Away Record – P7  W4  D2  L1  F9  A8
• Only Orient and Harrogate (18) have taken more points away
• Won four of their last five
• Only lost one of their last 12 away – W7  D4  L1
• Last four wins have been by just one goal

Team News

Hartlepool should have striker Luke James available after the striker pulled out of England C duty in midweek. Myles Anderson should be fit after continuing his return from injury in midweek but doubts still remain on Paddy McLaughlin (groin) and Peter Kioso (hamstring). Luke Williams remains absent through injury.

Head to Head – Leyton Orient 20, Draw 9, Hartlepool 21

• Hartlepool won both games between sides last season
• Both teams have scored in five of the last seven meetings
• Pools have won two of the last three games at the Breyer Group Stadium
• Hartlepool have scored in four of the last five trips to Orient
• No draw in last nine meetings and just one in last 16 meetings

The Last Eight Meetings between sides

Last Time Out – Hartlepool 2-0 Boreham Wood

Starting 11 vs Boreham Wood

Prediction – Leyton Orient 1-1 Hartlepool