Football Analyst

Inside Blackpool FC

Posted on November 18, 2016 by mattbristow271993

Blackpool head to Brisbane Road tomorrow sitting in 9th position in League Two. In what has been a testing few years for the Lancashire club which has seen them fall from the Premier League to League Two in six seasons.

Following back to back relegation’s, the Tangerines are looking to bounce back to the third tier of English football. Blackpool appointed Gary Bowyer as manager in June, earmarked to turn around the Tangerines fortunes.

Bowyer who was sacked by Blackburn back in November 2015 took the job and the club has been upwardly mobile so far this season.

Sitting just a point outside the play offs places, the mood around Bloomfield Road is good on the pitch while the Oysten family still create a bad mood off it.

So Far this season

Blackpool have been free scoring all season with the Tangerines the third highest scorers (27) in the league behind Plymouth (28) and Doncaster (33).

Bowyer highlighted on his arrival back in June that he needed “address the issue about pace and power in the side” Blackpoolfc.co.uk.

After a summer of rebuilding at Bloomfield Road, the arrivals of Kyle Vassell (Peterborough), Jamille Matt (Plymouth), Armond Gnanduillet (Orient) and Colin Daniel (Port Vale) has certainly help Blackpool in attacking areas.

The one major sticking point for Bowyer’s men has been their poor away form which has seen take just 6 of their 21 points on their travels. They will certainly be wanting to add to that tally at Orient tomorrow.

Formation

Last weekend – vs Notts County (4-0 win)

Bowyer’s side tend to opt for a traditional 4-4-2 system but the two wide men in Brad Potts and Colin Daniel are given license to come in field. They make runs from out to in to almost at times make it a 4-2-4 formation when attacking.

Away at Cheltenham, Potts and Daniel are high and inside looking to support the front two

Last weekend at home to Notts County. 4-2-4 with Potts and Daniel high in attack.

The presence of the wide men inside creates extra men in the middle of the pitch allowing the two full backs to venture forward especially Kevin Mellor from right back who already has netted twice from full back pushing up high.

Mellor high vs Doncaster

Daniel with the ball inside, the space on the outside for Mellor to attack into

Midfield all central with Mellor allowed space on the right flank

Potts running inside dragging the opposing full back creating space down the line

Even though the wide men like to come inside, they also have the ability to burst down the line and drive at the opposing full back. Bright Osayi-Samuel is a big threat driving towards the byline and whipping in crosses.

Bowyer on Potts

Brad Potts has been known in recent years for playing in central midfield but when Bowyer was appointed he saw a different position for him. Stating to blackpoolfc.co.uk “I have known Pottsy for a long time and he has a good habit of getting some goals. I want to try and get him in a more advanced position for him to get some. We’ve got to try and get the best out of them and play them where we think they can do that”

Potts played throughout pre season in a wider role and relished the wide berth given to him, “I came to the club as an attacking midfielder and that’s what I want to be in the team. I feel I need to be further forward to have more of an influence on the game”

“Out wide, rather than in the middle, I feel I’ve got a bit less responsibility to defend and more freedom to play” Blackpoolfc.co.uk (following their 1-1 draw with Bury in pre season)

Potts’s runs forward in between the full back and center half cause opposition defenders all kinds of problems. He stated “that’s the run I’ve been trying to produce, coming in off the line”

Potts making the run vs Doncaster earlier in the season

Potts’s run at Cheltenham away, with Daniel inside providing the through ball

Along with this runs forward, Potts has been an integral part of Blackpool’s form in the early part of the season. Netting five goals already with three assists, he is the Tangerines second highest contributor of goals.

Potts’s threat also comes when he drifts in between the opposition midfield and defence, which makes it hard to pick up as a defender.

Potts vs Kidderminster in the FA Cup

Potts in the space creating his sides goal vs Barnet

Kyle Vassell

The striker who was signed from Peterborough in the summer has been a revelation at Bloomfield Road already netting 10 goals in 17 matches in all competitions this season.

The front man has been integral to the Tangerines free scoring nature in League Two with the former Posh man happy to be playing in a consistent side.

On his arrival in the summer he stated “I have lacked a run of games in recent years, hopefully the gaffer and I can go well. As a striker it’s all about regularly scoring goals and putting in consistent performances” Blackpoolfc.co.uk

Vassell offers a threat in behind the opposition defense with his pace and power.

Vassell at Accrington

Vassell last weekend vs Notts County

Anticipating danger playing on the shoulder of the last man

Vassell is a clever striker who identifies where the space is, he can go in behind but also can drop short for the ball then spin into the space behind.

Dropping short

Then spinning behind

Between Potts and Vassell they have been involved in 66% of Blackpool’s league goals-18/27

Counter Attack and men in support

With the pace and power from the front four in attack, Blackpool can be devastating on the break for the opposing side with Jack Payne stating on Thursday to blackpoolfc.co.uk “we have got pace and power withing the front four, any time we can clip one in there we know we are going to get something. When we counter on teams it is so hard to stop”.

Men willing to support the man in possession

The front four given license to attack

Front four all attacking forward

Last weekend vs Notts County

Pressing

On Gary Bowyer’s arrival he stated in his first interview “I pride myself on teams that are very hard working, competitive and that play attacking football. Through my time at Blackburn with the likes of Rhodes and Gestede scored loads of goals and we got the ball in the box. That is exactly what we’ll be looking to do here”.

The press from Blackpool starts from the front with Vassell starting it early and his team mates joining in. Vassell’s pressure last weekend, helped him gain a goal with Bowyer highlighting that it comes from the whole team:

“At right times we want to press and press hard. It is a collective, the whole group who have been doing it not just Vassell. We are pleased with the energy levels at the moment”.

Press vs Cheltenham away

Press high, causing mistakes

Stopping the easy ball out

Consistency

Blackpool recent have gone three games unbeaten in the league with Bowyer naming the same side throughout. In attack, Kyle Vassell has partner Jamille Matt with Bowyer describing to the press on thursday “I don’t know which one I would want to mark or play against. They both present problems for defenders in different ways”.

With all their attacking threats going forward, Bowyer has been able to name a settled back five including the keeper of Sam Slocombe

In fact the back four consisting off – Kevin Mellor (RB), Tom Aldred (CB), Clark Robertson (CB) and Andy Taylor (LB) have started 75% of their league matches (12/16 games and four of their last five)

An issue for Blackpool has been conceding goals especially away from home. They have only one clean sheet in 11 games on the road this season.

Runners from deep against Blackpool has been a major problem along with leaving men unmarked with in the box. They will be space given to Orient tomorrow with the attacking threat and space the will leave behind them.

Set Pieces

Like any team, Blackpool pose a threat from set pieces with eight of their 27 goals socrd coming from set pieces.

In fact four of these have been direct free kicks at goal with the Tangerines posing a threat from outside the area.

Blackpool have also used quick free kicks or routines this season, with a quick free kick equalising at home to Doncaster a couple of weeks ago. On nearly all of these occasions Brad Potts is involved so will need to be watched tomorrow – check out

Strengths

Going forward, committing men forward on the break and with the amount of numbers going forward
The different types of strikers – on the shoulder of last defender, strong and powerful and hold up play
Potts’s run from deep – forward and his position in between the lines
The threat of the full back pushing forward
Free kicks- direct, quick free kick and routines
Pressing the opposition high

Weaknesses

Have already conceded five penalties already this season
Leaving men unmarked inside the box
Committing men forward, leaving space behind them
Runners from deep and lack of tracking

Posted in EFL, England, Football, Football League, League 2, Leyton Orient, Uncategorized | Tagged EFL, England, Football | Leave a comment

How Different a Week can be?

Posted on November 14, 2016 by mattbristow271993

A week’s a long time in football, after suffering their worst defeat in 34 years last weekend at Sheffield United, Leyton Orient traveled to Colchester United. The feeling of what Orient would turn up this week, the side that rolled over in Sheffield or the side that came from behind at Hartlepool?

Who knows? But away from home, Orient tend to play better and pick up results with Alberto Cavasin making changes from last week’s loss in Sheffield (I don’t count the Check a what ever competition). Yvan Erichot returned at center half with Nicky Hunt moving back to right back while Sandro Semedo dropped to the bench with Michael Collins making his first start.

A feeling of de ja vu with the O’s lining up in a midfield diamond, we all know how that has ended previously. But on paper a good system which would suit the personnel available with Orient looking to control the midfield.

The game started slowly for both sides with neither able to gain a foothold on the game until Jay Simpson finally found his scoring boots when he fired home from inside the box to give Orient the lead. Just what the O’s needed following their abysmal showing in the FA Cup last weekend. The O’s could have doubled their advantage when Ollie Palmer’s flick found Simpson but his shot was beaten away by Sam Walker in the Colchester goal.

Neither side were troubling their opposing keeper but with O’s diamond in operation, both Michael Collins and Gavin Massey were looking to support their strikers when they could. It was Massey that near fashioned another great opening when his run down the left produced a cross but it evaded both Simpson and Palmer in the center.

Colchester were finding it difficult to keep possession, with their chances to attack being presented down the wings. With Orient’s diamond relatively narrow, the U’s were looking to put crosses into the box with Brennan Dickenson nearly creating their equaliser. The winger’s cross from the left was somehow put wide by the on rushing Guthrie who should have pulled his side level.

With Colchester moving to a back three at the break, looking to overload the wide areas when in possession, Orient seized their opportunity to strike. Barely two minutes into the second half, Nicky Hunt’s run and curling shot found the bottom corner for his first goal for Orient and first in 4 1/2 years.

The goal seemed to calm Orient down in possession but the away side had to be thankful when Guthrie side footed an effort wide after fine work down the left from Dickenson. Dickenson fired an effort at Alex Cisak before Orient wrapped up victory with the goal of the game. Palmer glanced the ball to Simpson who took one touch before firing home from 25 yards put the O’s 3-0 ahead.

Orient could have added to their tally when Jay Simpson’s shot was blocked before captain Robbie Weir saw his long range effort be tipped over by Walker. Orient moved up to 19th position with victory however will need to back it up next weekend at home to Blackpool… I feel we have been here before…..

Why did it work?

Firstly you have to beat what is in front of you and let’s be fair Colchester were woeful on Saturday in front of goal however Orient got the job down and actually kept a clean sheet, a rarity this season.

Cavasin pointed at post match that he wanted his midfielders to support the strikers when they could as that has been missing recently. That is exactly what they did with Collins and Massey going beyond Palmer and Simpson to give the O’s options in attack.

Hunt’s goal, Atangana, Massey and Collins all in support of the ball

The tightness of the diamond saw Robbie Weir have his best game in an Orient shirt with the former Burton man far from his best this season. The shape allowed him to concentrate on his one job, sitting in front of the back four. Too many times this season Orient have played just two central midfielders which has meant they have been overrun. On Saturday Orient outnumbered Colchester in the midfield, creating a better defensive unit.

However, with the diamond there is always drawbacks of allowing space wide for the opposition to put crosses into the box which is what Colchester tried to do. Dickenson was a handful in the second half and on another day he could have assisted a couple of goals.

Furthermore, the diamond is built on the fact that your full backs will provide the width going forward otherwise the play is far to narrow. Callum Kennedy and Nicky Hunt tried to do this throughout but at times, the O’s looked for the option wide and it wasn’t there.

But Hunt did grab his first goal in 4 1/2 years when he drove forward and curled an effort home. Fully deserved for a player who has been one of if not the most consistent Orient player this term. At the start of the season I wasn’t sure he would be a constant starter but now he is one of the first names on the team sheet for me. Solid at the back, puts his body on the line and has the experience of playing at a higher level to look back on.

Kennedy was as solid as ever, a key link between the Orient faithful and the players at the current moment. His interview after Sheffield United away was exactly right, he knew what the 300 odd O’s fans were thinking about the performance. He pulled no punches and didn’t shy away from the situation, he faced it head on which deserved respect.

I am by no means Yvan Erichot biggest fan but Saturday proved in some games he is exactly what you need at the back. Aerially very good and Orient’s back line was stronger with his inclusion, which allowd Hunt to move to right back. However Erichot seems the perfect fit when teams decide to go direct against you but when a team will play balls down the channel and force your defenders towards their own goal, this is where the problem arise.

I have said it before the shape created more men in central areas which helped the team build from the back with Collins integral to this. His energy helped move Orient forward alongside Atangana’s energy in he middle of the park. I have called for a while to play three in midfield with Weir deeper and Collins and Nigel further ahead. But the main idea is being adaptable to play home and away, the diamond could give teams an outlet ball at home…..

But we have been in this position before, win away from home then a home game next up. The key is to back up the result at home to Blackpool, otherwise the hard work would have been undone again. I mean put the stats out there: Orient have the 2nd best away record in the league but the 2nd worse home record. A side at this level has to be built on a solid home record, but until that changes for the O’s there will still be problems.

Anyway, the road is never smooth when following Orient and there will definitely be downs along with ups till the end of the season but the mood will helped no end at Brisbane Road with a win on Saturday. I mean it could happen, you never know?

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“We Are Hoping to Cause an Upset”

Posted on November 4, 2016 by mattbristow271993

Leyton Orient defender Nicky Hunt is hoping his side can pull of a cup shock when they visit Brammall Lane on Sunday. The O’s sit second bottom of League Two following their 2-0 defeat to Crewe last weekend but Hunt is relishing the trip to face the Blades.

Only won one of their last 10 games in all competitions – 22/10/16 3-1 win at Hartlepool

Orient’s defeat to Crewe was their seventh defeat in eight home games with Hunt describing it to leytonorient.com as “the same old story at the minute, our home form is not up to scratch at all”.

League Record – P15 W4 D3 L8 F16 A20
Form (most recent first) – LWLLLDLLLDW

Goals from George Cooper and Harry Davis saw Orient move to their lowest league position in 13 years with Hunt stating “it is massively frustrating, we know we are letting down people at the moment, letting the chairman down, the fans down. We don’t want to do that, we have to rectify it on the training ground”.

Orient have only taken five point from a possible 27 since 4th September
The Worse in League Two

Orient will be glad for the game away from Brisbane Road, 80% of their league points have been accumulated on their travels this season with Hunt stating “we are a totally different team away from home at times”.

Away Record (all comps) – P8 W3 D3 L2 F11 A10
Scored at least twice in 2 of their 8 away games

Midfielder Michael Collins made his debut for Orient on Saturday after signing on a three month deal and acknowledges that his side need to better in the final third. His side enjoyed large spells of possession without testing the Crewe keeper, Collins stated to leytonorient.com “it is alright having possession, but we have got to be dangerous and penetrative with it. I think we played some nice football without really hurting them” .

Kept only two clean sheets in 18 games this season
Failed to keep one in their last four
Only kept one in last 14 games in all competitions
Only kept one clean sheet in eight away games this season

Alberto Cavasin was happy with how his side played for the opening 20 minutes last weekend but highlighted that you don’t win games in that period. Speaking post match to leytonorient.com “we caused very little concern to our opponents, even in our spell we failed to create chances”.

Failed to score in six of their last nine matches
But scored in six of their eight away matches
Only scored five goals in their last eight league games
Only Grimsby (3) have scored less in League Two

It was back to square one after failing to back up a win at Hartlepool against Crewe but Cavasin has faith in his players that they can respond “it will be a test of character, but we have faith in them, the group has the ability to do well. We have many matches ahead of us and we have to move on; we know it is up to us to turn it around”.

11 of their 16 goals scored have been in the second half – including their last 6 and eight of their last 10
Have conceded the joint most goals in league two in the second half (14)
19/25 goals conceded in all competitions have been in the second half
Orient have only led for 38 minutes in their last 810 minutes of football
6 out of their 9 defeats have been by just 1 goal

With Orient going into the game as underdogs, Collins knows that the onus is on Sheffield United on Sunday, “they are from a higher division, we will go there with the pressure slightly off. We will try and give a good account of ourselves with whatever side the gaffer picks to put a performance in”.

Orient have lost their last three away games in the FA Cup
Failed to reach the third round in the last two seasons
Have failed to score in their last three away FA Cup games
Last scored away in the FA Cup in 2013 in a 1-1 draw with Hull

Hunt is enjoying is football at Brisbane Road but knows that it is never nice losing matches however the defender is relishing another FA Cup game “I love playing in the cup, it gives you an extra edge at times, there is always an incentive to it”. But, Hunt is aware that his side need to start well at Brammall Lane “they are flying high in the league, there will be a big crowd and anything can happen on the day. We are hoping to cause an upset, if you get some chances in the first 20 minutes the crowd could turn on them”.

Record scoring first – W3 D2 (away W2 D2)
Have not scored first in their last nine games – last Carlisle away 10/09/16
Have won 13 of their last 15 scoring first
Only lost one of their last 21 scoring first
Record Conceding first – W1 L8
Their win at Hartlepool in their last away game, was there first win coming from behind in 18 games

Sheffield United head into Sunday on the back of an 11 match unbeaten run in the league. Their latest result was a 2-1 home victory over MK Dons thanks to goals from Stephen Scougall and Billy Sharp. The Blades are one of the in form teams in the football league, losing just one of their last 12 games in all competitions.

Sit 4th in League One, just three points off second place
Home League Record – P7 W5 D1 L1 F11 A6

Why not check out Sheffield United – The Inside Look

Manager Chris Wilder was pleased with the result against the Dons “it was a tough game, a tough day but a great result for us. The result was better than the performance” speaking to sufc.co.uk post match. Wilder moved from Northampton in the summer but acknowledged “there is still more to come from us, I am sure we will play better”

League Record – P15 W8 D4 L3 F26 A18
3rd highest scorers in League One
Only lost one of their last 13 game in all competitions
Unbeaten in League since 2-1 defeat to Oxford, 20/08/16 – W8 D3
Only Plymouth (29) and Newcastle (28) have taken more points in that period in the football league

Wilder enjoyed a tough start with four defeats in their opening five matches in all competitions but his side have hit form and are climbing the table. The former Cobblers boss is keen for his side to continue the Blades recent good form in the FA Cup, where the have reached at least the third round in their last five seasons.

Kept two clean sheets in their last six
Kept five clean sheets in 18 games – 4 of them at home
Kept four clean sheets in 10 home games this season
Kept three clean sheets in their last five home games
Only conceded twice in the second half at home this season

Speaking ahead of Sunday match to sufc.co.uk “it is an important competition for us, one we like to do well in and have done well in the past”. Wilder knows what progression in the competition can bring to the club “all sort of bonuses come, the recognition with the spotlight on the club that we all want. The financial reward getting through to the third round like last year when they faced Manchester United”

Both teams have scored in their last two and four of their last six
Only failed to score in three of their 18 games
Won their last five league games at home
17 of their 26 league goals have been scored in the second half – only Bristol Rovers (20) have scored more in league 1
14 of their 26 of their goals scored have been in the last 30 minutes of games – the most in League 1
United have gained 11 points in that period, most in League 1

Wilder is aware of the history that the Blades have had in the FA Cup has is keen for his side to be in the hat come January, “over the past 20-25 years this club has had some fantastic runs. We want to continue that, we would be delighted if we were in the hat in January, it must be the target for every League One and League Two club”.

United have won their last four FA Cup games at home
All four of those wins they kept a clean sheet
There has been at least three goals in eight of their last 11 games
Billy Sharp top scorer with 10 goals – only 3 at home – scored five in his last three games

The Blades boss played for Orient back in 1992 and is a club that he knows well “it has been a difficult time for their supporters with a change in ownership to a foreign owner, they are a famous old club. Everyone connected with the club will be disappointed with how things have gone over the last 12-18 months”. Despite the division between the two “they have some decent players and we will give them respect. They haven’t got anything to lose, we’ve got everything to lose”

Record scoring first – W6 D2 (home W4)
United are unbeaten in their last 22 games scoring first – W17 D5
Won 10 of their last 11 at home scoring first
Only lost one of their last 36 games scoring first – W27 D8 L1

The break from the league can give Wilder the option of rotating his squad with him stating “whatever team we put out,we will expect a performance from whoever plays. It gives an opportunity for a couple of players to play if we have got injuries and other players to keep bang in form. We have got a team learning how to win and one that wants to win; that won’t change”.

Record conceding first – W2 D2 L3 (Home W1 D1 L1)
Only won two of their last 30 conceding first
Only won one of their last 11 home games conceding first – W1 D2 L8

Team News

Orient are hopeful that defender Aron Pollock and striker Paul McCallum will return for the trip to Brammall Lane while Yvan Erichot still remains out. Harry Cornick is still sidelined with a groin injury while Liam Kelly is Orient’s long term absentee. Michael Collins is pushing for a starting spot after making his debut last week.

Cavasin on team “We are certainly taking the competitions seriously and against Sheffield United we will start with the strongest possible line-up” leytonorient.com

Sheffield United will be without striker Matty Done who remains out with a broken jaw suffered against Bradford. Caolan Lavery could partner Billy Sharp in attack while Stephen Scougall looks set to keep his place after a goal and assist against MK Dons. Ethan Ebanks-Landell will be unavailable after Wolves failed to give permission for him to play while fellow loanees Harry Chapman and Daniel Lafferty are able to play.

Head to Head – Leyton Orient 9, Draw 11, Sheffield United 14

Last meeting – 25/04/16 – Leyton Orient 1-1 Sheffield United

The last two meetings have ended in score draws
Five of the last six meetings have ended as draw – four have been score draws
The last three matches at Brammall Lane have ended all square
Orient have not beaten Sheffield United since 1983, a run of 11 games
Last win was a 2-0 win at home in 1983
Orient last won at Brammall Lane in 1978, in a 2-1 win
Only two of the last 11 meetings have been won by the home side
Orient and Sheffield United have met once before in the FA Cup, 2009 Orient 1-4 Sheffield United

Prediction – Sheffield United 3-1 Leyton Orient

Posted in League 2, Leyton Orient, Uncategorized | Tagged EFL, England, Football, league 2, Leyton Orient | Leave a comment

Sheffield United – The Inside Look

Posted on November 4, 2016 by mattbristow271993

Sheffield United host Leyton Orient in the first round of the FA Cup on Sunday afternoon looking to build on their unbeaten league run.

The Blades are unbeaten in the League since 20th August, sitting in fourth position in League One just three points behind second place.

Chris Wilder took over United in the summer after Nigel Clough was sacked in late May. Wilder decided to opt for United despite clinching the League Two title with Northampton last season.

Wilder’s Northampton side ran away with the League Two title however when the Blades came calling he stated “it was too good an offer to turn down”.

Wilder already has two promotions on his CV with Northampton (15/16) and Oxford (09/10) with Sheffield United hoping to be number three.

In a summer of change at Brammall Lane, Wilder brought in over 10 new faces but it took a while to adapt losing four of their opening five matches in all competitions. But after victory over Oxford in August, his side have only lost once in 13 matches (EFL trophy game to Walsall)

Formation

In early September, Wilder opted to change his predominant formation to a 3-5-2 system after the arrivals of Daniel Lafferty and Ethan Ebanks Landell. The system allows for the wing backs to have more freedom to push forward creating the width for their side.

However, despite Wilder using 3-5-2, most Blades fans will tell you that Wilder will change his formation before and during games, depending on how the opposition are playing against them.

Last Weekend

Starting Formation vs MK Dons last weekend

Within matches, Wilder is able to alter his formation to counteract what the opposition are doing such as too much space in the midfield. So last weekend against MK, he started with a 3-4-2-1 formation but after seeing that the Dons were having too much space in the middle of the park, he moved Chris Basham further forward .

Formation change after 20 minutes

Since the formation change to a 3-5-2 system, it has brought United’s 11 match unbeaten record in the league with John Fleck stating to sufc.co.uk “the change came ass we were not having enough control in the center of midfield”.

Wilder has stated on many occasions that he would like his team to be adaptable before matches and during matches so that he can combat and overcome the strengths of the opposition.

In their draw with Fleetwood at the start of October, Wilder’s team were losing 1-0 so he changed from a 3-5-2 system to a 4-4-2 system which in the end earned his side a point.

Within the 3-5-2 System

In possession, the system becomes more of a 3-2-3-2 system with the back three splitting to create angles for passing while the two defensive midfielders, look to initiate the ball going forwards.

Paul Coutts and John Fleck are the men circled in the image below, like to drop back to pick up the ball and pass the ball into the final third.

Formation in 1st half vs Fleetwood

Back 3/5 and the two deeper midfielders vs Port Vale

While Coutts an Fleck drop deep, Kieran Freeman and Daniel Lafferty provide the width going forward. The wing backs have high energy getting up and down the pitch putting crosses into the box to great effect throughout the season.

Lafferty in space on the left

Freeman in space on the right

The Strength of United’s crossing into the box – Crosses Into Box

Last weekend was the first match that striker Matty Done has missed through injury, when he plays in the 3-5-2 system, he plays alongside Billy Sharp in attack with Mark Duffy playing in he no 10 role just behind them.

Duffy described his position to sufc.co.uk “just off the front, sitting on their holding midfielder so he can’t dictate the game. It is attacking but defensive as well, helping to neutralise their strengths”

Formation when Done is playing

Midfield four with Duffy slightly ahead vs Bradford

Drawbacks of the System

In the system in allows the wing backs to give the side width but also presents the opposition with space on the counter attack down the sides of the defense. If the ball is sent forward quickly you can present yourself with a 3 vs 3 against the back three of United.

Coutts and Fleck will give the defense protection but if the midfield of the Blades is beaten, it gives a great chance of creating chances against them.

Midfield beaten vs Port Vale, presents a 4 on 3 advantage

Space on the flanks with the wing backs caught high up the pitch

If the ball is worked right, an overload can be created on the flank presenting an opportunity to put a ball into the box.

Overload created by Bradford

Midfield shape, space allowed behind Freeman

Playing three central defenders can also put them in a vulnerable position as they sometimes don’t like to defend in wide areas. Alongside this, incisive running from the opposition strikers can pull defenders across creating space on the opposing flank.

Defenders drawn over, space left at back post

Space at Fleetwood to attack

Matt Done and Billy Sharp

Sharp, the Blades captain has netted 10 of their 26 league goals and is their top scorer. Sharp has played at a higher level and has always had an eye for a goal. Sharp is a poacher inside the box, having that knack of being in the right place at the right time.

He always has the ability to hit the ball from long range but nine of his ten goals have come inside the box. Sharp also poses a threat from set pieces, scoring with two of his last five goals coming from corners.

Matty Done provides a perfect foil for Sharp, where he will run in behind defenses pulling them closer to their own goal creating space for Sharp. Done’s running in behind allows the creative players such as Scougall and Duffy to thread balls through to him. However, Done has only scored two goals this term with his finishing sometimes wayward.

Sharp will do most of his work inside the lines of the 18 yard box whereas Done is more than happy to run the channels for his side.

Sharp and Done’s Goals

Set Pieces

United are very dangerous from set pieces whether that be corners or free kicks. In fact the Blades have scored four of their last six goals from set pieces. 10 of their 26 goals have been scored from set pieces (without penalties).

Set Piece Threats and Goals

Orient will need to be weary of any free kick in their half on Sunday with the Blades highlighting that they will take them quickly and catch teams out. Players must stay switched on from every set piece or corner.

When United beat Port Vale 4-0 in October, two of their goals were scored by Ethan Ebanks Landell. A key point for Orient is Vale were marking zonally with Landell getting a run on his defenders twice.

Zonal Marking with Landell circled

Landell up well above the defender

Space again allowed when zonally marking

Set Piece Routines

Scunthorpe away earlier in the season, United scored a perfect training ground free kick routine. A brilliant piece of play which Wilder and assistant Alan Knill completed at Northampton last season.

Knill stated after the game to sufc.co.uk “we have done it before for Northampton, there are so many different ways of doing it. We had Chris Basham in the wall, as they wouldn’t expect him to score. It was effortless but it will have to be put to the back burner with teams aware of us doing it. We will have to try something new and come up with something else however it is difficult to stop”

Set Pieces Routine – KEY

Key Points

Threat from set pieces
Done running in behind
The space behind the wing backs
Crosses into the box, closing down the space
Quick free kick and possibility of a routine

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O’s Fall to Lowest League Position in 13 Years

Posted on October 30, 2016 by mattbristow271993

First half goals from midfielder George Cooper and defender Harry Davis helped Crewe to their first win in seven games. Cooper fired home from just outside the penalty area following a poor clearance from O’s defender Jens Janse. Crewe could have doubled their lead by Alex Kiwonya’s shot was cleared off line by Tom Parkes however Kiwonya cross just before half time found the unmarked Davis who slotted home. Orient struggled to create going forward seeing them fall to their seventh home defeat in eight league games and fall to second bottom of the football league for the first time since September 2003.

Following their away win at Hartlepool, O’s manager Alberto Cavasin named an unchanged side continuing with Jordan Bowery and Ollie Palmer in attack. While Sandro Semedo had recovered from a knock suffered last weekend to start on the left wing.

Orient’s starting 11

Crewe who were without a win since mid September made one change from the side that lost 1-0 at home to Yeovil last weekend. Billy Bingham dropped to the bench with James Jones coming into midfield. Captain Ryan Lowe was passed fit to start in attack partnered by Orient old boy Chris Dagnall.

Crewe Starting 11

Orient who have been trying to play football on the ground since Cavasin’s arrival in October started well looking to switch play across the pitch. Callum Kennedy saw a free kick sail safely into the arms of Crewe keeper Ben Garratt from 35 yards. But despite Orient having more possession they failed to test the Crewe keeper with the majority of their crosses into the box being over hit.

Crewe highlighted the danger they posed to Orient’s backline when Chris Dagnall was played in behind Orient’s backline but his left foot shot was parried away by Alex Cisak. Crewe were growing into the game with George Cooper, Ryan Lowe, Dagnall and Alex Kiwonya all linking well in attacking areas. The Railwaymen took the led just after the hlf hour mark when left back Zoumana Bakayogo never gave up on a ball down the left wing. His cross was poorly cleared by Jens Janse to George Cooper who was unmarked in acres of space in the box and he duly fired Crewe ahead.

Crewe grew in confidence from the goal and it was the front four again linking up. Cooper who tricked his way to the byline but his cross was just in front of Lowe and Dagnall in the box. The ball fell to Kiwonya at the back post but his goal bound shot was blocked on line by Tom Parkes preventing Crewe doubling their lead.

However Crewe did double their advantage just before the break, Kiwonya who cut back on his right foot crossed into the box, finding the unmarked Harry Davis who slotted underneath Cisak.

Cavasin made an immediate change after the break bringing on new signing Michael Collins for Jordan Bowery as Orient moved to a 4-5-1 system. Collins was signed on a deal till January on Friday and was involved in Orient’s first chance of the game. Collins ball found Palmer who fought his way through down the right but his near post shot was beaten away by Garratt. Tom Parkes headed the proceeding corner wide.

Crewe were finding it easy to defend against Orient’s labored play in midfield sitting in two banks of four and making Orient do the running. Jay Simpson and Ulrich Nnomo were brought on late in the second half to try and impact the game. The substitutions were met with boos and calls of “you don’t know what you are doing” from the home crowd when Nigel Atangana was substituted.

Nnomo was involved straight away with his cross falling to Robbie Weir on the edge of the box but his shot sailed over the bar. Nnomo was then stretchered off with a leg injury as Orient finished with ten men having made all of their changes. Crewe could have put the icing on the cake when Dagnall robbed Parkes of possession, his cross found substitute Billy Bingham who’s goal bound shot was brilliantly tipped over Cisak.

Orient falling to their seventh defeat in eight games as their slide towards the Football League is quickly approaching. Orient going forward, well what can you say really, two attempts: one a free kick from 35 yards and one an easy save at the near post. That is all Orient created going forward and care to explain to me how Nigel Atangana was taken off and Robbie Weir kept his place on the pitch.

Atangana one of the only players to have energy in their play and look to create going forward while I would love to see the stats of Robbie Weir’s ball retention stats as he seems always to give the ball away. According to Cavasin he could have taken any of the midfielders off but he took our best one off with Weir just about treading water in the midfield.

Not much to say more than that really, and with the failure to mark any opposition player in the box continued to be a constant tactic employed by Orient. First Cooper left unmarked in the box and fired home from inside the box. Second, Kiwonya (a man who cuts back on his right foot) which he was allowed to do to supply Davis who walked unmarked in to the box (well it seems like every opposition player can do that) to slot hom number two. That was it game over at home.

A few statistics for you:

Home record since Bechetti appointment as Chariman:

P51 W17 D10 L27 F68 A76

Orient have lost their last 12 matches when they have conceded first at home
They have failed to score or level the match in eight of those games – scoring just 4 goals
Orient cannot break down a side at home when they have fallen behind
Orient have failed to score in 18 of the last 32 home games conceded first
Orient have lost 25 of their last 31 games conceding first

Orient sit in their lowest league position since 27 Sepetember 2003 after their defeat to Huddersfield Town

Posted in England, Football League, League 2, Leyton Orient, Uncategorized | Tagged England, Football, Football League, Leyton Orient | Leave a comment

Crewe Alexandra – The Inside Look

Posted on October 28, 2016 by mattbristow271993

Crewe Alexandra arrive in Leyton tomorrow in 12th position, just a point outside of the play offs. Alex are without a win in their last seven games but will be seeking to end that sequence at Orient tomorrow.

Crewe will be looking to bounce back to League One after suffering relegation last season. Manager Steve Davis recruited well in the season to blend together some youth and experience in search of promotion.

Last Weekend – 1-0 defeat to Yeovil. A Matt Dolan free kick was the difference where Crewe were the better side but failed to put their chances away.

Starting Team vs Yeovil

Formation

Steve Davis has favored the 4-4-2 system, the old fashioned two strikers and two wingers who can cross the ball from wide areas. Ryan Lowe and Chris Dagnall are experienced lower league strikers who know their way to goal and how to finish. The additions of the tricky and pacey wingers in George Cooper and Alex Kiwonya give Alex a threat going forward.

Two banks of four against Notts County away

Set up at Notts County

The Basic shape

Crewe like to pass the ball around and play nice football, according to Davis “we are good at exploiting the gaps that teams leave us” crewealex.net

The full back’s like to stay wide and attack forward from their deep position and provide a useful outlet when the wide men come more central.

Full backs staying wide to make the pitch very wide

Threats Going Forward

Ryan Lowe and Chris Dagnall (click link for highlights from this season) are an old fashioned partnership in attack, with them both looking to go in behind defences to create chances. Lowe is a clever player who links very well with Dagnall. The pair are a nuisance to opposition defences and will look to sniff out a error from their defenders.

Both like to press in attacking areas and are the first line of defence when they loose possession.

Dagnall at Grimsby, pressing to win the ball back and set up the opening goal.

Both like to run in behind, pushing the opposition back towards their own goal. They like to play on the last line of defence and look for the ball over the top.

Dagnall on the last defender at home to Exeter

Key points to watch tomorrow

Dagnall’s near post run when the ball is wide
Lowe’s back post run for the header over the full back
Lowe’s anticipation on the second phase from a set piece
Both looking for a mistake to punish
Pressing from the front

Alex Kiwonya (click link for Kiwonya’s season highlights)

One of the main youngsters on loan at English Football League Sides from Chelsea. The winger is Crewe’s top scorers this term with five goals already to his name in the league. The 20 year old has been playing wide left for the majority of the season and has the ability to play centrally or just behind the striker.

Davis stated to BBC Radio Stoke that the club are looking for another winger so it gives them the option of playing Kiwonya through the center, “We’re hoping to keep Alex beyond January but we’d like another quick winger to enable us to play Alex up front if we need to, to give us that threat”

kimowyna-in-pocket-lowe-and-dagnall-runs

Kiwonya drifting from his left wing, centrally and playing between the lines

Kiwonya (nearest man) willing to offer a threat in behind to use his pace

Alongside Kiwonya, George Cooper plays on the other wing and play on the unconventional wing. Cutting in onto their strongest foot to whip in balls into the box for Lowe and Dagnall. Cooper has a great left foot and his adept and finding Ryan Lowe in the six yard box.

Attacking threats (click link for Crewe’s threat attacking)

Cooper central at Notts County, creating the equaliser

Wingers almost create a front four in attacking situations as give freedom in the final third

Cooper cutting in on his favoured left foot

Key on Cooper

Loves to cut in on his left foot
Need to force him down the line and onto his weaker left foot
Has got good vision to pick a pass forward and split a defense

Defensive Frailties

With Crewe liking to attack and commit full backs forward, there is space to exploit behind the Alex defense. Crewe have conceded several goals with balls played over the top of their defense with the opposition having a runner from deep.

7 men ahead of the ball, danger of the counter attack

As previously stated the wingers like to come central onto their stronger foot which can help when attacking but can be a problem when out of possession. Consistently throughout the season, Crewe have allowed opposition teams to cross the ball into the box with the wingers or full backs not closing down the space enough.

Allowing crosses into box (click link to see, Crewe allowing crosses into box)

Defensive Problems (click link to see defensive vulnerability)

Key points

Space out wide to put crosses into the box
Set piece vulnerability – conceding goals from set pieces and teams looking dangerous against them Set Pieces this season (click link to see set pieces conceded this season)
Mistakes at the back in defense, susceptible to making a mistake

Changing System

After the defeat to Yeovil last Saturday, Manager Steve Davis spoke to crewealex.net about changing system in the second half to try and get back into the game, “changed to a diamond to try and get Alex (kiwonya) in a different position and attack, with the full backs providing the width and keeping just Danny and the two center halves deep”.

Change to a diamond vs Yeovil

Midfield diamond, in their positions

Speaking earlier in the week more Davis added “we are looking at another way of playing, we need to find a way of getting around defenses if the opposition go 1-0 up. It is something we have looked at and how we can break them down. Most teams in the league go ahead and camp out making it difficult for us with all behind the ball. We are now finding a different way whether it is the players or system to gain an advantage” crewealex.net

Davis added “we have looked at a system that still keeps 2 forwards on, the diamond allows us to do that. We get the width from the full backs which leaves just the 2 center backs and the deep midfielder back allowing seven to attack, get forward and in the box” Crewealex.net

Left back, providing width

Deep midfielder on the ball with six men ahead of the ball

Davis continued “Or we used to play a 4-3-3 which leaves three up and we did that successfully over the last 4-5 years. We need different ways to play, once teams have seen you play and worked you out. If they get the first goal it become difficult, when we get it it helps us we exploit the gaps teams leave behind them”

4-3-3 vs Swindon last season, back four and midfield 3

4-3-3 formation in operation at Swindon last season

Leaving Three in attack

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“We Have to Start to Win at Home Again”

Posted on October 28, 2016 by mattbristow271993

Leyton Orient midfielder Nigel Atangana is hoping his side can pick up only their second home league win of the season tomorrow. The O’s host Crewe Alexandra,staring at the reality of a sixth league defeat in a row if they lose tomorrow afternoon.

Orient sit 20th on 15 points
Just three points off the relegation places but just five off of the playoffs
League Record – P14 W4 D3 L7 F16 A18

Orient have lost six of their seven home game in the league but Atangana knows that his side should be buoyed by their 3-1 away win at Hartlepool last weekend. Orient fell behind on the stroke of half time but fought back in the second half, seeing them pick up their first win in eight league games.

Home record – P7 W1 D0 L6 F5 A9
Only Exeter (1) have taken less point at home than Orient (3)
Last home (most recent first) – LLLLWLWLL
Form in last 8 – W1 D2 L5 F7 A12
Only Newport (3) have taken less points in their last 8 games

Atangana who spoke to leytonorient.com earlier today stated “it was a good performance last week, we started well then it got a bit difficult and conceded. But the reaction was very good, it was hard situation but we reacted well and scored three goals”.

Midfieder Robbie Weir returned at Hartlepool after suspension but acknowledges that the win at Pool means nothing if it is not backed up at home to Crewe. Weir revealed that their were choice words said at half time after Orient conceded from another set piece but was pleased with how his team defended.

8 of their 23 goals conceded in all competitions have been from set pieces

Speaking to leytonorient.com post match “There were choice words with how sloppy the goal was but there were some fantastic blocks and we defended well. But we need to kick on, we can’t get carried away because we won one game. Today means nothing if we don’t win next week”.

Only Hartlepool (16) have conceded more second half goals than Leyton Orient (14)
Only Newport (8) have conceded more goals in the last 15 minutes of games than Orient (7)
Orient would sit 8th on 21 points if games ended on 75 minutes, dropping a league high of 6 points in that period

The win was the first for manager Alberto Cavasin who is hoping that it provided a spark for his side to move forward. Speaking to leytonorient.com after the win “we needed to make this leap and get that first win. When you find yourselves on a run without victory, it is not easy to find that turning point but hopefully we have managed to do that”.

Only kept two clean sheets in 17 games this season
Failed to keep a clean sheet in the last four games
Kept only one in their last 13 matches
Only kept one clean sheet in their nine home matches this season – conceding in the last six

With another full week of preparation before the visit of Crewe tomorrow, Atangana feels that the team has now fully come to terms with Cavasin’s style of play. Speaking ahead of tomorrow to leytonorient.com “it can be difficult, he is not from England and not talking English but we have to deal with that. It is alright now, we know the way he wants to play and we are more comfortable”.

Scored in their last two games
Only scored two or more in one of their last eight games (last weekend’s 3-1 win)
Failed to scored in four of their nine home matches

Cavasin has already suffered two home defeats in his reign but is looking for his side to show some of the away performances in front of their home supporters, “we need to build on last week’s win, there is no reason why we cannot start replicating away results at home, if we are to start moving up the table then results and performances must improve”.

Atangana is expecting a tough encounter with Crewe tomorrow and revealed that his side have worked a lot on keeping possession in training this week. Speaking to leytonorient.com earlier today “we have worked a lot on possession, we have to keep the ball well and move the ball quickly. Switch the ball a lot, we have watched a lot of videos on Crewe and it will be a good tough game”.

Record scoring first – W3 D2
Have not scored first in last eight games
Have won 13 of their last 15 games scoring first
Only lost 1 of their last 21 scoring first (Exeter 16/01/16) – W14 D6 L1

Despite a dip in form from their visitors tomorrow, Cavasin highlights that they will still be coming to pick points up, “they are a solid team, they like to play football on the ground. They are a well organised team and though the results have not quite gone their way, they will be keen to come and pick up the points”.

Record conceding first – W1 L7 ( 6/7 are home defeats)
Last weekend’s win at Pool, was Orient’s first in 17 games conceding first
Have not won their last 11 home games conceding first
Lost all 11 games, scoring only four goals in the process

Crewe arrive in E10 on the back of a 1-0 home defeat to Yeovil last weekend continuing their recent dip in form. Alex are without a win in their last seven games in all competitions and will be hoping for their fortunes to change at Brisbane Road tomorrow.

Sit in 12th on 19 points
Just a point outside the play off places
League Record – P14 W4 D7 L3 F17 A18
Have drew four of their last six games in all competitions

Despite defeat to Yeovil, manager Steve Davis thought his side played well but were not clinical enough in front of goal. Speaking to crewealex.net “I thought we created some good chances in the first half in particular, when we get these chances they have to go in We hit the bar twice and almost were thinking it wasn’t going to be our day”

Away Record – P7 W2 D3 L2 F8 A11
Last aways (most recent first) – DDLWWLLWW
Form in last 8 – W2 D4 L2 F9 A10

Davis was disappointed that a set piece won the game but acknowledges that his side needed to be more inventive in the final third to create openings with teams sitting deep. “Sometimes it comes down to a mistake, misfortune and a bit of luck but we were not clinical enough, we were the better team but we needed to be a little patient”. He continued “we need to keep doing what we are doing, keep moving the ball to find right passes. When teams set up tight, you need to be clever; there was endeavor, effort and work rate but we were missing an individual to break the deadlock”.

Will Davis use a midfield diamond or 4-3-3 tomorrow? Read more in Crewe Alexandra – the Inside Look

Last weekend’s blank was the first time Crewe failed to score in 11 games
Have scored in eight of their ten away matches
Only failed to score in three of their 18 matches this season
Both teams have scored in six of their last seven games
Seven of their ten away games have seen both teams score, including their last three

Striker Chris Dagnall insists his side shouldn’t have lost to Yeovil, speaking post match to crewealex.net “luck has deserted us in the last five to six games, we haven’t been playing badly, just been unfortunate, we shouldn’t have lost that game but it is gone now and we have put it to bed and look forward to next weekend”

Only kept four clean sheets in 18 games this season
No clean sheet in last seven games,
Have conceded in last three away games and only kept two clean sheets in ten away from home

Despite recent results, Davis stated that their has been no drop in his sides confidence “we have been putting in some decent performances in spells not the whole match. We are going in not losing any confidence in how we are playing. We have to got to get the result right and we seem very close to it”.

Only scored six of their 17 goals in the first half
9 of their 17 goals have been scored in the last 30 minutes – including 6 of their 8 away goals
10/18 goals conceded have been in the second half
Conceded 5 goals in the last 15 minutes of games, dropping four points

Davis knows that Orient would have grew in confidence after last weekend’s victory at Hartlepool but has been surprised with Orient’s home record. Speaking to crewealex.net “confidence is everything in football, having won their previous game it will give them some. We have seen videos of them, they are a good side and have good players and maybe I am a little surprised by their results at home, they look a well balanced team”.

Record scoring first – W4 D2 (away W2 D1)
Only lost one of their last six, (16/04/16 Scunthorpe 3-2 at home)

Dagnall returns to one of his old sides tomorrow and acknowledges that it will be a tough game, “they beat Hartlepool away last week so they have got a bit of confidence, we’ve got to get back to winning ways, sooner rather than later”. Dagnall thinks the first goal could be crucial tomorrow “it is massive, if we get the first goal, it gives you a great chance of winning the game, we haven’t been doing that too often and is something we have been working on in training”.

Only scored first in eight of their last 30 games
Record conceding first – W0 D4 L3 (away D2 L2)
Four of the last 6 games conceding first have finished 1-1
Only won one of last nine conceding first – W1 D4 L4
Only won two of their last 36 conceding first
Only picked up one win in their last 24 away games conceding first – W1 D4 L19 (Colchester United away 3-2, 24/11/15)

Team News

Winger Sandro Semedo remains a doubt after coming off with an injury at Hartlepool while Yvan Erichot, Aron Pollock, Jay Simpson and Paul McCallum will all have late fitness tests. Harry Cornick is still out with a groin injury. Orient completed the signing of Michael Collins on a 3 month deal until January earlier today subject to international clearance and Football League approval.

Defender George Ray is a doubt for tomorrow’s clash with a tight groin while Ryan Lowe could miss out after missing training earlier in the week. Midfielders James Jones and Callum Ainley will be pushing for recalls to the starting 11.

Head to Head – Leyton Orient 12, Draw 9, Crewe Alexandra 7

Last meeting – 11/04/2015 – Crewe Alex 1-1 Leyton Orient

Orient are unbeaten in the last eight meetings – Winning five, drawing three
Orient have won three of the previous four meetings
Orient have won three of their last four home games against Crewe
Crewe have only won one of their last 12 meetings with Orient – 1-0 12/02/08
Both teams have scored in the last three meetings and five of the last six
Orient have netted at least once in 12 of the last 13 meetings with Crewe

Prediction – Leyton Orient 2-1 Crewe Alexandra

Posted in Football, Football League, League 2, Leyton Orient, Uncategorized | Tagged EFL, England, Football, league 2 | Leave a comment

Ollie’s at the Double as O’s end Winless Run

Posted on October 22, 2016 by mattbristow271993

A second half brace from Ollie Palmer helped Orient to their first win in nine games as they beat Hartlepool 3-1. Pool took a deserved first half lead in first half stoppage time as Josh Laurent fired home following a corner. However, Orient who were without a win since 3^rd September completed the turnaround in six second half minutes. Sandro Semedo fired home to draw the O’s level before Palmer linked with Jordan Bowery before slotting home. Palmer then added the icing on the cake slotting home to complete victory 19 minutes from time.

Hartlepool made one change from their 3-2 defeat away at Carlisle last weekend. Nicky Featherstone returned in midfield after completed his three match ban. Liam Donnelly dropped back to partner Toto Nsiala at center half with Scott Harrison dropping to the bench.

Hartlepool’s Starting 11

Orient who lost at home to Luton last weekend were forced into two changes; Yvan Erichot and Jay Simpson missed out through injury. Jens Janse dropped to right back with Nicky Hunt moving across to partner Tom Parkes at the back. Robbie Weir returned in central midfield after serving his three match ban while Jordan Bowery partnered Ollie Palmer in attack.

Orient’s Starting 11

Hartlepool started the game brightly looking to pick up their first home win of the season with midfielder Josh Laurent breaking forward. It was Laurent who created the first opportunity for the hosts when his through ball found striker Padriag Amond but the former Grimsby man could only fire wide.

Both sides were looking to play out from the back but Hartepool’s high press was looking to catch Orient out at the back. The press in midfield created the next chance for the home side when Orient skipper Robbie Weir lost possession. Laurent broke forward into space but his ball forward was over hit to the Lewis Alessandra who had moved from his right wing berth.

Orient were hanging on with Amond wasting another guilt edge chance for Pool after heading a wonderful cross from Nathan Thomas wide of the far post. Hartlepool’s midfield three were dominating in the middle of the park with Orient’s back four becoming exposed.

Pool continued to press for the opening goal and after Weir was dispossessed once again, Laurent played in Alessandra. The former York winger timed his run brilliantly but the quick thinking of O’s keeper Alex Cisak snuffed out the danger.

Hartlepool conceded two goals from set pieces at Carlisle last weekend and it was nearly their undoing once more. Callum Kennedy’s deep free kick found an unmarked Ollie Palmer at the back post but the former Mansfield man saw his header cannon off of the crossbar. Palmer was causing problems for Pool seeing his cross blocked for a corner after a forward run from Nigel Atangana.

The hosts responded with a spell of pressure on the O’s goal, twice going close but their attempts were brilliantly blocked by Nicky Hunt. The home side didn’t let up in their search for a goal but Lewis Hawkins could only head wide when Hunt was caught under Jordan Richards’s cross.

Orient’s main threat was coming from set pieces with home keeper Trevor Carson looking far from convincing when he flapped at a Kennedy corner but Atangana’s goalbound shot was blocked for a corner. However, with a minute added for additional time, Orient’s Achilles heel surfaced once more. Setting up zonally from a corner, Lewis Hawkins was left unmarked at the back post to head across to Josh Laurent who turned home in front of Cisak to put the hosts ahead.

Trailing at the break, Hartlepool continued to press forward with Amond nearly being played through but defender Tom Parkes cleared the danger. The turning point for the away side came when Alex Cisak brilliantly saved a Lewis Hawkins header to keep the score 1-0. And just two minutes later, Alberto Cavasin’s men drew level when Ollie Palmer found Sandro Semedo free on the right flank. The Orient youngster took one touch and fired home underneath Trevor Carson to level proceedings.

With the home side only winning one of their seven games when taking the lead, Orient seized their chance. Following the goal Orient grew in confidence completing the turnaround six minutes later. After a break forward from Atangana found Palmer, the front man linked with strike partner Bowery before curling home into the far corner for his second in as many games.

The O’s were pressing forward in search for number three with Hartlepool looking vulnerable to the counter attack but winger Gavin Massey could only curl an effort wide of the mark. Hignett responded bringing on Billy Paynter in place of Amond as they searched for an equaliser.

However, it was the O’s who were celebrating once more with 19 minutes remaining when neat play in midfield between Palmer and Massey presented the ball to Semedo who played Palmer in on goal. The front man ran on and confidently slotted home for his second of the game once more dedicated his goal to his cousin Frankie.

Confidence was bubbling in the Orient ranks with Semedo on the end of two wild challenges from Alessandra and Jake Carroll as yellow cards began to rain down. Carroll tame shot sailed into the arms of Alex Cisak before Alessandra curled a free kick wide of the mark. Orient brought on Alan Dunne and Zan Benedicic as they moved to 4-5-1 to preserve their 3-1 advantage.

Five minutes of stoppage time were added on but Orient were able to see the game out, ending their eight match winless streak, moving up to 19^th position.

Who saw that coming then? Well I think you will find it hard to find anyone of the 155 travelling fans who could see the O’s win after the first half display. A display which saw Orient overrun in midfield and Hartlepool waste a series of chances to put the game to bed.

A carbon copy of Grimsby away earlier in the season, Orient weathering a first half storm with the hosts failing to put away their chances. The O’s had to be thankful for Alex Cisak who kept his side in the game with his save early in the second half. The turning point which saw the away side turn the game on its head through Semedo and Palmer. Palmer then notched again with a confident finish. Evidence what a goal can do for a striker, eh?

Hang on, Orient conceded first and won a game? Their first win since Boxing day 2015 against Portsmouth and only their second win in 32 games conceding first. Have Orient turned the corner? Well, scoring three goals saw Orient build their confidence and seeing Palmer confident in front of goal was great to see. However the result means very little if Orient cannot back it up at home to Crewe next weekend.

Yes, Orient were poor in the first half, once again conceding from a set piece with Orient defenders just watching Hawkins have a free header. But they stayed in the game and had an attacking threat which caused Hartlepool problems in defence. And have a striker in form scoring goals and with the bit between his teeth since his return to the side last weekend.

Well, what more can you say, a 2am alarm for work followed by a 4hr trip to Hartlepool but all made worth-while with the win. What away days are all about! That is why you follow Orient, it may be poor at times, but the celebrations following the goals today were fantastic.

Crewe up next, The win should see a different Orient next weekend, all to do next is win a home game. I mean how hard can that be………..

Posted in EFL, England, Football, Football League, League 2, Leyton Orient, Uncategorized | Tagged England, Football, Football League, Leyton Orient | Leave a comment

“We Need to Find a Way to Turn This Around”

Posted on October 21, 2016 by mattbristow271993

Leyton Orient goalkeeper Alex Cisak has urged his side to turn things around ahead of their trip to Hartlepool tomorrow. The O’s are without a win in their last seven league games and sit outside the relegation places on goal difference.

Sit 22nd on 12 points
League Record – P13 W3 D3 L7 F13 A17

Orient are win less since their away triumphant at Morecambe on 3rd September and Cisak is hoping that they can pick up a result at Victoria Road tomorrow. Speaking to leytonorient.com earlier today “we have been better away for some reason and hopefully we can build on that and take the three points tomorrow”.

Away Record – P6 W2 D3 L1 F8 A8
Last Away games (most recent) – LDLDWWD
Form in last 8 – W1 D2 L5 F6 A12
Form (most recent first) – LLLDLLLDW
Joint lowest scorers in last 8 games

With no midweek game and a full week on the training pitch, Cisak is hoping that his sides hard work is shown in the result, “training has been good, we have been working very hard at the back and the front. We want to turn things around and hopefully the results are shown Saturday”.

Since the 4th September – Orient have taken just two points from a possible 21
If the season started then, Orient would be lie bottom of League Two

With the O’s languishing third bottom of League Two, Cisak pulled no punches that the club are not happy with their league position. However the Aussie feels that if his side start to gain momentum they will quickly climb the table “our position isn’t very good but the table is still tight, you win a few games you will be right back up there”.

No clean sheet in their last three
Kept only one clean sheet in their last 12 – 0-0 draw at Barnet
Have only kept two clean sheets in 16 games this season

New manager Alberto Cavasin has brought a new approach with his side trying to play out from the back, something that is different from previous managers according to Cisak. However in recent weeks opposition teams have caught Orient out at the back with Cisak aware that his side may have to tailor this style of play “you need to play it right as some teams will look to press and you cannot really play out. We want to play nice football but the main thing is to get the three points and the right results”.

Scored for the first time in five games last weekend
Failed to score in five of their last seven games
Scored in five of their seven away games in all competitions, but failed in their last two
Both teams have scored in only one of their last five games

Cavasin was happy for parts of his sides 2-1 defeat to Luton but speaking earlier today to leytonorient.com revealed “we let our opponents play too much and we have to improve in that area. We lacked a level of consistency and did not produce the standard of football which we wanted to throughout the game”.

Orient (14) have conceded the most second half goals in League two, alongside Yeovil Town
No team in League two has conceded more goals in the last 15 minutes of matches than Orient (7)
Orient have dropped 6 points in that period, the most in League Two

The Italian knows his side have under performed this season but is keen for them to bounce back starting tomorrow. Cavasin has been working his side hard in training “this week we have been focusing on preparing for the best possible performance this weekend. Not only building a style of football but create a team at the same time because ultimately that is what will bring the results”

Five of their seven league defeats have been by just one goal

Hartlepool have failed to win a home match this term but Cavasin is not underestimating their opponents tomorrow, “they are a good team who have some important players in attack with Nathan Thomas being one of their main threats”. He added “Hartlepool are a team who like to play and we are aware that we have to produce an excellent team performance if we are to come away with victory” Nathan Thomas Highlights (Click Link)

11 of Orient’s 12 league points have been accumlated after scoring the first goal
In fact, 42 of their 45 league points picked up in 2016 have been after netting the first goal
Record scoring first this season – W3 D2
Orient have won 13 of their last 15 league games when scoring first
Only lost 1 of their last 21 games scoring first – W14 D6 L1

Cavasin has appreciated the support he has been given since his arrival in early October and stated that the players are doing everything to address their poor run of form. Cavasin acknowledged the sacrifices that the O’s faithful will make as they head north tomorrow, “it is match very far away and we understand the supporters will be making sacrifices to attend”. He added “we would like to thank the fans for the support so far and to the many who be making the long trip tomorrow”.

Orient have lost all seven league games they have conceded first in
Orient have only picked up two points from last 54 when conceding first – W0 D2 L16
The O’s have only won one of their last 31 matches conceding first (Portsmouth 26/12/15 – W1 D9 L21
Orient have only won one of their last 22 away games conceding first – Chesterfield 3-2 2014 – W1 D7 L14

Hartlepool head into tomorrow clash with the O’s on the back of a 3-2 defeat against ten man Carlisle last weekend. Pool twice levelled at Brunton Park before Michael Raynes headed a late winner for Carlisle. Pool are without a win in their last three games, drawing their last home game 1-1 with Crawley.

Sit 14th on 16 points
Only three points outside playoffs and four off of relegation places
League Record – P13 W3 D7 L3 F20 A22
Form in last 8 – W2 D4 L2 F11 A13
Form (most recent first) – LDLWDDDWL

Manager Craig Hignett was seething after the defeat last weekend, speaking post match to hartlepoolunited.co.uk “I can’t fault the performance or effort, I thought we controlled the game and were the better side. I am angry with the manner of the goals, we get back into the game and they are never going to cause us a problem”. Hignett continued “We talked about set pieces all week, we even walked through them yesterday for 90 minutes and they scored two of them”.

11 of their 22 goals conceded have been from set pieces
All of the Set Pieces Hartlepool Conceded This Season (Click Link)
Only Morecambe (24) have conceded more league goals than Hartlepool

After losing the game, Hignett was baffled to how his side lost the game and has called for them to be more professional “I am angry with them not being professional, we haven’t done our jobs properly. It was all about being professional, we had it won on the pitch and if we had done our jobs properly we would have won the game”.

Failed to keep a clean sheet in their last three games
Kept one in their last six
Only kept one clean sheet in seven home games this season – 0-0 draw with Mansfield
Only one clean sheet at home in last 11 games
Only kept two clean sheets in 16 games this season

Hignett is hoping for his side to get back to winning ways against Orient tomorrow, “we had a good week, the lads looked sharp, after the disappointment of last week it is a good opportunity to bounce back tomorrow at home to Orient who have had an up and down season”. The former Middesbrough striker revealed the challenge he has said to his players “if we have aspirations to do anything this season, then good teams don’t get beaten twice in a row, I have given that to the lads; it is up to them tomorrow”.

Home record – P6 W0 D5 L1 F6 A7
Last homes (most recent first) – DLDDDLD
Four of their five draws have been scored draws, with three ending 1-1
One of three sides without a home league win so far
Only Orient (3) Newport (2) and Exeter (1) have taken less points at home than Pool
Failed to win any of their last nine home games – last win came 16/04/16 – 2-1 vs York

The 46 year old is away that despite Orient’s league position they can be a danger away from home, “they are really good away, something we have to be aware of but the preparation doesn’t really change. We have a way of playing, we tweak things to suit how we play and exploit their weaknesses. The main thing is to prepare right and go in with the right frame of mind”.

Have scored in five of their last six games
Only failed to score in three of their 16 games this season
Scored in 12 of their 13 league game this season
Both teams have scored in five of their six home league matches

Attacking midfielder Lewis Alessandra netted his second in as many games at Carlisle however the goal didn’t help to a positive result “I am happy to get my second but it is a shame it didn’t lead to anything on the day but I am hoping to go on a run. But as long as it is helping the team pick up points”. Highlights of Alessandra and Amond (Click Link)

Their has been 42 goals in the games involving Hartlepool, the joint most with Morecambe in League Two
Top scorer – Nathan Thomas with 6
Front three (Thomas, Amond and Alessandra) have netted 13 of 22 goals
The three have been involved in – 16 of their 22 goals (Alessandra has assisted six goals already this season)

After conceding from two set pieces, Alessandra is hoping it is a learning curve for his side, speaking to hartlepoolunited.co.uk “we hope that lessons have been learnt, the lads who made the mistakes held their hands up and we must move on now.

13 of their 22 goals have been conceded in the second half of games
Only Orient and Yeovil (14) have conceded more
Have conceded five goals in the last 15 minutes of matches – dropping three points
62 % of their matches has seen at least three goals

Pool have only won one of their seven game they have taken the lead in with manager Craig Hignett keen for his side to change their mentality. Speaking to hartlepoolunited.co.uk “against Crawley was a perfect example, we started well, scored then stopped playing. They need to believe in themselves, we have ability in the squad. Subconsciously we sit back and expect things to happen to us”.

Record scoring first – W1 D4 L2 home (W0 D3 L1)
Only seven of their 16 points have come scoring first

Hignett believes that after seasons struggling at the foot of the table, it is still playing on his players minds “the mentality in recent years had been looking over your shoulder, we have been trying to change things but it won’t happen overnight. It is a gradual things and results will help that”. Hignett is hoping his side can prove how good they are”getting a goal up and sitting back, it is like we are settling for what we have got when we should be wanting to scored a second, third and fourth”.

Record conceding first – W2 D2 L1 (home D1)
Only won one of their 24 home games conceding first – W1 D3 L20
Game was a 3-1 over Leyton Orient 15/11/5
Lost 25 of their last 32 games conceding first
Only won seven of their last 86 games conceding first

Team News

Orient are able to welcome back Robbie Weir after serving his three match suspension but fellow midfielders Liam Kelly (hamstring) and Harry Cornick (groin) remain absent. Last seasons top scorer Jay Simpson is a doubt after being forced off in last week’s 2-1 loss to Luton.

Hartlepool can welcome back Nicky Featherstone who is available after serving his thre match suspension. Michael Woods is pressing for a recall to the sie but Matthew Bates (bruising) and Rob Jones (hip) remain unavailable.

Head to Head – Leyton Orient 18, Draw 9, Hartlepool 19

Last Meeting – 28/03/16 – Leyton Orient 0-2 Hartlepool United

Hartlepool have won the last three meetings
Hartlepool have won four of the last five matches
Pool have scored at least twice in the last three games at Victoria Road
Hartlepool have won the last three matches at home against Orient
Orient’s last win against Hartlepool came 16/10/12 in a 1-0 win
Orient last won at Victoria Road in 2011, 1-0 win
Orient’s last five win against Pool have been by 1-0
Both teams have scored in three of the last five matches, all at Victoria Road

Prediction – Hartlepool 1-1 Leyton Orient

Posted in League 2, Leyton Orient, Uncategorized | Tagged EFL, England, Football, league 2, Leyton Orient | Leave a comment

Hatters Inflicted More Misery on Orient

Posted on October 16, 2016 by mattbristow271993

Goals from Cameron McGeehan and Danny Hylton ensured Luton kept pace with the top three at the summit of League Two. McGeenhan tapped home on the half hour mark when Jack Marriott’s shot was parried with the former Norwich City man on hand to tap home. Orient pushed for an equalizer in the second half but the Hatters doubled their advantage when Danny Hylton and Marriott linked up. Hylton’s flick found Marriott who reached the penalty area before teeing up his strike partner for his eighth of the season.

Orient pulled a goal back with 11 minutes remaining when substitute Paul McCallum found Ollie Palmer unmarked in the six yard box where his shot went in off the post. However Orient were unable to level losing their 5th match in 6 games at home this term, leaving them outside the relegation places on goal difference.

In his third match in charge of the O’s, manager Alberto Cavasin made two changes to the side that lost at home to Portsmouth last weekend. Nigel Atagana returned in place of Liam Kelly after several weeks out through injury alongside Sandro Semedo who started on the left in place of Ulrich Nnomo.

Orient’s starting 11

Luton who had drawn their last three league games 1-1 made four changes to their side. Defender James Justin pulled his calf in the warm up so Stephen O’Donnell filled in at right back. Olly Lee was suspended so Glen Rea came into the midfield while Pelly Ruddock and Jake Gray dropped to the bench; Alex Gilliead and Jordan Cook replaced the pair.

Luton’s Starting 11

In a fairly quiet start, neither side was able to stamp their authority in the opening exchanges. Jack Marriott who netted twice last season against the O’s nearly had the first chance of the match but Jordan Cook’s through ball was cut out by Yvan Erichot at the last minute.

Orient started to press forward, looking to exploit the narrowness of Luton’s midfield diamond. Both full back for Orient, Nicky Hunt and Callum Kennedy were looking to press forward creating an overload on the wing. The return of Nigel Atangana gave so much needed energy in the midfield and his run forward presented the first opportunity of the game. Sandro Semedo nearly caught out Christian Walton at his near post however the recently capped England U21 International managed to parry the ball away.

Orient’s play had a quicker tempo and pace which helped create space in wide areas. Orient should have taken the lead on 13 minutes, finding Hunt in space down the right his cross evaded everyone in the middle. The ball fell to the unmarked Ollie Palmer at the back post but the striker headed wide of the mark.

With Orient finding joy down the wings, Luton manager Nathan Jones rotated his midfield with Jordan Cook moving left and Cameron McGeenhan moving into the space just behind the front two. Luton started to move back into the game with Alex Gilliead’s cross falling on top of Alex Cisak’s goal.

Rotation of McGeenhan and Cook

After scoring in the EFL trophy with a well worked set piece, Luton tried the same with nearly the same outcome but Cameron McGeehan’s goal bound effort was parried away by Cisak in the Orient goal. With Luton growing in confidence, Orient’s playing out from the back ploy was being tested and just on the half hour mark it was punished upon by Luton. Jay Simpson was disposed by Glen Rea who found Jack Marriott, he swiveled unleashing a shot which Cisak parried to the onrushing McGeenhan who tapped home to give the visitors the lead.

McGeenhan’s run from deep for the goal

Orient looked to respond after falling behind, once again with joy down the right where Massey’s cross found Jay Simpson but his shot was blocked by Luton’s back line. However, Luton still remained dangerous with Marriott’s pace in attack with the front man nearly doubling his advantage. After being found in the left channel, he cut back onto his right foot and drove towards the penalty area but his shot was blocked for a corner.

With Luton leading at the break, Orient started the second half strongly with Sandro Semedo and Callum Kennedy putting teasing crosses in from the left hand side. Semedo had a weak shot saved before full back Nicky Hunt found space on the right but his shot was deflected into the side netting.

Marriott’s influence on proceedings was growing with the striker so close to grabbing his fourth of the season just before the hour mark. After being found in the left hand channel, he cut back on to his right foot. But Cisak brilliantly tipped his shot onto the post before flicking the loose ball away with Jordan Cook rushing to tap home.

Paul McCallum replaced Jay Simpson with just over 20 minutes remaining with his introduction nearly providing an instant reward. After nicking the ball from a Luton defender, he teed up Palmer but his shot was parried away by Christian Walton.

The Hatters responded doubling their advantage with 16 minutes left when the front two combined once more. Walton’s ball forward was flicked on by Hylton into the path of Marriott, he advanced to the penalty area where he found the unmarked Hylton who fired home for his eighth of the season.

Luton’s front two were enjoying acres of space going forward and the Hatters should have grabbed number three with 12 minutes left. Hylton advanced forward, playing in Alex Gilliead on the right but he screwed his shot wide. Almost immediately Orient halved the deficit when McCallum was played down the right hand side, his cross found Palmer who’s shot went in off the post.

With Luton’s manager Nathan Jones urging his side to calm down with the game back in the balance again he brought on Jonathon Smith for McGeenhan as he moved to a flat midfield four. The Hatters nearly regained their two goal margin when Hylton cut in from the left but his goal seemingly destined for the net parried behind by Cisak.

Luton’s Change of System on 82 minutes

With time ebbing away, Orient were unable to draw level leaving them just outside the relegation places on goal difference where as Luton’s unbeaten record is stretched to six matches.

Another Saturday, another home defeat, Orient’s fifth in six home league games this term. A terrible record with only hint that they could change when Crewe travel to Brisbane Road in two weeks.

Orient started the game well, with the tactics spot on, moving the ball quickly and keeping a high tempo creating space in wide areas. Nicky Hunt and Callum Kennedy were having joy and the game would have different had Ollie Palmer headed home in the first half.

However, Jones changed his personnel in their positions and the movement off of the ball was too much for Orient to handle. Orient didn’t heed the warning that Luton will try inventive set pieces and had to be thankful for Cisak for saving from McGeenhan.

Under Alberto Cavasin, the Italian likes his sides to play out from the back but Luton punished this. With Simpson dropping deep to find the ball, he was disposed by Glen Rea who played in Marriott, his shot was parried by Cisak. After McGeenhan move more central the midfield pounced on the loose ball to tap home with Orient’s midfield watching him.

Falling behind is a major problem for the O’s as they have to come out to level the game, leaving space behind them. Luton loved this with Marriott’s runs in behind causing problems and helping Luton score their second. His combination with Hylton saw him collect his flick on then in turn tee his strike partner up.

Orient did score a goal though, their first in five matches but to no avail. The brand of football is better to watch than under Andy Hessenthaler. However with three defeats in three games, results don’t appear to be changing under Cavasin. With the atmosphere around Brisbane Road rapidly turning, Orient need something to kick start their season a currently they are free falling to the bottom of League Two.

Only three game into Cavasin’s reign, fans will have to be patient with his ideas taking time to be shown on the pitch. How much time though? No win since the start of September, with Orient only taking two points from seven games, if the season started on the 4th September, Orient would be bottom.

Anyway, who’s up for Hartlepool away next weekend then…………

Posted in EFL, England, Football, Football League, League 2, Leyton Orient, Uncategorized | Tagged EFL, England, Football, Football League, Leyton Orient | Leave a comment

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Hatters Inflicted More Misery on Orient

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