Football Analyst

Maidenhead United manager Alan Devonshire has urged his players to up for the challenge when they host Leyton Orient today. The Magpies have already lost to Wrexham and Salford at home and Devonshire wants his players to be straight into another promotion contender from the first whistle. Speaking to maidenhead-advertiser  “you’ve got to get amongst these teams and let them know who you are”

• Sit 16th on 17 points – six above relegation zone
• Two wins in last five – lost other three games

Maidenhead’s Next Six Games

Devonshire’s side suffered a 3-0 home defeat to Salford last weekend, Scott Wiseman and Adam Rooney struck in the first half before Devante Rodney wrapped up victory at the death. The 62 year old felt his side were second best throughout stating to maidenhead-advertiser “we were really poor and that’s the worst 45 minutes we’ve had. They’re a good side but we didn’t get close”.

• Kept just three clean sheets – two at home
• No clean sheet in last three – conceding six
• One clean sheet in last five – (3-0 vs Halifax, 15/09/2018)
• Two clean sheets in last three home games

After just one point from their first five games, the Magpies have picked up recently but still remain inconsistent with their performances. Devonshire’s men have only won back to back games once this season and the former West Ham man was left disappointed after another defeat, “We’ve come here today off the back of a good win and we had a good crowd but we’ve let ourselves down”.

Maidenhead’s last Six Results

Devonshire is in his second spell at York Road and has been improving the Magpies since he returned in 2015. After gaining promotion from National League South in 2016, Maidenhead finished in mid table last season and will be hoping for a similar finish this season. 

Maidenhead’s last Three Seasons

The Magpies have struggled against the promotion chasers with only six points from 21 coming against top half teams,  Devonshire highlights that they can’t give Orient too much respect. Speaking to maidenhead-advertiser on Salford and Orient games, “Salford are a good side but so are Leyton Orient, are we just going to stand off them aswell?”

• Failed to score in five league games – two at home
• Failed in two of their last three games
• But have scored two or more in 6 of last 9 games
• Scored 12/19 goals in first half – 7/11 home goals
• Netted six between 31-45 – most in league

The O’s arrive at York Road in second spot after having their unbeaten run ended by Sutton last Saturday. Orient won at York Road last season, with a good crowd expected, Devonshire is aware that Orient will be looking for a reaction. Speaking to maidenhead-advertiser “Leyton Orient lost to Sutton which means they’ll be working even harder next week. We’ll look forward to it and I’ll probably change a few things we’ll see”

• Home Record – P7  W3  D1  L3  F11  A12 
• Since promotion 60% league points have been picked up at home – 49/81
• Scored in four of their last five home games (scoring at least two goals in all four)
• Only Dover (13) and Braintree (16) have conceded more home goals than Maidenhead (12)

Team News

Christian Smith returning in defence last week and should continue at the back. Manager Devonshire made a double change after 30 minutes against Salford and hinted there will be changes against Orient. Striker Josh Kelly has involved in Maidenhead’s last seven home goals and will be hoping to add to that tally. Alan Massey remains injured.

Head to Head

• Two previous meetings, both ending in 1-0 away wins

Two meetings last Season

Last Time Out – 0-3 vs Salford City

Starting 11 vs Salford

Prediction – Maidenhead 1-2 Leyton Orient

Leyton Orient head coach Justin Edinburgh wants his side to push on after their unbeaten run was ended last weekend. The O’s sit second in the League ahead of their trip to Maidenhead today and highlights the importance of building on their great start. Speaking to East London Advertiser “it’s a fantastic start from the boys and now it’s about how we maintain this consistency going forward”.

• League Record – P14  W8  D5  L1  F27  A10
• Taken 19 points from last 24 available

Orient’s last Six Results

Orient’s first defeat of the season came courtesy of a Jonah Ayunga which claimed all three points for Sutton. Edinburgh was disappointed his sides unbeaten run came to an end but knows the importance of their response. Speaking to leytonorient.com “I think we’re frustrated in sense of being beaten and not getting something from the game. Sutton came to do a job and they done it well. The key for us is how we react to this and go forward”

• Orient have only failed to score in one league game
• Scored in 14 of their last 15 league games
• Scored in their last eight away games
• Scored in 10 of their last 11 away games (last failed, 0-1 Hartlepool, 17/4/2018)

With just five points separating the top seven, Edinburgh acknowledged the importance of his sides starting quickly this season. The O’s have promotion in their sights and the former Newport man knows that his side must stay within the pack if they are to challenge. Speaking to leytonorient.com “we reflect as a group, the start had to be a good one, one that we needed to be because of how many teams started so well. It’s one we are grateful for and one we certainly needed to keep ourselves in he ack of six or seven teams. The thing for us now as a group is how we respond and our reaction”

Orient’s Next Six Fixtures

Goalkeeper Dean Brill has been an ever present since Edinburgh’s appointment back in November 2017. The O’s have not lost back to back league games under Edinburgh and Brill highlights his side will respond on Saturday. Speaking to East London Advertiser “it is another challenge for us and that is for us to bounce back after a defeat. We did it last season I think we have only lost nine games since the gaffer has come in so we don’t like losing and there will be a response at Maidenhead”.

• Orient have not lost consecutive league games since December 2017 (Torquay 3-0, Solihull Moors 1-0)

Response after League Defeats under Edinburgh

Orient travel to Maidenhead with the Best Away Record in the division with defender Marvin Ekpiteta hoping the fans can back them to another victory on Saturday. Ekpiteta was named Manarama League Player of the Month for September on Friday which capped off a great month for the 23 year old after being called into the England C squad. Ekpiteta stated to guardian-series “The away fans have been unreal all season. They’ve been behind us all the time and we’ve got some great results away from home at some tough places. They’ve got a massive art to play so it will be good if they could continue to follow us”

• Away Record – P7  W4  D3  L0  F14  A5
• Won three of their last four
• Only lost one of their last 12 away league games – W6  D5  L1 (0-1 Hartlepool, 17/04/18)
• Conceded just nine goals in last 12 away league games
• Eight of their 14 away goals have been in the second half – including seven in the final 30 minutes of games

The O’s won at Maidenhead last August in a tight affair and Edinburgh is expecting no different at York Road today. The Magpies have won four of their last five at home with Edinburgh keen for side to be at 100%. Speaking to leytonorient.com “we are mindful, it’s a tough place to go, they have been very good at home this season and they will be wounded from their defeat to Salford. We have been very good on the road this season and we are looking to continue that, if we are we need to be at our best”

• Kept five league clean sheets – Two away
• No Clean sheet in last two
• Only one clean sheet in last five
• Two clean sheets in last four away games
• Only AFC Fylde (3) have conceded fewer away goals

Team News

Orient have named the same starting 11 in the past ten matches and Edinburgh wasn’t sure if there would be changes at Maidenhead. Midfielder James Brophy could start after coming off the bench in the past two games. Sam Ling and Dale Gorman will both be hoping for starts on Saturday. Defender George Elokobi is back in full training and is near a return.

Head to Head

• Two Previous meetings, both last season, both ending in 1-0’s for the away side

The Two Meetings last season

Last Time Out – 0-1 vs Sutton United, 29/09/2018

Starting 11 vs Sutton United

Prediction – Maidenhead 1-2 Leyton Orient

Sutton United manager Paul Doswell is relishing his sides visit to Orient on Saturday. The O’s sit top of the National League and Doswell is hoping his side can inflict Orient’s first defeat of the season. Speaking to suttonunited.net “these are the games you look forward to in what is a highly competitive league”.

• Sit 7th on 23 points – inside the playoffs on goal difference
• League Record – P13  W6  D5  L2  F18  A15
• Won four of the last six in all competitions
• Taken 10 points from last 15 available

The U’s travel to Orient on the back of a 2-2 home draw with Dover Athletic on Tuesday evening. Craig Eastmond and Nicky Bailey put Doswell’s men 2-0 ahead before Mitch Brundle halved the deficit from the spot. Despite playing against ten men for the last ten minutes, Sutton were unable to hang on with Tim Schmoll equalising three minutes from time.

Sutton’s Last Six Results

Doswell was happy with his sides first half performance but admitted his side found it difficult to deal with Dover’s physical approach. Speaking to suttonunited.net “we started really well and fully deserved our two goal lead but Dover certainly have a certain way of playing and both their goals came from the long throw which was similar to last season. After their first goal we couldn’t deal with the constant long throw and numerous free kick”.

• Kept five league clean sheets – two away
• One clean sheet in last four league games – Three in their last six
• Kept Two in their last three away games

After leading 2-1 at the break, Doswell highlighted that a third goal would have wrapped up the game but highlighted his sides performance levels dropped. Speaking to suttonunited.net “it’s hard to play against and it always seems to be a fight for knock downs and we didn’t compete well enough in the second half” He added “we still had two good chances with Charlie Clough and two great strikes from Nikcy and a third goal would have won the game”.

• Only Failed to score in two games this season
• Scored in  last two games and seven of their last eight
• Scored in their last ten away games and 14/15 away games in 2018
• 10/18 goals scored have been in the first half
• But four of their nine away goals have been in the last 15 minutes of matches

Sutton lost in the playoff semi finals last season after finishing third and winger Kieron Cadogan is aware that that continuity could prove a boost for his side. Speaking to noneleaguedaily.com “we haven’t made too many changes from last season, so we should be contending hopefully, the whole vibe in the changing room is good so that should be a positive going into the later stages of season”.

• Away League Record – P6  W3  D2  L1  F9  A7
• Won their last three on road – all by a single goal
• Won four of last seven away league games
• Five of their six league wins have been by just one goal

Doswell is now in his 11th season at Gander Green Lane and despite continually improving year on year, he still keeps the same target. After gaining promotion to the National League back in 2016, Sutton have enjoyed their stay in the league but Doswell’s main aim remains staying in it for next season. Speaking to suttonunited.net “I honestly think we are massively overachieving once again, our start to the season has been fantastic. 50 points is my first target and that’s the most important target”

Sutton’s performance in National League since Promotion

After their participation in the Scottish League Challenge Cup, tomorrow’s game will be their eighth in September and the start of four consecutive away games. The U’s lost  on their trip to the Breyer Group Stadium last December but Doswell highlights that it will be a difficult task. Speaking to suttonunited.net “we now have to move on to a massive challenge on Saturday against an excellent Orient side who will be backed by a huge crowd”.

Sutton’s Next 6 Fixtures

Team News

Captain Jamie Collins came off injured on Tuesday and is a doubt for the trip to Orient. Kieran Cadogan could return after sitting it out on Tuesday while Ross Lafayette, Josh Taylor and Harry Beautyman will be hoping for starts.

Head to Head – Sutton United 1, Draw 0, Leyton Orient 1

Last Season’s Results

Last Time Out -2-2 vs Dover Athletic

Starting 11 vs Dover

Prediction – Leyton Orient 2-1 Sutton United

Leyton Orient first team development coach Danny Webb insists everybody must enjoy the feel good factor around the club but there is still a long way to go. Orient’s win at Braintree on Tuesday night saw them go 13 games unbeaten at the start of a season, a new record. Speaking to leytonorient.com ” we are a quarter of the way through it, I feel it is much better to be in this position  than chasing personally. The boys have done wonders to get into this position, the message is keep enjoying but we want more of it“

• Sit 1st on 29 points – two points above Salford
• League Record – P13  W8  D5  L0  F27  A9

Orient’s next Six Fixtures

A Macauley Bonne hattrick and strikes from Josh Koroma and Marvin Ekpiteta saw the O’s pick up their third consecutive victory in a 5-1 victory at Braintree on Tuesday. Head coach Justin Edinburgh was thrilled his side were able to break the record and praised the professionalism of his side. Speaking to nationalleague.org “sometimes records get forgotten about but this is one I will always remember”. He added “I think this was a statement of intent. It’s brilliant we were very professional and the players were a credit to the club”.

Orient’s last Six Results

Hat trick hero  Bonne went top of the National League scoring charts with his treble on Tuesday night. The former Colchester man was quick to point out that despite their unbeaten run, performance levels need to be maintained. Speaking to East London Advertiser “we set our standard to be winning games and playing well but I didn’t think anyone expected to go unbeaten for this long” He added “hopefully we can make this run last forever, but we need to just remember although it is good while it lasts, the main thing is keeping our standards high and winning games”.

• Only team in National League to Score in Every game
• Scored in last 14 league games and 15 of their last 16 games
• Scored in last six at home and 9 of last 10
• Scored two or more goals in four of their last five games

The O’s have come a long way since Edinburgh’s appointment in November 2017 and Danny Webb highlights their strength at both ends of the pitch. Speaking to leytorient,com “in football, games are won and lost through mistakes in both boxes or not taking chances. At the moment we are clinical in front of goal and defending as team brilliantly”. With Orient yet to taste defeat, Webb illustrates that the way they play shouldn’t change if they are ahead or behind, “it is important if we are a goal up or down, we keep doing the same things, whatever happens, we do what we’re good at”.

• Kept five clean sheets – three at home
• Kept one in last four
• Kept three in last four home games
• Conceded just three goals in last seven games

Edinburgh picked up his first victory as head coach back in December but is aware that it will be another test for his side to overcome tomorrow. Speaking to East London Advertiser “we know it will be a very tough game. Sutton are a team of know – a team that knows how to win football matches. They have players who have had success, so we are fully aware if how tough it will be but we go in full of confidence”.

• Home League Record – P6  W4  D2  F13  A4
• Only Solihull (16) and Salford (19) have picked up more points at home
• Have won their last four
• Unbeaten in last six games
• Scored two or more goals in 6 of last 10 at the Breyer Group Stadium

Orient have named the same starting 11 for the last nine games but Edinburgh has found the team selection even more difficult with the return to fitness of James Brophy and Sam Ling. Matt Harrold, Alex Lawless, Ling and Levi Lumenka all missed out on the squad at Braintree with Edinburgh highlighting that every player wants to be in the team. Speaking to leytonorient.com “they’re desperate, hungry and everyone has got the desire to be in the team. Competition is strong, players in the team know they need to be at their best to maintain their position”

• Orient have scored 18/27 goals in second half  – including 10/13 at home
• 10 of their last 12 at home have been in second half – six after 75th minute

Team News

James Brophy, James Alabi and Dale Gorman are all pushing for starts. Sam Ling is back fit after an ankle injury but George Elokobi is still regaining full fitness.

Head to Head – Leyton Orient 1, Draw 0, Sutton United 1

Last Season’s Results

Last Time Out – 5-1 at Braintree

Starting 11 vs Braintree

Prediction – Leyton Orient 2-1 Sutton United

Braintree Assistant manager Barry Bolton has urged his side to be more clinical in front of goal ahead of table topping Orient visiting on Tuesday night. The Iron fell to their sixth defeat in their last eight games on Saturday and Bolton has highlighted extra improvement is needed. Speaking to braintreeandwithamtimes.co.uk “we’re talking about 1 or 2 per cent improvement in a couple of areas and then we’ll turn these results around”.

• Sit 23rd on 6 points – off the bottom on goal difference
• League Record – P12  W1  D3  L8  F7  A16
• Taken just four points from last eight games

Blair Turgott’s injury time penalty inflicted another home defeat on Saturday however Bolton was left baffled to how his side failed to take a share of the spoils. Speaking to braintreetown.co.uk “I am speechless how we didn’t get something from the game is incredible and to lose again so deep into added time is an insult and added misery for everyone involved”.

• Home League Record – P6  W0  D1  L5  F4  A11
• Worst record in league – losing last four games
• Won just one of their last eight home league games – W1  D2  L5
• Last two defeats been 1-0
• Only led for 25 minutes at home this season

Saturday’s 1-0 defeat was their third in their last four games with Bolton accepting it will be hard to lift the players but acknowledges it is a learning curve for them. Speaking to braintreeandwithamtimes.co.uk “I don’t think the results are reflecting the performances we’re putting in. It is really hard picking the boys up but we have learn, it’s a tough one to take but these are the things we have to live with” He added “we’re all really gutted, we’ll lick our wounds and we’ll try to work out how to get over the line”.

Braintree’s Last Six Results

Braintree were promoted from National League South through the play offs last season but have struggled to adapt to life back in the league. One win in their opening 12 games is their worst start to a season these century. Bolton’s side are the league’s lowest scorers and admits that they need to start finishing off the chances they create, “every team will have decisions that go for them or have spells in a game, we have to make sure we take the pressure of our defence a bit more by converting some of the passages we are having” Braintreeandwithamtimes

• No team failed to score in more games – Seven of 12
• Scored in one of their last five games and two of their last seven
• Failed to score in three of their last four
• Not scored in opening 30 minutes all season
• Only Scored four home goals all season – three came in one match

It’s been a harsh reality check for the Iron who bounced back to the National League after one season away. The quality in the league is a step up from the South and Bolton highlights that not being clinical in front of goal is the difference. Speaking to braintreeandwithamtimes.co.uk “when we do get opportunities we need to convert them and that’s the difference. You give the opposition one chance to put the ball in the net and they are doing it, we seem to need two or three to get anything from game”.

• Kept just one clean sheet – 1-0 at Gateshead
• Have conceded in every home game
• Kept just two clean sheets in their last 11 home games

Braintree’s Next Six Fixtures

Team News

Braintree manager Brad Quinton named an unchanged side at home to Maidstone on Saturday. Lyle Della-Verde will be hoping for a start coming off the bench in the last two games. Defender Michael Clark could face his old club.

Last Time Out – 0-1 vs Maidstone

Starting 11 vs Maidstone

Leyton Orient captain Jobi McAnuff urges his side to maintain their consistency ahead of their trip to Braintree on Tuesday. The O’s head to Essex top of the table after a 3-0 win at Harrogate on Saturday and McAnuff knows that Braintree will be a different test. Speaking to leytonorient.com “these are the games we need to make sure we stay really focused and switched on and approach the game in the right manner”.

• Sit 1st on 26 points
• League Record – P12  W7  D5  F22  A8
• Won five of the last six and seven of the last nine games

Orient’s win at Harrogate extended their unbeaten run to 12 games and equalled their longest unbeaten run at the start of a season. Macauley Bonne opened the scoring before a brace from Jobi McAnuff saw them return to London with all three points. Head Coach Justin Edinburgh stated to leytonorient.com “I thought from start to finish we were controlled, it was a tough encounter, we knew it would be but credit to the players they did all the things we asked and shown them carried it out to perfection”.

Orient’s last Six Results

The O’s grabbed the initiative in the first half going 2-0 ahead and were tested by Harrogate but stood strong. With the win, Orient are the now the only remaining unbeaten side in the National League and Edinburgh praised the whole group. Speaking to leytonorient.com “they are prepared to work extremely hard for one another in both boxes. Charlie Lee and Craig Clay went toe to toe in midfield with two real competitors. No-one gave an inch, we had to go right till the end, they did ask questions but we had the answers today. In terms of a whole round performance, it was near enough perfect”.

• Kept five league clean sheets – Two away
• Four clean sheets in their last six
• Two clean sheets in their last three away games
• Conceded just eight league goals – only Fylde (7) have conceded less

Orient have made great progress under Edinburgh since his arrival last December with McAnuff highlighting they are now capable of dealing with different tactics. Speaking to leytonorient.com “I thought we were really dominant today, they probably thought with the big man up front they could throw long balls into the box but I felt that’s where we were strong. We look very strong whatever way teams want to play against us, we can deal with it now. We have a lot of strings to our bow, we just need to keep it going”.

• After 12 games last season – Orient had conceded 20 (only 8 this season)
• Away League Record – P6  W3  D3  L0  F9  A4
• Only lost one of their last 11 away games – W5  D5  L1
• Away League Record under Edinburgh – W9  D6  L3  – conceded just 11 goals

Edinburgh’s men are a point clear at the top but it still remains tight at the top with just four points separating the top seven. Despite the victory, Edinburgh was quick to look ahead to Braintree knowing that this is no foregone conclusion. Speaking to leytonorient.com “they won’t be complacency, we are fully aware in this league anyone can beat anyone. You can’t expect to win but we want to win every game. We need to go there and approach in exactly the same way. If we don’t we will become unstuck”.

• Only team in National League to score in every league game
• Scored in last 13 league games and 14 of their last 15 games
• Scored in nine of their last ten away matches

McAnuff’s goals on Saturday meant he has now scored in the last 18 seasons and is still enjoying his football. Despite Braintree sitting second bottom, the 36 year old will not be taking the Iron lightly. Speaking to leytonorient.com “Tuesday will pose different problems for us, whatever has happened in the 12 games so far we have adapted to every circumstances we have come up against. We won’t be taking them lightly, it’s the most important one, we are fully focused on getting another result”. 

Orient’s next Six Fixtures

Team News

Saturday’s fixture at Harrogate saw Edinburgh name the same starting 11 for the eighth consecutive game and he could name it again tomorrow. Dale Gorman, Matt Harrold and James Alabi will be pushing for starts but are likely to start on the bench. Sam Ling and James Brophy are nearing full fitness but still a little away.

Last Time Out – 3-0 win at Harrogate

Starting 11 vs Harrogate

Prediction – Braintree 0-2 Leyton Orient

Leyton Orient moved to the summit of the National League with an impressive 3-0 win at Harrogate Town. The O’s extended their unbeaten run to 12 games as Macauley Bonne and captain Jobi McAnuff gave them a 2-0 half time lead. Harrogate rallied in the second half but McAnuff clinched his second and Orient’s third to move them two points clear at the top.

For the seventh consecutive game O’s head coach Justin Edinburgh named an unchanged side. Midfielder Charlie Lee overcame an ankle injury to start in midfield alongside Craig Clay.

Orient’s Starting 11

Harrogate who came into the game on the back of four straight wins made two changes from the side that won 2-0 at Maidstone last weekend. Captain Josh Falkingham returned from injury while Mark Beck started alongside Dominic Knowles in attack. Liam Agnew dropped the bench while Joe Leesley was left out.

Harrogate’s Starting 11

In a feisty start, neither team were allowed time on the ball in midfield as they looked to assert themselves in the contest. Harrogate winger George Thomson saw an effort blocked before curling an effort wide of the Orient goal. The O’s were struggling to hold the ball up in attack but did have their first effort when Jobi McAnuff curled a free kick over the bar.

Town were a threat from set pieces with Callum Howe and Kelvin Langmead obvious targets and it was Howe who saw a header go wide of the far post. However, immediately afterwards Orient broke the deadlock. James Dayton knocked the ball round the corner and was taken out with referee Marc Edwards playing a great advantage the ball fell to Charlie Lee. The former Stevenage man found Macauley Bonne in the left channel and Orient’s top scorer made no mistake curling home.

Harrogate were resorting to long balls up to Beck but the front man was losing more than he was winning. The opening goal gave the O’s some momentum and Josh Koroma should have done better when he fired wide of the goal. But they didn’t have to wait long for the second as Dayton fed Koroma in down the right. Koroma’s cross was spilt by James Belshaw, McAnuff was on hand to slot home to double their advantage.

The second goal awoke Harrogate who started to play football and cause Orient a few problems. Thomson curled an effort wide of the post as he cut in from the right before Harrogate nearly halved the deficit. From another teasing corner, Liam Kitching’s header was destined for the corner only for Bonne to clear away.

The O’s needed the half time whistle as Harrogate were coming on strong and goalkeeper Dean Brill was tested with a Kelvin Langmead header but he turned it around the post for a corner.

Orient knew Harrogate would come out fighting in the second half but it was McAnuff who saw the first effort of the half go wide of the post. Town were a continual threat with crosses into the box and saw Brill make another key save when Langmead stabbed an effort on goal.

With Harrogate pushing men forward in search of a route back into the game, Orient were a danger on the break exploiting the empty spaces. Craig Clay broke forward and fed in Koroma but the youngster saw his effort saved by Belmar.

It was a test of Orient’s character as Harrogate continued to pump balls in the box and they were created some half chances. Marvin Ekpiteta recovered excellently when Jack Muldoon was in on goal as his tackle was time perfectly.

The O’s wrapped up victory on 68 minutes, Bonne played in Koroma inside the penalty area, he turned to find McAnuff on the edge of the box and the winger curled home to make it 3-0.

Orient could have added a fourth but Koroma could only drag his effort wide of the mark as he was set free down the right. A clean sheet was the last objective for Orient who had to be thankful to Brill who tipped a Warren Burrell header past the post after the full back was free at the back post.

McAnuff nearly capped a great Orient day by completing his hat trick but after making space inside the box, the 36 year old could only curl his effort wide of the post. Koroma made way for James Alabi as the game hit the last 15 minutes.

Alabi looked continue the way he finished last weekend’s game against Barnet and nearly grabbed his second for the club. After a mistake at the back by Harrogate, the former Tranmere man broke free but Belshaw in the Harrogate goal saved well with his feet.

Edinburgh introduced Dale Gorman and Matt Harrold as the game hit stoppage time. Orient held on for a deserved 3-0 victory, against a side who failed to score for the first time in 29 home league games (17^th April, 0-3 loss to Halifax).

What a day, what a performance, that’s what supporting Leyton Orient is all about. Away to the league leaders a team that scores for fun, keep a clean sheet and move top of the table. What’s better than that?

Another test passed, another physical side that Orient have overcome. Last season they would have crumbled, this season is different and under Edinburgh and co they have the right men at the helm.

Orient scored when the chances were presented to them, Bonne with a lovely finish to set them on their way. Criticise referees but credit where it due, a fantastic advantage after a foul on Dayton.

McAnuff notched number two which gave Orient a cushion but the key moment was the clearance off the line from Bonne just before half time. 2-1 at half time is totally different game. Orient were resolute in defence and Brill had another top game, apart from the cross where he only collected fresh air and the ball sailed wide to his relief.

McAnuff sealed the victory with a third as the Harrogate fans in the unsegrgated appreciated my celebration right in their ears for a couple of minutes. A perfect away day, capped with a clean sheet, the most pleasing aspect, keeping the league’s top scorers at bay.

Braintree away up next, this won’t be easy, a team scraping for points at the bottom of the league. Orient will be favourites and rightfully so but will they be able to breakdown a team that’s going to sit back and invite pressure.

But sitting here top of the table on the train home, only thing to look at next is the next game. 34 games to go of a long season, with 12 down, the signs are there. But remember this is Orient, it’s never done the easy way…..

Leyton Orient assistant coach Ross Embleton insists his side can’t just sit on their unbeaten run, they need to be keep improving all the time. Orient travel to table toppers Harrogate on Saturday with both sides unbeaten so far. Speaking to leytonorient.com “the group is in a good place to keep building, let’s not settle on the good start and we’re unbeaten. We need to continue to use weeks to become better at what we do”

• Sit 3rd on 23 points
• League Record – P11  W6  D5  F19  A8
• Won six of their last eight

Orient extended their unbeaten run to 11 games after beating Barnet 3-1 last weekend. Josh Coulson put Justin Edinburgh’s men ahead before Wesley Fonguck levelled but goals from James Dayton and Macauley Bonne in the second half  saw the O’s pick up their fourth win in their last five. Goal scorer Coulson stated to leytonorient.com “we’re delighted, I think the boys did really well in the second half to come out and showed how fit and strong we are to get three points. 

Orient’s last 6 Results

The O’s had to be patient against Barnet but came strong in the second half with Dale Gorman and James Alabi giving them a boost. Embleton credited their impact but also the attitude of the whole squad this season. Speaking to leytonorient.com “Whatever motive has been from bench with the decision the gaffer makes the boys have come on and executed it. They drive each other on, the motivation has been right and Dale and James deserve huge credit for coming on and turning that game”.

• Only team in National League to score in every game
• Scored in last 12 league games and 13 of the last 14
• 14/19 goals have been scored in the second half – including 11 of the last 13
• 10 have come after the 75th minute – including 8 of the last 12

Defender Coulson has tasted promotion to the Football League with Cambridge back in 2014 and hinted that the start at Orient echoes that. Coulson has been an integral part of the defence and was pleased that his side were able to score late to pick up victory over Barnet. Speaking to guardianseries.co.uk “the character we’ve shown is brilliant and the boys are so together. It’s a great dressing room. We know we can score late goal and I think teams know that as well now but they can’t stop it”

• Kept four league clean sheets – only one away
• Only kept one in their last nine on their travels
• Only conceded two or more goals in two league matches under Edinburgh

Orient have enjoyed success on their travels under Edinburgh but assistant coach Ross Embleton that it will be as tough as it gets tomorrow. The O’s have only lost three away league games since December and they will be hoping that record stands tomorrow. Embleton spoke to East London Advertiser “Harrogate have had a fantastic start to the season. We will respect what they are about, we know they have caused real threats, but we also have threats and our first thought will be go there and get a result”

• Away League Record – P5  W2  D3  F6  A4
• Only lost one of their last ten away – W4  D5  L1
• Away Record under Edinburgh – W8  D6  L3 – conceded just 11 goals
• Scored in eight of their last nine on the road

The O’s beat three of the four promoted sides away last season and Embleton is keen for Orient to win on Saturday. Harrogate gained promotion through the play offs and the 36 year old is aware that they could be here to stay, “they have a good season last year and come up from National League North, the more of a run the put together, the more you have to start to take notice”

Orient’s next 6 fixtures

Team News

Dale Gorman and James Alabi will be pushing for starts after impressing from the bench against Barnet while Charlie Lee looks set to overcome a knock. James Brophy and Sam Ling are nearing full fitness but the game could be too soon. George Elokobi remains out.

Last Time Out – 3-1 vs Barnet

Prediction – Harrogate 2-2 Leyton Orient

Harrogate Town manager Simon Weaver is relishing the challenge at the top of the National League. Town host 3rd placed Leyton Orient on Saturday before 2nd placed Wrexham visit on Tuesday night. Weaver’s men have started where they left off last season and face the only other unbeaten side in the division in Orient. Speaking to BBC Radio York Weaver stated “they are really good fixtures to look forward to, we’re all excited by the challenge. The team are nicely poised at the minute”

• Sit 1st on 25 points
• League record – P11  W7  D4  F24  A10
• Seven wins in their last eight games

Town maintained top spot with their fourth win on the spin last time out in a 2-0 win at Maidstone. Callum Howe nodded the away side in front before Jack Muldoon slotted home the second. Weaver described the victory to harrogateadvertiser as “probably our best away performance this season so far”.

Harrogate’s last 6 Results

Harrogate gained promotion through the play offs last season and have continued their form into this season. Despite sitting in top spot, Weaver is keeping his side grounded, speaking to BBC Radio York “ I don’t think there is any pressure on us at all, we’re not expected to be up there. We know what we need to stay in the division and that has got to be our main aim for first year. We are enjoying the battle and challenges of the transition, once we hit that target we will relax and play more”

• Kept five league clean sheets – two at home
• Only Fylde (6) and Wrexham (7) have kept more this season
• One clean sheet in their last three games
• Five clean sheets in their last nine home matches

Harrogate only made a few additions in the summer with Weaver giving a chance to the players that secured the promotion. The 40 year old is massively proud of the players unity and attitude so far this season. Speaking to harrogatetownafc.co.uk “the lads have been a credit to themselves, attitude has been spot on and they have probably surprised themselves by the way they have come of the blocks”. He added “all the players in the squad are capable of achieving really good things. It’s a big step up, we are overjoyed with the commitment every game, we are not carrying any passengers and hopefully it will continue”.

Harrogate’s Summer Arrivals

Town have been goal crazy once more this season and are the league highest scorers. After netting 100 league goals last season, Weaver’s men are well on their way to completing the feet once more. A pleasing aspect for him is the different manner his side are scoring goals. Speaking to harrogatetownafc.co.uk “the are different types of goals, set play, good from lads who are all attacking good areas and making a difference in the box. Second goal Jack Muldoon with the finish”.

• Only failed to score in one game this season
• Scored in their last four games
• Scored two or more goals in 9/11 league matches this term
• Scored 66% of their goals in the second half (16/24) – most in league

It’s a massive week for Harrogate hosting the two biggest sides in the National League and Weaver knows it will be one hell of a battle against Orient tomorrow. Weaver used to watch O’s manager Justin Edinburgh as a kid and is fully aware of what the O’s are about. Speaking to BBC Radio York “he’s got them well organised, they needed that after last season and we can see it’s going to be a real battle Saturday”.

• Home League Record  – P5  W4  A1  F14  A5
• Only Orient (14) have taken more points at home
• Unbeaten in their last 10 home games (includes play offs) – W9 D1  F31 A7
• One lost one of their last 23 home league games – W18  D4  L1

It will be the first meeting between the sides on Saturday with Weaver quick to highlight where the game could be won or lost. Speaking to BBC Radio York “Two outfits with pretty similar shapes. The Individual battle all over the pitch we will be trying to come out on top. They have good quality if you allow them time, we are hoping not to give them much time. Their unbeaten, we’re unbeaten. It’s one battle we are all going to relish.

Harrogate’s Next 6 Fixtures

Team News

Josh Falkingham is back in contention after recovering from injury but Weaver could name the same squad for the third consecutive match. Defender Callum Howe will be hoping to add to his four goals this season and has netted in the last two games.

Last Time Out – 2-0 vs Maidstone

Starting 11 vs Maidstone

Prediction – Harrogate 2-2 Leyton Orient

Barnet manager John Still can’t wait for his side to visit the Breyer Group Stadium tomorrow. Still’s Barnet are one of the form sides in the division after five wins in a row and will be hoping to make it six tomorrow. Described as a “London Derby” by Still he stated to barnetfc.com “It’s a game I relish and look forward to very much. At the end of the day it’s about getting three points”

• League Record – P10  W5  D2  L3  F9  A10
• Away Record – P5  W3  D1  L1  F4  A3
• Won their last three away games
• Not won four consecutive away games since 2014

The Bees made it five consecutive wins for the first time since 2014 last weekend with a 1-0 home win over Maidenhead. Josh Walker’s first goal of the season sent Barnet up to ninth. Still’s side were battling a lengthy injury list along with illness and the 68 year old was very happy with the result. Speaking to barnetfc.com “I’m absolutely delighted, probably when we take everything into account it is a good a win as we’ve had”.

Barnet’s Last Six Results

Still swapped Dagenham for Barnet in the summer, making it his third spell in charge of the Bees. After a tough start with no win in the first five games of the season, the Bees now sit outside the play offs on goal difference with the mood in the camp good. Speaking to barnetfc.com “the spirit is good, we have worked hard this week. Winning breeds confidence. The test is when is hasn’t gone right but the players have taken on board what we have look for. The performance and results have improved and make it a happy place”

• Kept four league clean sheets (three away)
• Have Kept back to back clean sheets for first time this season
• Kept two clean sheets in last three away games
• Only conceded one goal in last 334 minutes of football away from home

With ten games now played in the National League, the table is starting to take shape according to Still who is aware that no game is easy in the National League. Speaking to barnetfc.com “I think by now the league tends to sort itself out, O’s have been on a good run, I think along with all the game we’ve played really, every single game has been tough. I don’t expect it to be any different tomorrow”.

• Failed to score in three league games (two away)
• Have scored in their last five games and last three away games
• 5/9 goals scored have been in first half – including 3/4 away
• Last four goals scored have all come in first half and resulted in wins

Still began his playing career at Orient back in 1967 as a youth player and continues to live in amongst Orient fans. After seasons of discontent at Orient, Still stated “Orient’s a good club, there has been some reconstruction over the past couple of years. They have a good manager in Justin Edinburgh and have brought back Lingy”. He added “as a football fans I am pleased they have picked up from the disappointment that they had there. But I’m fully aware that it will be a tough tough game, one we really look forward to”.

Still’s Promotions From Fifth Tier

The Bees face three of the top seven in the next fortnight but the winning run has built a belief in the squad. Still who has achieved three promotions from the National League is hoping for number four to send Barnet back up at the first time of asking. Still stated to barnetfc.com ” I think the way we’re approaching games and the way we’re competing in games is now giving us a great chance. There’s lots of little things that please you, I was pleased with the work rate. I am really pleased with our application to our game at the moment”.

Barnet’s Next Six Fixtures

Team News

Barnet are set to be without ten first team players through injury but some are nearing  return. John Still will hope to have a few players back after several missed last week’s win over Maidenhead with sickness. David Tutonda should be available after returning from suspension.

Last Time Out – 1-0 vs Maidenhead

Starting 11 vs Maidenhead

Head to Head – Leyton Orient 9, Draw 8, Barnet 7

• Barnet have won two of the last three meetings
• Barnet have only won one of the last eight meetings at the Breyer Group Stadium – W1  D3  L4
• Barnet have only scored in one of the last four meetings away
• Only one of the last six meetings has seen both teams score

The Last eight meetings between sides

Prediction – Leyton Orient 3-1 Barnet