Football Analyst

Gateshead manager Steve Watson highlights his side have more than enough quality to trouble Leyton Orient tomorrow. The Heed already upset League favourites Salford, in their opening home game of the season and will be hoping to send Orient back south disappointed. Speaking to gateshead-fc.com “if we create to our maximum capabilities, similar to the Salford game, we’re a match for any team in the league, the lads have to believe in themselves”.

Gateshead lost their unbeaten start to the season last weekend after a 1-0 loss at Bromley. Junior Ogedi-Uzokwe’s header two minutes from time left a sour taste in the mouth of Watson, who was disappointed with his sides performance. Speaking to gateshead-fc.com “the quality today was well below the standard we require and the lads have set themselves”.

It was the fourth game in succession Gateshead had conceded the first goal but the first they lost. It also saw another goal from a set piece, their fourth of the season, a issue that Watson is thoroughly aware of. Speaking to gateshead-fc.com “the goal was as disappointing as virtually every goal this season, not being able to defend balls into the box. Second balls people are just knocking off and not taking responsibility”

• No clean sheet this season
• Without a clean sheet in their last nine league games
• Only kept one in their last 12 (2-0 win vs Eastleigh, 14/04/2018)

The Heed return home on Saturday, where they have won both of their games this season. Midfielder Jack Hunter joined from Newcastle in the summer and feels it is important his side respond against Orient tomorrow. Speaking to gateshead-fc.com “its important we bounce back well and show everyone what we can do because we didn’t play anywhere near our best”.

• Scored in eight of their last nine games including their last five home games
• Only failed to score in one of their last nine home games (0-0 vs Dagenham, 30/03/2018)

Sitting on ten points from five games, on loan goalkeeper, Aynsley Pears wants his side to continue on their solid start. Pears was one of four arrivals from Middesborough in the summer either on loan or permanent and stated to gateshead-fc.com “we are trying to get back on track, hopefully we bounce back Saturday. It has been a good start, but it means nothing if we don’t continue the way we started”.

Summer Arrivals

After five game in two weeks, Watson was happy with a free midweek which gave a chance for some recovery time for his players. However, the tough National League schedule continues with two games in three days over the bank holiday with the former Newcastle man highlighting the need to use his squad. “The lads have all trained well, we have only one doubt and they all have to stick with me. I guarantee the team that starts against Orient won’t be the same team that starts against Halifax. We have good players and fresh legs so everyone will be involved”. 

August’s Fixtures and Results

Watson knows Orient well after he picked up his first win as Gateshead boss back in October. He is fully aware of the improvement they have made under Justin Edinburgh, speaking to gateshead-fc.com “Orient are a strong side, they are a very tough team to break down and very tough to beat”. However, Watson feels his side can cause them problems tomorrow “I like to think we have got enough about us to keep the ball at our feet and create against them. All the messages that we have given to them, they have looked to take them on board”.

Head to Head Meetings between sides

Team News

Defender Mike Williamson is the only doubt for the clash with Orient as he struggling with a groin injury. Scott Barrow is a out through injury but is continuing his rehab. On loan striker Luke Armstrong will be hoping to add four goals so far this season.

Last Time out – vs Bromley

Starting 11 vs Bromley

Leyton Orient head coach Justin Edinburgh insists his squad will be able to cope with two fixtures in three days. Orient travel to Gateshead on Saturday before hosting Dover Athletic on Monday but the former Newport man feels his squad can deal with the hectic period. Speaking to the East London Advertiser “there is a quick turnaround for Monday which will test the squad but we have a squad which is capable of dealing with it”.

• Only lost one of last seven competitive away matches 
• Lost just three of 14 away league matches under Edinburgh – W7  D4  L3

Orient made it back to back wins last weekend courtesy of a 1-0 home win over Boreham Wood, thanks to a second half penalty from MacAuley Bonne. Edinburgh was delighted with the performance of his side, stating to leytonorient.com “I felt my players, every single one of them including the substitutes were immense. It was the best we’ve played for a long time”.

• Orient have only won three games in a row once in 2018

The win over Boreham Wood, saw Orient rise to ninth in the table and continue to progress under Edinburgh. Defender Joe Widdowson felt his side added some composure to their game which helped continue their development. Speaking to leytonorient.com “today we added a calmness with the ball and moved it around the pitch better which is something we have been looking to do. Adding to our intensity without the ball and they combined well to get another good result. Onwards and upwards”.

The most pleasing aspect for Orient was a first clean sheet of the season against Boreham Wood. Edinburgh felt his side’s use of the ball helped them in reduce the chances against them, speaking to leytonorient.com “I thought we were very good with the ball without creating a lot of chances, I felt we managed the game ever so well. For long periods today we were a real force with the ball and it allowed us to be compact and restrict the opposition to very few chances” 

• No clean sheet in last six away games –
• Only kept one in last seven away – (last 0-0vs Eastleigh, 17/04/2018)

With no midweek fixture, it was the first chance for Edinburgh to get his side on the training pitch and get some recovery after five games in 14 days. Speaking to leytonorient.com “it was something we needed, in terms of the recovery, we’ve had a lot of games in a short space of time. It’s good to get everyone back to the training ground, we have worked on specific things we felt we needed to touch on”.

August’s Fixtures and Results

The O’s ended last campaign with a 3-1 victory at Gateshead with Widdowson looking for repeat of that performance. Speaking to East London Advertiser “I still remember the final game of last season where we put in a really good performance and got the win, so hopefully we can emulate that”.

The Last Meetings between sides

Team News

Midfielder James Brophy and defender George Elokobi remain sidelined through injury. Matt Harrold and Dale Gorman will travel to Gateshead after coming through a behind closed doors game in midweek. Josh Coulson is available after coming off last weekend with double vision.

Last Time Out – vs Boreham Wood

Starting 11 vs Boreham Wood

A second half MacAuley Bonne penalty was the difference as Leyton Orient picked up back to back wins. Orient’s main man struck home from the spot with 21 minutes to go after Josh Koroma was fouled in the penalty area. The win see Edinburgh’s men extend their unbeaten run to five games ahead of their trip to Gateshead next week.

Orient head coach Justin Edinburgh was enforced into one change from the side that started at Maidstone on Tuesday. James Brophy dropped out with a hamstring injury with captain Jobi McAnuff returning after an ankle injury.

Orient’s Starting 11

Luke Garrard also made one change from his side that drew 1-1 with Gateshead in midweek. Connor Smith made his first start of the season as Justin Shaibu missed out. Angelo Balanta moved alongside Josh Umerah in attack while Smith started behind the two.

Boreham Wood’s Starting 11

The O’s fell behind early in their last home match against Barrow and Edinburgh’s men looked to start on the front foot. Jobi McAnuff picked out Joe Widdowson on the overlap, his cross found Josh Koroma but the O’s youngster fired over.

Boreham Wood netted from a corner in midweek and were causing Orient problems from set pieces with defender David Stephens the main target. The O’s had a warning sign as Balanta was flagged offside after he stroked home from a free kick at the back post.

Garrard’s side were finding joy with balls in behind Orient’s defence with striker Joh Umerah dominating the aerial battles. The on loan Charlton man was holding the ball up well trying link play for his side. However, it was Koroma hold up play which nearly created the opener. Receiving the ball just inside his half, he held off his man and played MacAuley Bonne in down the left but Bonne’s shot was parried to safety.

The game was tight with neither side creating many chances, Charlie Lee saw an effort deflected over for Orient while Umerah dragged a shot wide from inside the area. Jobi McAnuff’s effort from distance was easily saved by Ellery Balcombe in the Boreham Woo goal.

Orient started the second half bright with only a piece of brilliant defending keeping them at bay. James Dayton created space down the right, his cross looked certain to find Koroma but a great tackle from Tom Champion cleared the danger. Josh Coulson was replaced by Daniel Happe with what was reported a hint of concussion.

Craig Clay had continued where he left off on Tuesday, breaking up playing and putting Orient on the front foot. He was next to close but he could only head a Joe Widdowson cross wide. With the game opening up slightly, Happe only on the pitch for a matter of minutes could only fire wide at the back post for a corner.

Boreham Wood were finding it harder to keep possession in the final third, created their best chance of the game but Ricky Shakes’s goal bound effort was tipped around the post by Dean Brill. As Orient were beginning to find space going forward it was Koroma who was the difference. Picking the ball up on the left, he drove inside the Boreham Wood penalty area and was brought down by Shakes. Bonne stepped up a duly dispatched the spot kick for his third goal of the season.

As time was ticking down, Orient began to sit deeper inviting some pressure but Boreham Wood were lacking composure in the final third. Captain Jobi McAnuff could have put the icing on the cake but his brilliant run ended with a shot smothered by Balcombe. The O’s saw the remaining minutes out to pick up their second win of the season, moving them up to ninth.

A week is a long time in football, after a terrible first half performance against Barrow and conceding yet another goal in the last ten minutes last weekend. We now look at a second win in four days, our unbeaten run increasing to five games seeing a game out twice. The confidence is increasing and the players are starting to find form.

Craig Clay, a man who flatter to deceive in the opening run of games and I was one of the people wondering how he still was in the team. But just like his Tuesday’s performance, he was brilliant once more in the center of the park. Doing the simple things well and breaking a lot of play up. Battling away alongside Charlie Lee who is slowly improving but with Dale Gorman now full fit, they now know, a poor performance means they could be benched.

Another good display from Myles Judd, defending well for the majority of the game, but did lose some composure in the first half. Shortly after being booked, he raced into another challenge and on another day, it could have been a different story. However, he is young and learning his trade but he is certainly making Sam Ling work for his place back in the team.

Jobi McAnuff was his usual bundle of energy and using his experience in midfield. Bonne was barely given a sniff today but does what he does best, put the ball in the back of the net. Lastly, Josh Koroma continues to improve with a lot of credit going to Justin Edinburgh who is highlighting his man management skills. A man who struggled to even make the matchday squad in the first half of the season last year, but now looks like a man you can’t leave out of the starting 11.

Another weekend, avoiding defeat. I could get used to that. Well, in a rare week off with no midweek fixture. It is Gateshead away up next, where we ended the season well in April. But the Heed army have started the season well and it proves to be an exciting encounter, that is if we can see it trying to see the pitch from the stands. The dreaded running track returns, see you all in Newcastle for Game 6

Leyton Orient head coach Justin Edinburgh hopes his can build on their first win of the season when they host Boreham Wood tomorrow. The O’s are one of six unbeaten sides in the National League with Edinburgh keen to extend that run. Speaking to leytonorient.com  “If we take Tuesday’s confidence after the win, we know there is room for improvement, but we are edging closer all the time”.

August’s Fixtures and Results

Goals from Josh Koroma and Marvin Ekpiteta secured Orient’s first three points of the season in a 2-1 win at Maidstone. Shamir Mullings did pull a goal back Orient hung on for maximum points, a result which thrilled Edinburgh. Speaking to leytonorient.com “it feels extremely good, we have been in a fight and taken all the way. I’m pleased for the players because under difficult circumstances, we have conceded two leads consecutively in late fashion. They stood firm tonight even though it was right till the end”.

Defender Ekpiteta headed his first professional goal on Tuesday and was pleased that his side dug into the get their first win. The former East Thurrock defender has impressed this season following George Elokobi’s injury and the 22 year old has been happy with how he has been performing. Speaking to leytonorient.com “I have come in and I think I have done alright in the past three games. I just need to keep it up”.

• Orient have failed to keep a clean sheet this season
• Only kept one in last 11 league games
• Only kept one clean sheet in last five home games (1-0 vs Wrexham)

Assistant coach Ross Embleton spoke to the O’s Show on his sides start to the season and about some of the work they have been doing on the training ground. Speaking to the O’s Show “we’ve worked on a few things really that we felt we needed to correct after the first few games. Not convinced that we have quite got going with ball so we put more emphasis on what we did in possession. We started to see more of that on Tuesday”.

• Orient have scored in all four games this season
• Only failed in one of their last seven in league
• Scored in nine of their last 11 home games

It hasn’t gone unnoticed that Orient have struggled in recent seasons at home but Edinburgh is hopeful that his side can grab their first victory at the Breyer Group Stadium tomorrow. Orient fell behind early against Barrow in last home match and Edinburgh is aware that his side need to be alert early on. Speaking to leytonorient.com “We have had two contrasting performances at home, we haven’t quite started well enough to get a foothold and dictate the pace of the game. We know we want to play at home, we got to concentrate and start better”.

Orient’s Points collected at home in last 5 seasons

The O’s struggled against Boreham Wood last season, only taking one point from a possible six with Edinburgh aware that tomorrow’s game could be another tight affair. Speaking to leytonorient.com “they are a very organised team, they performed very consistently last year and have started the season in the same manner. They are a very difficult team to play against and they don’t conceded many goals so we will have to be at our best”.

Meetings Last Season

Team News

Jobi McAnuff should be available after missing the trip to Maidstone with a swollen ankle. Myles Judd, James Dayton and Josh Koroma all started on Tuesday and we all be hoping to keep their place in the starting 11. Midfielder Dale Gorman is very close to full fitness but should be fit for next weekend’s trip to Gateshead.

Edinburgh to leytonorient.com “we have a lot of games in a short space of time. I am fully confident we can rotate, I don’t think at any time we have been weakening the team. When blessed with a squad, we have to use it. It pay dividends on Tuesday, we will have a look whether we need to freshen it up”.

Last Time out vs Maidstone United

Orient’s Starting 11 vs Maidstone

Boreham Wood manager Luke Garrard highlights all of his players must be on top of their game when they travel to Leyton Orient tomorrow. Garrard’s side have taken five points from their first four games and the 32 year old wants to add to that tally on Saturday. Speaking to bwfctv.co.uk “we know it’s going to be tough, we’ve got to be at our best to get anything from the game of football. We go fully focused, organised and hopeful of taking maximum points”.

The Wood travel to the capital after dropping two points at home to Gateshead on Tuesday night. David Stephens headed them ahead on the stroke of half time but Garrard’s side couldn’t hang on for three points as Steven Rigg equalised two minutes from time.

• Failed to score away this season
• Scored in five of their last seven away from home (playoffs included)
• Scored in eight of their last 10 competitive away matches

Garrard was left frustrated with his sides inability to see the game out stating to bwfctv.co.uk “it’s definitely two points dropped, the manner of conceding the goal is my frustration. Look at the back three, they have probably played 900 games between them, but not being organised from a restart is my biggest frustration”.

Departing Trio to Football League clubs

After being beaten in the play off final in May, Garrard has seen an overhaul on his playing squad with players make the jump into the Football League. He has called for his players to take ownership of their roles speaking to bwfctv.co.uk “they need to take responsibility as an individual, you are assigned a job so when you are given it do it. We need to be better and we have to start organising and demanding better but lessons have been learnt”.

Summer Arrivals

With Saturday’s trip to Orient being Wood’s fifth game in 14 days, defender David Stephens is aware that his side are still getting to know each other but need some work on the training pitch. Speaking to bwfctv.co.uk “we’re gelling, we haven’t got that much time though, we need to get it right as soon as possible, the only way to do that is on the training pitch. It is coming but it needs to be drummed in more”.

August’s Fixtures and Results

Wood took four points against Orient last season and Garrard is relishing the trip to Brisbane Road. Speaking to bwfctv.co.uk “We played very well on both occasions. I felt that especially down at their place, we should have won the game”. He added “they have great strength in forward areas and great experience throughout midfield and organised at the back. It is going to be a tough fixture but a thoroughly enjoyable one. I am looking forward to going down there”.

Last Season’s Results

Following their exploits last season, Garrard feel his side are not under the radar any more and is making sure all of his players know what he expects ahead of Orient. Speaking to bwfctv.co.uk “we don’t fear anyone, that’s my mindset of being organised, well drilled and working tirelessly on what the opposition has to offer” He added “I set up the boys to have no surprises, make sure no stone is unturned. They know exactly how we want to set up, how they play and how we will counter attack the way they play to try and isolate and implement my game plan”. 

Team News

Defenders Manny Panny and Femi Ilesanmi will hoping for a recall to the starting 11 after dropping to the bench on Tuesday night. Bradley Ash and Connor Smith should feature in E10.

Last Time Out vs Gateshead

Starting 11 vs Gateshead

Leyton Orient finally claimed their first win of the season last night away at Maidstone United. The O’s who had drawn their three previous games picked up maximum points in Kent thanks to goals from Josh Koroma and Marvin Ekpiteta. Shamir Mullings did halve the deficit late on but Justin Edinburgh’s men hung on for three precious points.

Fresh from their 2-2 home draw with Barrow on Saturday, head coach Justin Edinburgh made three changes to his side. James Dayton and Myle Judd started for the first time this season while Josh Koroma partnered MacAuley Bonne in attack. Club captain Jobi McAnuff missed out through injury while James Alabi and Sam Ling dropped to the bench.

Orient’s Starting 11

Maidstone who were looked to bounce back from defeat at Halifax made three changes. Michael Phillips, Michee Efete and Joe Quigley were handed starts as George McLennan, Alex Wynter and Shamir Mullings dropped to the bench.

Maidstone Starting 11

In a lively opening period it was Maidstone who started the better enjoying possession. Former O’s winger Blair Turgott was looking to create for the home side but his cross shot ran to safety. Turgott and Jamar Loza were looking to cut in from their wide berths to create problems for Orient. It was Loza who was next to try and effort as he cut in from the right but his shot was blocked by Marvin Ekpiteta.

The game was open with both sides looking to get down and play football. Edinburgh’s men were giving Loza too much space down the left but were thankful for lack of final delivery. However, minutes later Orient grabbed the opening goal through Josh Koroma. A Dean Brill goal kick was flicked on by MacAuley Bonne to Koroma, the O’s youngster flicked the ball over Stones defender, Will De Havilliand before firing through Lee Worgan to put Orient ahead.

Bonne was dominated the Stones defenders in the air winning the majority of forward balls. Captain on the night, Charlie Lee was next to try his luck but Worgan was always a match for his tame effort. The O’s were pressing balls in midfield, trying to keeper Maidstone at bay with Craig Clay doing an excellent job in central areas.

Maidstone midfielder Stuart Lewis tested the palms of Brill after neat play from the hosts saw Lewis curl an effort from outside the box. Orient were linking well going forward and doubled their advantage ten minutes before the break. A James Dayton right wing corner was met by defender Marvin Ekpiteta who glanced home for his first goal in an Orient shirt.

The O’s were looking comfortable, the only side note was a handbag incident which saw Bonne booked after a handbag incident with Jamar Loza. Orient had the cushion at the break but knew they had to start well in the second period. Ollie Muldoon fired a free kick over for the hosts while Craig Clay fired over for Orient down the other end.

With Maidstone pushing forward searching for a way back into the game they made changes to try and grab the important goal. Orient were looking to hit them on the break and nearly wrapped up victory through Dayton but he saw his effort saved. The Stones were looking to get crosses into the box and Ekpiteta did brilliantly to clear a free kick.

Then what could have been the controversial moment, Koroma broke into the box and it looked an almost certain penalty. However referee David Rock though Koroma had dived under a Jack Paxman challenge and he booked the O’s youngster. Edinburgh was seething even more about the decision as Maidstone halved the deficit with ten minutes to play. Orient left Seth Nana-Twumasi with too much space down the left, his inswinging cross found the head of substitute Shamir Mullings who nodded past Brill.

Orient’s team after Substitutions 

The goal invited Maidstone forward and saw Orient drop deeper and deeper. Koroma nearly made the game safe but his curling effort from 25 yards clipped the post and went to safety. Were Orient going to see the game out? With five additional minutes added, the O’s had to be thankful for a wonder Dean Brill safe from Blair Turgott to give them all three points in Kent.

Finally a first win of the season after four games. Unbeaten in four, and just four points from the top of the table. Not a bad start in hindsight, drawing the first three games against decent footballing sides before maximum points in Kent last night. It was a game where Orient stood strong and battled their was to three points.

The defence were solid throughout, Ekpiteta was once again assured and composed on the ball and did the simple things right last night. But as we know he is young and will have up and down performances as Saturday’s against Barrow showed. Josh Coulson a leader at the back and gives the backline some confidence and experience.

Myles Judd did very well in his first start of the season, replacing Sam Ling who hadn’t started the season that well. Judd defended well preventing crosses into the box but he is still learning the game.

Josh Kororma justified his start in attack and he linked very well with Bonne in attack. He grabbed his first of the season and was extremely unlucky not to have been awarded a penalty. The main difference with the strikers at Maidstone was Koroma looked for Bonne’s flick ons. James Alabi certainly knows that he is not guaranteed a start with Kororma continually banging on the door.

Then the biggest surprise for me last night was the performance of Craig Clay. It has been fair to say he hasn’t started the season well. Despite playing every minute before last night, his distribution and overall play was great. However last night, we may have seen what he brings to the side, energy, work rate and pressing in midfield. He was pressing Maidstone into mistakes and giving options going forward. The only thing left to do now, is put those performances in on a more consistent basis.

Next up Boreham Wood at home, a chance to pick up back to back wins and cement our place into the top seven. The start isn’t looking so bad after all and with no team with a 100% record left, everyone will take points off each other. The result should give the team a confidence boost and with Gorman nearing a first team return, Clay, Lee and Alex Lawless will need to be on their guard.

Anyway with barely 2 1/2 hours sleep, back to work. But it was definitely worth it after that win last night.

Maidstone United manager Jay Saunders is under no illusion of the tough test that awaits his side on Tuesday night. Leyton Orient travel to the Gallagher stadium as Saunders’s men look to bounce back from defeat on Saturday. Speaking to BBC Radio Kent “it will be difficult, there are no easy games in this league. We won’t get too down and we’ll move onto to Tuesday”.

Maidstone’s August Fixtures and Results

The Stones fell to their first defeat of the season at Halifax on Saturday. Goals either side of half time from Cameron King and Ben Tomlinson saw Halifax go 2-0 ahead before Dayle Southwell slotted home from the spot to make it 3-0.

Saunders felt his side were growing into the game as the first half wore on but the goal before half time was the sucker punch against his side. Speaking to the NonLeaguePaper he stated “the goal before half time really killed us. We had just started getting into the game and it knocked the stuffing out of us”

• Maidstone are unbeaten in their last three home games – W1  D2
• Have only lost one of their last seven home league games – W3  D3  L1

Blair Turgott wasted a chance for Maidstone before the opener with Saunders explaining that the goal changed their whole view of the second half. Speaking to BBC Radio Kent “When we thought we were going in 0-0, the deflection killed us, it was a different outlook on the game. We come out second half and conceded poor goals really”.

• Turgott has netted all three of Maidstone goals this season

It was the third consecutive game in which Maidstone failed to keep a clean sheet with Saunders highlighting his defence were vulnerable down their left hand side with two of three goals coming from that side. Halifax play with two physical striker and Saunders felt his defence were bullied by them, “they get it up to the two front men, and we couldn’t deal with them today. We fell down on our left side which caused us too many problems”.

• Kept one clean sheet in last five league games
• Kept two clean sheets in last three home games

After speculation linking him away in the summer Saunders committed himself to Maidstone for the upcoming season. The 39 year old who has been with the Stones since 2011 has been pleased with his sides start but insists there is more to come. Speaking to kentonline.co.uk ” I still think there’s a lot more to come from us. There’s loads of little things we need to work on with them but a lot of the mistakes we’re making is down to that youth we’ve got in the side. It’s just decision-making. We’ll go through that and get that out of them”. 

Summer Transfer Arrivals

Saunders’s side finish 19th last season, six points above the relegation zone and the Stones manager will be looking for an improvement this season. With a hectic fixture schedule, Saunders feels that “after 12-15 games is when you the league sorts to level out, you will then get an idea”.

The Past Four Meetings Between Sides

Team News

Will De Havilland should have overcome double vision to be fit for Tuesday’s clash. Strikers Jamar Loza and Blair Turgott looks set to start against one of their former clubs.

Leyton Orient head coach Justin Edinburgh is hoping his side can pick up their first win of the season when they travel to face Maidstone United tomorrow night. The O’s have drew all three fixtures so far but Edinburgh revealed to the nationalleague.org “ we’re unbeaten and although we have yet to get that win we are playing well on the whole and we are creating chances”.

Orient’s August Fixtures and Results

Orient head to the Gallagher stadium on the back of a 2-2 home draw with Barrow. Jack Hindle put Barrow ahead early in the first period with Edinburgh stating to leytonorient.com “it was way off we are expecting and what we expect from ourselves”. MacAuley Bonne struck his first goals of the season to put Orient 2-1 up but they couldn’t hold on to the lead leaving Raul Correira to bundle the ball home five minutes from time.

• Orient have only lost one of their last six away league games
• Have only lost three of 13 away league games under Edinburgh – W6  D4  L3

The O’s have led in the latter stages of their last two games but haven’t been able to see the game out, an issue which is frustrating Edinburgh. Speaking to guardian-series.co.uk “the second half we dominated and when you get yourself in front you expect to see that through. I’m very disappointed that for two consecutive games now, we haven’t been able to see it out”.

Captain Jobi McAnuff feels his side have to put a performance in for 90 minutes and learn their lessons quickly ahead of their trip to Maidstone. It was the second game this season where Orient had to battle back from a goal behind with McAnuff stating to leytonorient.com “we feel we have more than enough to match anyone, it is a different kind of pressure we’ve got to deal with. We have to take it upon ourselves and have extra bravery on the ball. It’s still early in the season and we have things to work on and look at”.

• Orient have only won of 11 games conceding first under Edinburgh – W1 D5 L5

Despite it being the first time since 2012, an Orient side have failed to win any of their opening three league games, Edinburgh remains positive ahead of a fourth game in 10 days. Speaking to nationalleague.org “it will come, I don’t think we are far away from three points at all, it’s a matter of time. We dust ourselves down and we’re positive, the league won’t settle down until 12 games in, we just need that first victory”.

2012/2013 Seaso start

McAnuff who has been a shinning light this season highlights that with the National League’s hectic schedule it gives them a perfect opportunity to put their recent disappointment behind them. Speaking to leytonorient.com “we have to look forward to the next game, it’s a chance to put it right. That’s the beauty of having so many games, we need to make sure we get that first win”.

The O’s completed the league double over the Stones last season but despite Orient not reaching the standards he thinks they should be at, Edinburgh is confident of success on Tuesday. Speaking to leytonorient.com “we are scoring and creating chances, I still don’t think we are anywhere near where should be or anywhere we want to be. We go there confident, we are unbeaten in three games, there is certainly more to come”.

Orient are unbeaten in four meetings with Maidstone

Team News

Marvin Ekpiteta will continue alongside Josh Coulson in defence, while Josh Koroma is pushing for a start in attack. MacAuley Bonne will be looking to add to his first goals of the season tomorrow with Edinburgh still unsure of his first choice central midfield pairing. Summer signing Dale Gorman is closing in on a first team return with Matt Harrold slightly behind.

Ross Embleton to East London Advertiser on the squad “it is important we have the opportunity to rotate players, we have some in the team who can’t keep doing Saturday, Tuesday, Saturday, Tuesday. We will manage the squad to keep everyone on board and working in the right direction”.

Another game, another draw, another performance which left a lot to be desired. The O’s were second best throughout but were nearly bailed out after a brace from MacAuley Bonne. Barrow took a deserved lead when Jack Hindle hit his third goal in as many games as Orient were left standing in their blocks. The Bluebirds should have been further ahead with their dominance but Bonne levelled proceedings early in the second half.

Ian Evatt’s men responded but wasted a host of chances in front of goal before Bonne looked to have earned Orient an undeserved point. But it was second half substitute Raul Correira who tapped home the equaliser five minutes from time after O’s keeper Dean Brill failed to collect a long throw.

Justin Edinburgh made two changes from the side that drew 1-1 with Ebbsfleet on Tuesday night. Charlie Lee made his first start of the season as Alex Lawless dropped to the bench. Marvin Ekpiteta deputised for the injury George Elokobi in defence.

O’s Starting 11

Ian Evatt was forced into one change from his side that lost 2-0 to FC Halifax on Tuesday night. Brian Wilson missed the trip to Leyton through injury, Kyle Jameson deputised alongside Josh Granite in central defence.

Barrow’s Starting 11

Barrow flew out of the blocks with Josh Kay clipping the crossbar after fine build up within 60 seconds. The O’s didn’t heed the early warning that the Bluebirds were here to play and conceded just two minutes later. Neat interchange down the right found Jack Hindle who drifted over from the right flank. The summer signing from Colwyn Bay smashed a low shot under Dean Brill for his third goal of the season.

Ian Evatt’s men were brimming with confidence and Orient couldn’t deal with the movement in midfield. Kay and John Rooney were given license to push forward and Rooney wasted his chance when he couldn’t sort his feet out after good work from Hindle.

The O’s were second to every ball on the pitch and should have fallen further behind. After a quick throw, Hindle found Rooney but his curling shot flew narrowly wide of the far post. Was it the wake up call Orient needed? Well, they started to grow into the game with Jobi McAnuff firing wide from distance.

With Edinburgh’s men starting to gain slight momentum, Evatt’s men were killing any momentum making the game stop start, creating annoyance from the home fans. A simple, effective and much despised tactic which was frustrating Orient. The O’s best chance of the half came from a McAnuff free kick which found the head of Charlie Lee but he could only flick the ball into the hands of Andy Firth.

Following what was hoped a half time rollocking from Edinburgh, the O’s started better in the second half. Somehow the score remained level after Bonne connected with a McAnuff cross but his effort smashed Firth in the face and to safety. Firth received treatment but his first task afterwards was to pick the ball out of the net. A Charlie Lee long throw was kept alive and Bonne turned and tucked home his first of the season to draw Orient level.

You would have the thought the goal would have buoyed the home side but it was Barrow who picked the pace up and should have regained their lead. Hindle broke in from the left, with Nathan Waterton testing Brill down to his right. Then a glorious chance to grab their second, a well worked corner found Kay who’s cross was met by Dan Jones who inexplicably headed wide at the back post.

Edinburgh introduced Josh Koroma and James Dayton from the bench and it was Koroma who had the impact his manager wanted. The young attacker ran onto a forward ball and crossed for Bonne to tap home his second. A get out of free jail card looked set to have been handed to Orient.

Ahead with less than ten minutes to go, could Orient do what they couldn’t do on Tuesday and hang onto victory. This is Orient, so the evitable happened. Sam Ling was the first man a fault, with time to clear the ball forward, he found touch leaving Barrow to hand the ball to long throw expert, Dan Jones. Jones fired in the ball into the O’s box, Brill came and failed to gather, leaving substitute Raul Correira to squeeze the ball home for the equaliser.

So, three games into the season and Orient are still unbeaten with three draws. MacAuley Bonne opening his account with a brace today was important as all Orient fans know the value of his goals in this Orient team. Battling back from a goal down once more but just like Tuesday, Orient failed to see the game out.

Leading two games at home, with less than ten minutes to go and Orient take just two points. A problem which needs to eradicated, despite being second best and probably not deserving a point today, Orient got into a position to lead in the latter stages. You have done the hard part, fighting back but decision making is not quite there yet this season.

Games are 90 minutes long and currently Orient are being punished for any lapse of concentration in key areas of games. Conceding three minutes in at home will always put you on the back foot against a side you are expected to beat. Key areas which can and need to be addressed in the coming weeks.

Then one of the major disappointments of the early season, our central midfield. I don’t think any one of the 4304 in attendance would disagree that Barrow’s midfield was far superior to Orient’s today. Barrow’s three in the middle ran the game in the first period and dominated proceedings. Jason Taylor gave vital protection to his back four with John Rooney and Josh Kay giving support in attack.

Where do Orient go at Maidstone? Could they play three in midfield? I think Edinburgh should consider playing Jobi in a central area, whether that is in a three or a two, I think he makes Orient tick. A 4-5-1 with McAnuff behind Bonne, with Brophy on one wing and Koroma/ Dayton on the other. I think it would help Orient gain a foothold in games but all three teams Orient have played, like to play football.

It’s not all doom and gloom, but it is clear that Orient look like they need to look into the loan market. Midfielder Dale Gorman could be the man Orient have been missing in midfield? We could find out in a couple of weeks and do Bonne and James Alabi work together. It is still early days, but many times today, both forwards made the same run and were in the same position. Food for thought for Edinburgh ahead of Maidstone on Tuesday night……..

Leyton Orient assistant coach Ross Embleton highlights the need for all of his squad to be ready to step into the side. The O’s face their third fixture in a week when Barrow travel to Leyton tomorrow and the former Swindon man feels his side have the players to cope with the workload. Speaking to leytonorient.com “everyone has got to be continuously ready to step into the side. We’ve got the players to cope”.

August’s Fixtures and Results

In a hectic August, National League sides play seven times before playing the same amount in September. The O’s lost defender George Elokobi on Tuesday night through injury and Embleton explained, “the first two months of the season are brutal, It is a big ask 14 games in two months”. Marvin Ekpiteta stepped in for Elokobi on Tuesday and Embleton highlighted “it was really tough for him and a huge ask but he performed fantastically. It showed he was mentally prepared”.

Orient drew their second consecutive fixture on Tuesday, 1-1.  James Brophy had given Orient the lead  before Corey Whitely netted in added time. Despite conceding late on, Embleton highlighted to leytonorient.com that his side need to move on quickly from the disappointment. “For it to end in the manner it did, it leads to frustration. We need to try and take a positive from that before we talk about the rest of the game. We have to turn it on its head, it was not so long ago we were sitting in the changing room jubilant after scoring so late at Salford”

Last time Orient had 3 consecutive 1-1 League draws

Orient will be hoping to grab maximum points at the third time of asking and Embleton insists it will be a different game to Tuesday night. Speaking to leytonorient.com “we always set up trying to win games and that is exactly what we will do at the weekend. I am sure the opposition who have had a comfortable start to the season will bring a different challenge to what we had in our previous two games. I am sure Barrow will come with a game plan to try and make it difficult for us”

• Orient have only lost one of their last five home games – W3  D1  L1
• Lost two of their last eight – W3  D2  L2 
• Have scored in seven of last nine home games

Midfielder Alex Lawless has started both games alongside Craig Clay in midfield and admitted that his side need to start putting their chances away. Orient were nearly made to rue their missed chances at Salford but Ebbsfleet made them pay on Tuesday. Speaking to leytonorient.com “the work rate was there, if we could have controlled it a little better and put our chances away. Our defending around the box until they scored was top notch but it was a killer blow”.

With two draws to the start the season, midfielder Lawless is more determined to get his sides first win of the season against Barrow on Saturday. Speaking to East London Advertiser “there are no excuses and none of these games are easy with us dropping what we feel is two points on Tuesday”. He added “it has definitely made us want to get all three on Saturday even more than we would have before”.

Team News

Defender George Elokobi is sidelined with a hamstring injury picked up on Tuesday, Marvin Ekpiteta will start in his absence.. Striker Matt Harrold and midfielder Dale Gorman are nearing a first team return but are not ready yet. James Brophy is a slight doubt after coming off with a knee injury on Tuesday night.

Head to Head

Last nine meetings between sides