Football Analyst

Leyton Orient head coach Justin Edinburgh is hoping his side can keep the feel good factor when they host Barnet tomorrow. Orient sit third in the National League and are one of two unbeaten sides left in the division. Speaking to leytonorient.com “there is a really good mood at the moment. The players are focused, we are enjoying training and matches. Everyone connected with the football club is in a really good place at the moment”

• League Record – P10  W5  D5  F16  A7
• Two points off top

The O’s extended their unbeaten start to the season to ten games with a 1-1 draw at FC Halifax last weekend. James Alabi netted an injury time equaliser after Dayle Southwell opened the scoring from the spot. Despite rescuing a point, Orient were dominant for long periods with Edinburgh stating to leytonorient.com “if we’d come away with nothing from the game it would have been a travesty. It feels like two points dropped but great character to go to the end and we got what we deserved”.

Orient’s Last 6 Results

Striker James Alabi has had difficult start to his Orient career after dropping to the bench, he then got sent off at Gateshead in August. However the former Tranmere man was delighted to get off the mark to preserve his sides unbeaten start. Speaking to leytonorient.com “it was a brilliant feeling. I had to make sure when I came on do well and keep my head down. Scoring was a relief and a lot of weight of my shoulders”.

• Orient scored in every game this season
• Scored in last 11 league games and 12 of their last 13 games
• Scored 75% of their goals in the second half (12/16) – 8 of 10 at home
• Scored 9 goals after the 75th minute – 5 of 10 at home
• Seven of their last nine goals have been after the 75th minute

The O’s have named the same starting 11 for the last six games and with players close to returning from injury, Edinburgh will have a serious selection headache. Despite some players being disappointed on missing out, Edinburgh highlights that the whole squad is together. Speaking to leytonorient.com “we have extremely strong competition for every place. It’s difficult but even the players who are not playing are desperate for the team to do well. The group is so together, the ones our of team spur the others on”

• Kept four league clean sheets (three at home)
• Kept three in the last four and four in the last seven
• Only conceded two goals in the last six games

After three consecutive Saturday’s away, the O’s return home looking for a fourth consecutive home win. Orient have performed well in the past games with Edinburgh hopeful of another triumph in front of their home fans. Speaking to leytonorient.com “our last home performance was a really good one, we had to be patient right till the end and it was an efficient performance with some really good football played. We have had really good performances at home of late, we look to continue but we have to earn the right”

• Home Record – P5  W3  D2  F10  A3
• Won their last three home games without conceding a goal
• Have only lost one of their last nine home games – W6  D2  L1
• Have scored in 8 of their last 9 home games – scoring 18

Barnet head to the Breyer Group Stadium on the back of five consecutive victories and Edinburgh is aware that the next week his side will face two sides full of confidence. Speaking to leytonorient.com “the fixtures have been difficult, the times we are playing teams they are coming in form. Barnet took their time to get into gear under John Still”. However, the 48 year is confident in his own side, “it will be another difficult game, we look at ourselves, we are in very good form playing extremely well; our whole round game. We are playing well, but need to be mindful of our opponents in good form and we expect a really good game”

Orient’s next Six Fixtures

Team News

Sam Ling could return to the squad after an ankle injury while Dale Gorman should be back from International Duty. James Brophy and George Elokobi are still out through injury but Lev Lumeka hopes to be named in the squad.

Last Time Out – 1-1 FC Halifax

Starting 11 vs FC Halifax

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

• Orient have not won in the last three meetings – D1  L2
• Orient have only lost one of the last nine meetings at home – W4  D3  L1
• Orient have kept a clean sheet in three of the last four meetings at the Breyer Group Stadium

Prediction – Leyton Orient 3-1 Barnet

Substitute James Alabi struck in stoppage time as Orient made it ten unbeaten at Halifax. The O’s were dominant throughout but wasted key chances to go ahead. Halifax rarely threatened but took the lead when Dayle Southwell slotted home from the spot. But for third away game this season, Orient snatched a point in stoppage time when James Alabi’s shot sneaked home.

Fresh from three wins on the bounce, Orient head coach Justin Edinburgh named an unchanged side for the sixth consecutive game. Midfielder Charlie Lee recovered from a dead leg to start in midfield alongside Craig Clay.

Orient’s Starting 11

On the back of two consecutive away draws, Halifax boss Jamie Fullarton named an unchanged side for the visit of Leyton Orient. Defender Nathan Clarke started against one of his former clubs.

Halifax’s Starting 11

It was Orient who were immediately on the front foot, with the majority of possession at the Shay. Josh Koroma was first to have a sighter but his effort was easily saved by Sam Johnstone in the Halifax goal. The O’s were not used to having so much of the ball with defender Marvin Ekpiteta next to go close. Following a James Dayton free kick, the ball fell to Ekpiteta but his left footed effort was tipped around the post.

Orient were well on top and dominating a Halifax side who were trying to absorb the pressure. Neat play in midfield saw Koroma see an effort spilt by Johnstone as they searched for the opener. Charlie Lee was dictating play in midfield but it was Myles Judd who created the next chance but his inswinging cross was headed over by Macauley Bonne.

The Shaymen were trying to hit Orient on the break when they had the chance but it was Orient who did just that on 37 minutes. Jobi McAnuff found James Dayton on the right hand side, the winger set Bonne up but the forward curled his effort over the bar; a glorious chance for the opener.

Both Orient’s full backs in Judd and Joe Widdowson were offering themselves forward and it was the latter who nearly set Koroma up. Lee played Widdowson in down the left but the defender’s cross was inches away from the foot of Koroma.

With scores level at the break and Orient dominant from the first whistle, it was a case of not enough quality in the final third. The half time break should have helped Halifax but it was the O’s who should have taken the lead on 53 minutes. After Bonne broke the offside trap, his first time cross found Koroma who could only direct the ball wide of the post. A clear cut chance, would Orient regret their missed chances?

If you were an Orient fan, the next minute had an inevitability about it. After so much of the play in the first half and a failure to take their chances, we knew what was coming.  Brill failed to come out for a ball which Judd cleared, as the ball was cleared high, Matty Koslyo nipped in front of Marvin Ekipiteta who brought the midfielder down. Dayle Southwell stepped up from the spot and cooly put Halifax ahead.

A sucker punch for Orient but a up lift for the Shaymen who gained some momentum going forward. The O’s were struggling to get up with Josh Coulson and Ekpiteta blocking well from crosses. Lee did go close for Orient after making space in midfield, his low shot trickled wide of the target.

Justin Edinburgh threw on Matt Harrold in place of Craig Clay and James Alabi for James Dayton in search for the equaliser. The O’s still kept playing but struggled to create with over hit crosses. However, with late goals a constant feature this season, the belief was there that a goal would come.

And it did, just entering added time, the ball fell to substitute James Alabi who’s shot crept past Sam Johnstone to send Orient fans, players and management wild in celebration. The least Orient deserved for that performance, but remember this is Orient and it’s not over till that final whistle.

As expected Halifax were awarded a free kick just outside the box, Koslyo stepped up and saw his curling effort tipped over by Dean Brill. However, they still could have won it when Nathan Clarke rose unmarked from the resulting corner but could only find the side netting.

A commanding, dominant display but come away with only a point. But it could have been worse had Alabi not netted an injury equaliser. A very revealing and interesting week for Edinburgh and his team. Today, Orient were very nearly punished for not taking their chances. Two guilt edge chances through Bonne and Koroma who should have put then game out of sight.

But like any game in football, don’t take chances it will cost you. Halifax were poor today and if not the worse team Orient have faced this season. No creativity going forward at all, but was that because were so much better? Criticise their play, their tactics of trying to absorb pressure and wait for a set piece or a bit of luck nearly paid off when Southwell tucked home from the spot.

But with this Orient side, you know that something will happen late in games. For the fifth consecutive game, they struck after the 75th minute to grab a point and maintain their unbeaten run.

• Did you know nine of Orient’s 16 league goals have come after the 75th minute

Charlie Lee played well dictating in midfield, Myles Judd continues to improve down the right and Joe Widdowson is like Ronseil – Does it exactly what it says on the tin. A consistent performer who was yet again impressive both attacking and defending. An unsung hero who people continue to criticise despite him being one of, if not the most consistent Orient players. A six or seven out of ten every week.

Forehead Coulson commanding at the back and led the defence well but it was in attack were Orient lacked. The chances missed were poor but Alabi gained some redemption for his red card at Gateshead with the last ditch equaliser.

Ten unbeaten as we host Barnet next week at the Breyer Group Stadium, a chance to go 11 unbeaten in the league. All I know is, these away trips are bloody brilliant especially with these late goals. Their is a sense of togetherenss from the players and management and the fans. Just check out the scenes on the touchline and in the away end.

It’s never dull being an Orient fan but you wouldn’t want it any other way. Onwards to Barnet at home next weekend.

FC Halifax manager Jamie Fullarton wants his side to continue their 100% record at the MBi Shay Stadium tomorrow when Leyton Orient visit. Fullarton’s Halifax host unbeaten Orient but with his side sitting fourth, the recently named Manager of the month is confident his side can pick up a result. Speaking to halifaxtown.co.uk “we’ll be approaching it in the same way and preparing like we do, regardless of who we play. We’ll be looking to do something similar as we did on Tuesday only this time get three points”

• Two points off top spot
• Only lost one of their last home games – W8  D2  L1
• Halifax and Wrexham are the only teams in the National League not to trail at home so far this season

The Shaymen continued their early season form with a 0-0 draw at Wrexham on Tuesday night. Fullarton felt his side could have picked up all three points at the Racecourse but was proud of his side efforts. Speaking to Halifax Courier “sometimes the score doesn’t reflect the game, good, bad or indifferent so that’s where the barometer sits. That’s what you take great pride from, the players as a group, every time giving everything they’ve got understanding what’s being asked of them and showing real intention to put into practice”.

Last six results

Striker Jonathon Edwards felt his side were dominant and was disappointed they didn’t pick up the victory. Edwards who joined in the Summer has played in every game this season stated to halifaxtown.co.uk “I thought the way we dominated and we were dangerous especially on the counter, we deserved to do better with the chances we created”.

• Scored in eight of their nine league games – all four at home
• Eight of their 13 goals have been scored in second half

Halifax have taken 17 points from their opening nine games – their best total since 2014. Fullarton highlighted that the great start was down to his team, “players who are responsive, who take responsibility and who have a resilience and a willingness to listen, learn, believe and trust” (Halifax Courier). Losing just two games Fullarton credited the mind set his side has adopted “when you go into every game feeling you can win, then you put yourself into a real good position to win the game” (Halifax Courier)

Last five seasons – points after nine games

Fullarton took over at the Shay back in February when his side were just above the relegation zone. After guiding them to safety the former Notts County man has continued where he left off this season. The clash with Orient will be Halifax’s third consecutive game against a top seven side but Fullarton was pleased with how his side dealt with the occasion at Wrexham. Speaking to Halifax Courier “what was pleasing tonight was composure, a confidence and a feeling of belief that we’re here in a top of the table clash because we deserve to be”.

• Kept five league clean sheets – Three at home
• Only Wrexham (six) have kept more
• Two clean sheets in their last three
• Three of their six goals conceded have been in last 15 minutes of games

The visit of Orient will see the Shaymen look for a fifth consecutive home win for the first time since 2013 with Edwards aware that it won’t be easy for Orient tomorrow. Speaking to halifaxtown.co.uk “from previous times playing them, they’ll be quite physical forwards and at the back so we have got  to be on our game. I feel like we’ll give them a game, we haven’t lost at home yet so it’ll be tough for them to come here as well”.

Last time 5 home wins in a row

Team News

Ben Tomlinson, Michael Duckworth, Ryan Sellers and Josh Staunton are all doubtful after missing the trip to Wrexham in midweek due to injury. Niall Maher should play some part after returning to action on Tuesday.

Head to Head – Leyton Orient 11, Draw 4, FC Halifax and (Halifax Town) 5

(including record of Halifax Town before reformation in 2008 to FC Halifax Town

• Halifax have only won one of the last 12 meetings between sides – W1  D3 L8
• Halifax have not won at home since 1988 – D2  L4

The last 7 meetings between sides

Last Time out – vs Wrexham

Starting 11 vs Wrexham

Leyton Orient head coach Justin Edinburgh wants his side to make it ten unbeaten when they face FC Halifax tomorrow. The O’s made it nine without defeat on Tuesday night, their best run since 2013 and Edinburgh is keen for his side to maintain the belief that has been created. Speaking to leytonorient.com “there is a real belief in the group, what we’ve go to do is keep hold of it, there is a fantastic feeling”.

• Sit 2nd on goal difference
• League Record – P9  W5  D4  L0  F15  A6

Charlie Lee, Macauley Bonne and Matt Harrold all struck in a 3-0 win over Solihull Moors on Tuesday making it five wins from the last six. The O’s could have fallen behind before taking the lead on the stroke of half time with Edinburgh describing this is a key moment. Speaking to leytonorient.com “it was a tough game against a very good team. We are finding different ways to win games. They probably had the best two chances in the first half hour but we took the lead at a very crucial time”. 

Orient’s last six results

Goalkeeper Dean Brill made some key saves on Tuesday helping Orient to a third consecutive clean sheet. Brill was brought into the first team when Edinburgh took over and has been an ever present ever since. The 32 year old highlighted to East London Advertiser the unity the team has “it is a good group, we know each other which is really key. Continuity is massive, if you look at any team that wins, playing, getting partnerships and understandings is key”.

• Kept four clean sheets in last five games 
• Only conceded one goal in last 460 minutes
• Only trailed for 11 minutes in last six matches

Orient have named the same starting 11 for the last five games with Edinburgh aware that with competition for places fierce, no player wants to miss out.  Speaking to leytonorient.com “it’s always tempting, I trust my players, we have continuous dialogue with them. One or Two may need a rest, if they tell me they’re okay, I trust and believe them. I wouldn’t want to be coming out of this team right now, if you do you might not get back in”.

• Orient have scored in every league game this season
• Have scored in seven of their last eight away games

Saturday’s trip to Halifax is the start of three tough games for Orient but Brill is keen for his side to keep the run going. Speaking to East London Advertiser “we keep saying don’t let it go, we’re now fighting to stay unbeaten”. The sides last met in January with them both at the other end of the table and Brill is aware of how difficult the trip is “it’s going to be a tough game, they’ve started really well. It’s always a tough game when you go up North but we’ll recover right and be ready to go Saturday”.

• Only lost one of their last nine away games 
• Away league record under Edinburgh – W8  D5  L3

Orient’s Next Six Games

Tuesday’s victory saw another two goals scored after 75 minutes, the fourth consecutive game in which Orient had score late. Orient have earnt four points after the 75th minute away this season and Brill highlights that it is a very good trait to have. Speaking to East London Advertiser ” I think we know as a team we’re fit and strong and we’ve been tending to come strong late in games which bodes well going forward as if we can keep that momentum, teams will be wary of us in the later stages”.

• 11/15 goals have been scored in the second half
• Netted eight in the final 15 minutes of games – the most in top five English Leagues
• Six of last eight have been scored after 75 minutes

Team News

Leyton Orient will be without midfielder Dale Gorman who is away on International duty. George Elokobi and James Brophy remain out with hamstring injuries while Sam Ling could be back involved after an ankle injury. Charlie Lee could be a doubt after picking up a dead leg in Tuesday’s win over Solihull Moors.

Head to Head – Leyton Orient 11, Draw 4, FC Halifax and (Halifax Town 5

(record includes Halifax Town before reformation to FC Halifax in 2008)

• Orient have only lost one of the last 12 meetings – W8  D3  L1
• Have not lost an away fixture since 1988 – W4  D2

The Last Seven Meetings

Last Time Out – vs Solihull Moors

Starting 11 vs Solihull Moors

Leyton Orient made in nine unbeaten with a 3-0 home win over Solihull Moors last night. Charlie Lee headed the O’s ahead on the stroke of half time, after Adil Yussuf hit the post early on for Moors. Solihull searched for an equaliser but their task was made harder when full back Jamie Reckford was sent off after two cautions. MacAuley Bonne tapped home for Orient’s second before substitute Matt Harrold stroked home in added time to help move Orient up to second.

Orient who had won their previous two heading into the clash named an unchanged starting 11 for the fifth consecutive game. The only change came on the bench with Dale Gorman called up for International Duty, Alex Lawless returned to the matchday squad.

Orient’s Starting 11

Solihull who were fresh from their 2-1 triumph at Barrow on Saturday made two changes. Jermaine Hylton and Jamey Osborne dropped to the bench with Luke Maxwell and Cory O’Keeefe into the starting 11.

Solihull’s Starting 11

The O’s were out of the traps from the off with Josh Koroma curling effort straight into the arms of Solihull keeper, Ryan Boot. Orient were trying to gain the upper hand early but MacAuley Bonne couldn’t direct a Joe Widdowson cross goal-bound. It was definitely a fast start with Orient looking bright, especially down the right between Myles Judd and James Dayton. And it was this combination which set up Koroma but the O’s youngster could only head over the bar.

Despite the early chances, Solihull were clearly growing into the game going close when Danny Wright’s effort was saved brilliantly by Dean Brill after a fast break from Moors. The chances kept coming but Marvin Ekpiteta couldn’t add to his two league goals seeing his flicked header going wide from a Charlie Lee long throw.

Wright and his partner Adi Yussuf were becoming more and more influential with Solihull wondering on 15 minutes how they hadn’t taken the lead. Following a flowing move, Cory O’Keeffe was free on the right edge of the penalty area but his effort was saved by Brill. The rebound fell to Kyle Storer but a brilliant Ekpiteta block saw the effort moved to safety.

Charlie Lee glanced a James Dayton corner wide of the goal as both sides seeked the first goal in E10. Then another chance for the Moors, a long clearance by Ryan Boot put Yussuf in the clear, after evading both Ekpiteta and Brill, the Solihull striker saw his swivelled effort role agonizingly into the post and away from danger.

Solhull were a threat from set pieces with Orient having to be thankful for Craig Clay after the midfielder cleared Luke Maxwell’s effort off the line. In a frantic, end to end first half, Lee saw a volley sail straight at Boot, before the controversy started. With a minimum three minutes awarded at the end of the first half, Orient were awarded a free kick on the left. With time clearly elapsed and much to Tim Flowers’s annoyance Orient took the free kick with the ball going for a corner. McAnuff’s delivery found Lee who was going to be denied this time and he glanced in for the opening goal.

With Orient ahead at the break, Solhull looked to force an equaliser but their task was made harder. Following the restart, two rash fouls in three minutes saw defender Jamie Reckford sent for an early bath. The O’s had the initative with the lead and the man advantage however Solihull clearly still a danger on the counter attack. Brill was called on once more after great work from Danny Wright found Kyle Storer on the edge of the box but his fierce effort was parried to safety.

Orient needed a second goal to make sure of victory and despite three clean sheets in their last four, you could feel the nerves in the crowd. Bonne thought he had grabbed number two but his header from a Myles Judd center was brilliantly tipped around the post by Boot. However, the O’s number nine, wasn’t going to be denied and after excellent work by Koroma, the O’s youngster crossed for Bonne to tap home and make sure of victory with five minutes to go.

The O’s met it three in added time after Judd found Bonne on the right, his shot squirmed under Boot into the box. Fresh from the bench Matt Harrold was quickest and slotted home to make it five wins from their last six.

Another game, another win and Orient stay unbeaten and it was another game where it cleared could have been different. Solihull caused Orient problems in the first half, yes it was after a period of early dominance by Orient where they could have been ahead. But the physical presence of Yussuf and Wright was causing the O’s backline problems and had to be thankful for last ditch challenges, blocks and a fine performance from Dean Brill.

But isn’t that a sign of a good team and a team which you want them to have those battling qualities. Marvin Ekpiteta had another super game, where he was caught out a few times but his pace and composure got him out of some sticky situations. Brill, a man criticized in the opening few games has definitely earned his keep with some fine saves preserving Orient’s unbeaten run.

Myles Judd, another stormer from he O’s youngster who continues to improve week in week out. Judd had a difficult afternoon on Saturday against Binnon-Williams and Chesterfield but his energy levels were phenomenal last night. Flying down the right and the most pleasing thing was the link up play between himself and Dayton. Yes, his final ball into the box needs to improve on a regular basis but he is once more an exciting prospect who has grabbed his chance with both hands.

And Josh Koroma, a man who this time last year was no where near the first team. People may be thinking he didn’t have a good game last night, gave the ball away. Yes he probably did however this time last year would you have seen him have the composure with five minutes to go to square the ball to his strike partner to make it 2-0. A “maturing performance” is what Edinburgh described it and that is clearly evident but he is clearly make large strides forward.

“A tough game” is what Edinburgh described it where his side are finding different ways to win and I think most Orient fans would agree last season we probably would have succumb in the first half to a goal. But this Orient team are different and are willing to put their bodies on the line for the cause.

Orient sit second with nine games gone and are perfectly positioning. A great start where the foundations have been built but there is one hell of a long way to go. Next up Halifax away on Saturday, a team who were flying up in the play offs places. Another tough trip but most important thing is to take each game as it comes and just focus on the next one. The signs are there for all to see but we head to Halifax for Game 10 for a 46 game season. That’s the next game and that should be as far as anybody is looking right now.

Solihull Moors manager Tim Flowers highlights his side have to a be a lot better when they visit Leyton Orient tomorrow. The Moors grabbed their fifth win of the season at Barrow on Saturday but Flowers felt Barrow deserved something from the contest. Speaking to solihullmoorsfc.co.uk ahead of Orient “it’s a really tough game. Justin’s got Orient going. It’s a tough place to go – we have got to be a lot sharper than Saturday”.

Solihull’s Last Six Results

Luke Maxwell and Adi Yussuf netted in the last ten minutes to put Solihull on route to victory before Tyler Smith made it a nervy injury time period. John Rooney blazed an injury time penalty over to send The Moors back south with all three points. Flowers felt his side were not right defensively but credited his side’s desire. Speaking to solihullmoorsfc.co.uk “what we did do was show a willingness to work hard and keep going. Against the run of play we got out noses in front”.

Solihull’s Next six Fixtures

Defender Jamie Reckford admitted that his side were way off of their best at Barrow but felt it was important to stay in the game. Despite being under pressure for large parts Reckford stated to solihullmoorsfc.co.uk “we thought if we play 10% better than we can, we may get a result and luckily we scored two and I think we deserved it. Coming up here and getting a result is massive and we go onto Tuesday and hope to get a result at Orient”.

• Scored in every league match this season
• Scored in their last 14 league games 
• Scored in their last seven away and eight of their last nine games

Despite scoring two late goals at Barrow, Solihull nearly left with just a point. Flowers was disappointed with his sides game management at the death and illustrates it must improve. Speaking to solihullmoorsfc.co.uk “we scored two terrific goals and could have thrown it all away in the space of two or three minutes. When you’re 2-0 up and there are just five or six minutes left, you have got to see the game through and keep a clean sheet”.

• Three clean sheets all season – all three at home
• One clean sheet in their last five (1-0 vs Wrexham, 27/08/2018)
• No Clean sheet in last six away games
• 80% of league goals have been conceded away – 8/10

Flowers was appointed as Mark Yates’s assistant in November and  helped Solihull survive last season with a brilliant run of form. With Yates moving to Macclesfield in the summer, Flowers was appointed manager in June and has continued his sides form into this season with the Moors sitting 6th. Speaking to solihullmoorsfc.co.uk “the win puts us onto 16 points after eight games, it’s a fantastic return. My thought process is to get to 50 points as quick as we can. It’s a really tough league and let’s not be hanging around like we were last season”.

Solihull after 8 games last season

The Moors sit just one point off the top with the tightness of the National League clear to see with just one point separating six sides. Flowers is pleased with the start but is always looking ahead, “I need more but I’m absolutely delighted with the start – I won’t hide that. We need to iron out one or two things, especially away from home”

Top Seven in the National League

Flowers revealed to solihullmoorsfc.co.uk “we’ll be in Monday and have a good session, a bright session. There’ll be some football early doors, then we’ll go into some tactical work reflecting on what we’ve seen on the tapes”.

Team News 

Jamey Osbourne could be a doubt after being substituted in Saturday’s win over Barrow. Striker Adi Yussuf has been involved in four goals in the last four games and will look to contribute on Tuesday.

Head to Head

Last Time Out – 2-1 vs Barrow

Starting 11 vs Barrow

Leyton Orient midfielder James Dayton wants his side to continue their unbeaten start to the season when they host Solihull Moors on Tuesday. Dayton struck the winner at Chesterfield to see Orient go eight games unbeaten for the first time since 2013. The 29 year old highlighted to leytonorient.com “we need to keep it going, keep the momentum going into Tuesday. The games come thick and fast. Momentum is massive in this league”

• Sit 5th on 16 points 
• League Record – P8  W4  D4  F12  A6

Orient’s Next six fixtures

Saturday’s win against Chesterfield was Orient’s fourth in their last five games with O’s head coach Justin Edinburgh proud that his side were able to grind out the victory. Speaking to leytonorient.com “it’s a huge win, it’s a gusty performance totally different from Monday’s against Dover but it’s the best win so far for sure”

Orient’s last six results

Despite being on the back foot for periods of the game, Dayton’s finish sealed the win but Edinburgh credited the whole team but was pleased with youngster Myles Judd. Stating to leytonorient.com “the team were resolute, determined and really ground out a 1-0 victory. The back four and the keeper were immense today even Myles Judd, who had a difficult time in the first half, they tried to highlight him, he stuck at it and got through and I’m really pleased for him”

• Kept three clean sheets in their last four games
• Kept back to back home clean sheets 
• Not kept three consecutive clean sheets since 2014

Orient struggled to create on Saturday but Dayton knew it was important to stay in the game, “we weathered the storm and came in at 0-0 sometimes you have got to do that. In tough games like this you have got to see out them periods” leytonorient.com. Dayton’s goal was Orient’s sixth in the last 15 minutes of games with Edinburgh stating to Non League paper “we’re on a really good run and showed a lot of grit and determination. Our fitness and energy is helping us to get a goal late in games”.

• Scored in every league game this season
• Only failed to score in one of their last 11 league games
• Scored 9/12 league goals in the second half
• Netted six after 75th minute – joint most in the league

Orient return to the Breyer Group Stadium looking for a third straight home league win. Over 500 fans travelled to Chesterfield on Saturday to see the O’s victorious and Edinburgh highlighted the relationship between the fans and players “they got behind the boys when we needed it. This is how we win games, together, there’s a great togetherness with supporters and players right now. It needs to continue now” leytonorient.com

• Orient have only lost one of their last eight home games – W5  D2  L1 
• Defeat 0-1 vs Maidenhead, 24/04/2018
• Scored in seven of their last eight home games

Orient host Solihull with both clubs in very different league positions since the last time they met. When the sides met in December, both sides were in the relegation mix but Edinburgh is aware that Solihull are a different proposition. Speaking to leytonorient.com “we know it’s a tough one. Solihull started the season ever so well. We need to get resting now and get ready for Tuesday. A game we look forward to and look to continue the run”.

The Table last time the sides met

Team News

James Brophy, George Elokobi and Sam Ling look set to miss out through injury. James Alabi serves the last match of his suspension. Recent loan signing Levi Lumenka could be set for his debut after signing from Crystal Palace on loan on Friday. However, Justin Edinburgh could name the same starting 11 for the fifth consecutive game.

Head to Head

Last Time Out 1-0 vs Chesterfield

Starting 11 vs Chesterfield

Chesterfield Manager Martin Allen is hoping his side can end their slide down the table when Leyton Orient visit tomorrow. Chesterfield were the early pace setters in the division but have lost their last four games dropping to 15th. Speaking to the Derbyshiretimes Allen stated, “we have to fight our way through, what is the alternative? It was just a few weeks ago we had nine points and near the top”

Chesterfield’s fourth consecutive defeat came courtesy of a 1-0 away defeat at Hartlepool on Monday. Manager Allen was disappointed that his were second best in the clash  stating to chesterfield-fc.co.uk “any decent team has to be competitive and at the moment we aren’t competitive enough. It’s too milky and flaky and at the moment I’m not really getting what we need”.

Chesterfield’s last five results

Allen tried a new 3-5-2 formation at Hartlepool but had to abandon it after just 30 minutes moving to a more conventional 4-4-2. Despite an improved performance in the second half they couldn’t prevent another loss. Allen highlighted that he had to make a change, “I wasn’t enjoying watching that. It was lacklustre, slow and dull. There was no fight, spirit and I didn’t enjoy”.

• Kept three league clean sheets 
• Without clean sheet in last four
• Kept three clean sheets in their last four home games

After back to back relegations for Chesterfield, Allen was appointed in the summer looking for some stability and a chance to bounce straight back up. After the dip in form Allen has been reflecting to chesterfield-fc.co.uk “it’s sure been a testing time, in one way or another we will all for sure be better off for the experiences and the challenges we have faced. We all learn about ourselves in adversity, in how we react and respond”

Chesterfield’s Last three seasons

With four of their next six games at home Allen is hoping his side can return to winning ways when Orient visit. The Spireites have taken six points at the Proact so far this season but Allen is aware despite playing in front of a home crowd, the players have to generate noise in the stands. Speaking to derbyshiretimes “everyone is a little bit quiet, wondering how we’re going to turn this around, the only way is with our shoulders back and our heads up, when the players take the field to lead the way. The players are responsible to perform for the supporters”.

Chesterfield’s Next Five Games following Orient

The sides met recently in 2015 in League One with both falling down the leagues. Allen feels that Orient will be right in the mix come the end of the season, speaking to chesterfield-fc.co.uk “they’ve got great history. Justin Edinburgh and Martin Ling have done a fantastic job and they will be right up there in the end”. But he is keen on bouncing back and stated “the players are hurting and they want to make it happen tomorrow”.

Team News

Jerome Binnon-Williams returns after serving his three match man while Allen described Will Evans as 50/50. Former O’s captain Robbie Weir should face his old side.

Allen has promised changes from the side that lost at Hartlepool, speaking to derbyshiretimes “I’m going to have to look at how to make our side more competitive. It is back to the drawing board. We don’t need tweaks, it is going to have to be changes, something’s got to happen”.

Last Time Out – vs Hartlepool 

Starting 11 vs Hartlepool

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

• Chesterfield have only won one of the last nine meetings 
• Chesterfield have lost three of their last four home games against Orient
• Last won at home 02/12/2000 – Chesterfield 4-1 Leyton Orient

The Last nine meetings

Leyton Orient head coach Justin Edinburgh hopes his side can extend their unbeaten run when the head to Chesterfield tomorrow. The O’s are one of three unbeaten sides in the National League but Edinburgh highlights they won’t get complacent. Speaking to East London Advertiser “we go there confident but we won’t get carried away. We know what we are about, know how we want to play and what we need to do to play that way”.

• Sit 5th in National League
• Record – W3  D4  F11 A6

Orient made it three wins from their last four with a 3-0 victory over Dover Athletic on Monday. Goals from Jobi McAnuff, Josh Koroma and Matt Harrold moved them up to ninth in the table. Edinburgh was delighted with his sides performance stating to East London Advertiser “I think it is the best performance from the start we’ve had under me. We played well against Sutton United (December 2017), but we were very controlled against Dover really playing excellent”.

Last Five Results

Monday’s clean sheet was Orient’s second in their last three games, with Edinburgh quick to praise the collective effort not just the defence. Speaking to leytonorient.com “back to back clean sheets (at home), something we pride ourselves on. I can’t really recall them having a shot on our goal today, which is testament to the back four and other six in front who worked so hard. They didn’t allow any opportunity or space”.

• Two clean sheets in seven league games
• No clean sheet in last seven away
• Only kept one in their last nine away (0-0 vs Eastleigh, 17/03/18)

The O’s have played well in different parts of each match but midfielder Charlie Lee was happy his side were able to perform for the whole game on Monday. Lee who was one of the stand out performers from the Dover victory stated to leytonorient.com “I’m really pleased we were able to piece it together for the whole 90 minutes, I think we have threatened some really good performances this year but not really kept it up for 90. Today was exactly what we were looking for”.

• Orient have scored in every league game this season
• Have scored in six of their last seven away games
• Scored eight of their 11 league goals in the second half
• Five have come after 76th minutes, the most in league
• Have grabbed equalisers in two of their three away league games in this period

Lee who has won on his last two visits to Chesterfield is aware of threat that could possess, “they have some good players and a manager who knows how to get results so it will be an interesting one” (East London Advertiser). The O’s away record under Edinburgh has been good and Lee’s side are looking forward to another away trip, “we are full of confidence and we go everywhere expecting to get three points, but always looking for one point and if you piece it together hopefully results will come”.

• Only lost one of their last eight away games 
• Away league record under Edinburgh – W7  D5  L3

Orient face a month of travelling with four of their next six games away from the Breyer Group Stadium, starting with the trip to the Proact on Saturday. Edinburgh will be keeping everything the same, speaking to leytonorient.com “a lot of away journeys, we are doing okay and we just keep looking to improve, nothing changes. We assess and look forward to the weekend”.

Next Five Games after Chesterfield

Team News

Justin Edinburgh has named the same starting 11 for the past three games and could name an unchanged 11 once more tomorrow. New loan signing Levi Lumeka is available for selection after sigining from Palace on Friday. Matt Harrold and Dale Gorman are pushing for starts after returning from injury and impressing in recent weeks. George Elokobi and James Brophy still remain injured while James Alabi is still suspended.

Last Time Out – vs Dover Athletic

Starting 11 vs Dover

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

• Orient have only lost one of the last nine meetings between the sides

Last Nine Meetings between sides

Marvin Ekpiteta’s equaliser two minutes from time continued Leyton Orient’s unbeaten start to the season. Luke Armstrong looked to have secured three points for Gateshead after he slotted home his fifth of the season in the second half. O’s substitute James Alabi was sent off for a lunge on Robbie Tinkler but Orient struck late to earn a point.

Gateshead manager Steve Watson made two changes to the side that lost 1-0 at Bromley last weekend. Connor Thomson and Lewis Maloney started in midfield while Scott Boden and Cameron Salkeld dropped to the bench.

Gateshead’s Starting 11

Orient manager Justin Edinburgh named an unchanged starting 11 after centre back Josh Coulson had recovered from a knock to the head last weekend.

Orient’s Starting 11

In a slow start neither side were able to gain a foothold in proceedings with set pieces being the main danger from both sides. Robbie Tinkler saw an effort parried away by Dean Brill before Marvin Ekpiteta twice went close.

Orient were enjoying more possession than their hosts and were looking to get down their left with Jobi McAnuff and Joe Widdowson linking up. However they were finding it difficult to break down the Gateshead’s rigid system. Out of possession the Heed were getting nine men behind the ball and making it difficult for Orient to pass through.

The O’s could have taken the lead on 20 minutes, link up down the left saw MacAuley Bonne dummy McAnuff’s cross. Craig Clay’s late run into the box was timed brilliantly however he was unable to keep his shot down. Orient were beginning to push forward, Bonne went close but his goalbound effort was blocked. Clay again went close, after good work on the edge of the box, he created space but his effort was cleared away from danger.

With both sides level at the break the game seemed to open up slightly in the second. Watson was first to use the bench making a double change. Connor Thomson and Lewis Maloney made way for Cameron Salkeld and Tom White. The substitutions also saw a change of system for the Heed as they moved to a 4-3-3 system.

Change to 4-3-3 System

The introduction of the bench saw Gateshead gain the initiative  with White at the forefront. Following a short corner, White created space on the right flank crossing deep to Steven Rigg. His first header was brilliantly saved by Dean Brill before Ekpiteta blocked his second header.

The Heed were controlling central areas with Orient struggling to keep possession but saw Bonne go close when he swivelled on the edge of the box but his shot was blocked for a corner. Dale Gorman replaced Charlie Lee for his first appearance of the season while James Alabi replaced James Dayton.

The O’s were caught cold with 13 minutes left, a quick free kick found White in the center circle who in turn played the ball behind the O’s defence. Ekpiteta was caught the wrong side, leaving on loan Middesbrough striker Luke Armstrong to stroke home his fifth of the season and see Gateshead take the lead for the first time in five games.

Orient looked to respond but their task was made harder when Alabi went in late on Robbie Tinkler and received his marching orders. Justin Edinburgh threw on Matt Harrold to search for the equaliser and it came with two minutes to go. Jobi McAnuff’s corner was only cleared to Ekpiteta inside the six yard box and he made no mistake, smashing home for his second of the season.

Despite five minutes of additional time, neither side was able to force a winner as they had to settle for a point a piece.

A long trip north and come back with a point. Not a bad result, a dull game with very little between the sides settled by two set pieces. Sounds a lot like National League football to me.

Not so long ago, Orient would have whimpered out to a 1-0 defeat after going down to ten men but under Edinburgh they have belief that they can create. It may have been a scrambled set piece goal but they all count. Those are the games that last season we would have lost, nothing between the sides and settled by a moment of loss of concentration.

Their goal, whose to blame, Ekpiteta for being caught wrong side of his man? The midfield for not prevented the through ball to Armstrong. It doesn’t really matter now, but after a clean sheet last week against Boreham Wood, it would have done to world of good getting back to back clean sheets.

Myles Judd continues to impress in defence, the midfield was overrun in the second period with too many times culpable of slowing down play allowing Gateshead to get back into position. With Alabi’s red card, I think Edinburgh will dip into the loan market, Koroma will be playing as a striker. Brophy is injured which only leaves two wingers in Jobi McAnuff and James Dayton. Orient lacked creativity with Bonne living on scraps for the majority of the game.

Food for thought for Edinburgh nothing will be sorted by the Dover game on Monday but could we see a new arrival by Chesterfield next weekend? Gorman looked okay when he came on, not much to note with only a 30 minute appearance. We will learn more in the coming weeks. It is important Orient back up today’s point at Gateshead with a win against Dover on Monday. We can only wait and see……