“We Have to be Clinical”

Posted on August 15, 2016 by mattbristow271993

Leyton Orient midfielder Liam Kelly insists his side have to be taking their chances if they want to be winning games. Kelly’s O’s side lost 1-0 at home to Newport on Saturday, a result which sees Orient still looking for their first league victory this season.

Orient host Stevenage tomorrow night with Kelly hoping his side learn from the mistakes they made on Saturday. Speaking to leytonorient.com after the Newport defeat “the result wasn’t what we wanted, I thought we got off to a poor start. The first half was the same story as Fulham, we didn’t use our heads”.

O’s started with Paul McCallum and Ollie Palmer in attack however this proved to be a problem according to Kelly, “we were playing too direct which didn’t suit us. The more we got into that trap, the harder we made it for ourselves. The second half we got the ball down and looked more dangerous, with the balls put in the box we really should have been scoring at least one or two goals”.

Kelly had chances of his own to pull Orient level against Newport but could not take them, something which he knows his side have to improve in “we have got to be clinical, if you want to do well we need to be clinical. We didn’t juts have 1/2 chances we had really good chances, even myself. We have to be taking chances if you want to be winning games”.

Andy Hessenthaler echoed Kelly’s thoughts post match to leytonorient.com “we didn’t get it right in the first half, we didn’t play with enough tempo or enough ideas in our game. We became one dimensional, two big lads up top, we got it up there too quickly. The first 10 minutes we got the ball down the sides but we stopped doing that for some reason”.

Worryingly for the O’s, for the third time in a week they conceded a goal from a set piece which against Newport provided the difference. “It comes down to a set play, it cost us the game, somebody not doing their job on the back post and they scored. It just shows the importance of set plays for and against, we switched off and got punished”, stated Hessenthaler.

One point from a possible six is in stark contrast to last seasons perfect five wins from five at the start of the season but Hessenthaler is not too worried with his sides form just yet, “last season we won our first five and didn’t achieve our goal, we are not going to get carried away with two games but we have put ourselves under pressure because we need to bounce back on Tuesday”.

Hessenthaler revealed that he picked the wrong team because his side failed to win, “we have got a good squad, everybody is under pressure here”. With a game so close after a defeat the Orient boss is “pleased, we have to put this one out the way and behind us. We have to get the boys ready to get the result on Tuesday”.

Stevenage arrive in E10 on the back of 1-1 draw away to Notts County on Saturday. Manager Darren Sarll was disappointed with the manner of how his side conceded the equaliser at Meadow Lane. Speaking to stevenagefc.com post match, “the goal we’ve conceded is the disappointing aspect of today, I am fuming with how we defended the long ball into Stead, we should have done better”.

Sarll’s side beat Ipswich away in the EFL cup last midweek and insists his side should be respected in the league, “people have got to understand we are a good side, a good football side, people who try hard every day. The consistency of their characters is so strong and solid but what we have to be better at is being the best side away from home. We have to keep punching, if a team is there for the taking we have to punish them”.

Despite conceded in both league games so far, Sarll stated “defensively we are decent, people look solid and haven’t got a soft under belly. We are strong, organised and people know their roles and responsibilities. What we have to improve in is to handle that we’re a good side and look at doing the same every week”.

Midfielder Jobi McAnuff was disappointed that his side didn’t carry on the good football they played in the opening minutes at Meadow Lane. Similarly to Sarll, McAnuff knows his side have to be more ruthless in their play, speaking to stevenagefc.com “we didn’t carry on, we really should have killed the game off, when on top is something you need to do whatever level you are playing at. The game was there for us”.

McAnuff travels to his old side Leyton Orient who he left in the summer after two years at Brisbane Road. The Jamaican International knows that it is an enjoyable experience going back to an old club “even more when you win, it is a difficult place for them. I know if we go there, start well and get the first goal, it could be a long night for them. It is something we’re be trying to do”.

  • Orient have lost seven of their last eight games conceded first
  • Orient have only one win in their last 13 conceded first at home (6 from a possible 39 available)
  • Orient’s last two seasons record at home when conceding first –                                         P24   W2  D4   L18  – 10 points from a possible 72
  • Total record of last two seasons when Orient have conceded first –                                        P46   W4  D11  L31         23 points from a possible 138

With McAnuff only leaving Orient in the summer, he is more than willing to give Sarll any inside information on Orient if it helps them win tomorrow night. A key for McAnuff moving forward is the ability to keep clean sheets. “We need to get back to keeping clean sheets like the other night (Ipswich), it is no secret that when you keep clean sheets the wins will start coming. We are always likely to score, maybe we have to increase how many we’re scoring to take a bit of pressure of the boys at the back”.

Team News

Nigel Atangana and Harry Cornick will both be pushing for recalls after impressing from the bench on Saturday. Callum Kennedy could return at left back while Jordan Bowery will be pushing for a start after recovering from a knock to his knee.

Dean Wells is unavailable after picking up a hamstring injury in Stevenage 1-0 win at Ipswich last week while Steven Schumacher remains out with ligament damage. Winger Connor Hunte could be included after signing on loan from Wolves till January earlier today.

Head to Head – Leyton Orient 5, Draw 2, Stevenage 3

Last meeting – 02/01/2015 – Stevenage 2-2 Leyton Orient

  • The last meeting was the first league meeting in eight where both teams scored
  • Orient have beaten Stevenage to nil in every win
  • The last two home games for Orient have ended 3-0 (2015) and 2-0 (2014)
  • Orient are unbeaten in the last five league games between the sides (W4, D1)

Prediction – Leyton Orient 1-1 Stevenage

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Reality Check for the O’s

Posted on August 14, 2016 by mattbristow271993

Jamie Turley’s first half finish handed Newport their first away victory of the season at Leyton Orient yesterday. Turley turned in at at the back post following a flick on by Marlon Jackson to give the Exiles all the three points in the Capital. Orient huffed and puffed in the search for an equaliser but were left disappointed.

O’s boss Andy Hessenthaler made five changes from the side that departed the EFL Cup to Fulham on Tuesday night. Impact subs Dean Cox and Paul McCallum made their first starts in a competitive match for almost 9 months in place of Callum Kennedy and Harry Cornick. Sean Clohessy and Tom Parkes returned in defense with Nicky Hunt and Arron Pollock dropping out. Alex Ciask returned in goal with Sam Sargeant taking his place on the bench.

Orient vs Newport home 1st half

With Newport suffering back to back 3-2 defeats in their opening two fixtures, Warren Feeney was looking for his side to bounce back. Jack Compton was ruled out with a calf injury so Jennison Myrie Williams came into the midfield. Jazzi Barnum-Bobb dropped to the bench  with recent loan signing Jordan Green handed his first start for the Exiles.

Newport away at Orient 1st half

The home start started the brighter of the two sides with Sean Clohessy’s cross cleared by the away side, while Dean Cox and Gavin Massey looked lively on the flanks. Orient had started brighter in the opening 10 minutes last weekend at Cheltenham and continued today but failed to force Newport keeper Joe Day into action.

As Newport came through the opening 10 minutes, Sean Rigg went close twice for the away side. After catching Sandro Semedo in possession on the right, Rigg cut in but fired wide of the mark from inside the box. Then, Sean Clohessy was caught on the opposing side, Myrie Williams reached the byline crossing to Rigg but the striker’s pop shot flew over the bar.

The Exiles were enjoying the better of possession but neither side were troubling the goalkeepers. The game was drifting away towards half time until Leyton Orient’s achilles heel came to fruition once more. Mark Randall’s corner was flicked on at the front post by Marlon Jackson to the unmarked Jamie Turley at the back post to tap home.

Despite falling behind, Orient’s tactics were very predictable playing long balls up to Paul McCallum and Ollie Palmer but the Newport defense were dealing well. Dean Cox and Robbie Weir fired over from outside the box but Joe Day remained untroubled in goal.

Following half time Orient did not change their system despite lacking ideas and creativity in the first half. Ollie Palmer did manage to wriggle behind the Exiles defense but dragged his shot wide of the mark. Newport began to sit deep with Orient enjoying much of the ball but much like recent seasons looked lost for ideas in trying to break down a packed defense.The Exiles could have doubled their lead when a mistake from Liam Kelly was pounced on by Rigg with the ball falling to Myrie Williams who saw his effort fly high and wide.

With his side trying to hold onto their lead, he changed his system to 5-3-2 with the introduction of Jazzi Barnum-Bobb and Ben Tozer with both wide men departing in Jennison Myrie Williams and Jordan Green.

Newport away at Orient 2nd half

Palmer’s work rate almost pulled his side level after his good work down the right saw a pull back reach Liam Kelly but Orient’s no 4 saw his effort blocked for a corner. Hessenthaler reacted from the bench bringing on Nigel Atangana and Harry Cornick who gave the home side an instant lift.

Orient vs Newport home 2nd half

Atangana’s energy levels in midfield looked to push his side on with his first touch putting Gavin Massey through on the left but his cross was blocked. Cornick was bright linking up well with Clohessy down the right but his shot was blocked. Tom Parkes and substitute Jordan Bowery had efforts from late corners but to no avail.

Orient’s play became more and more frantic in the final 10 minutes and should have drew levels with just six minute left. Sandro Semedo created room on the left, his wonderful cross found the unmarked Ollie Palmer at the back post but he headed wide from six yards. It wasn’t to be Orient’s day who will seek their first victory of the season at home to Stevenage on Tuesday night.

We’re only two games in to a season that promised much again but the signs appear to another disappointing campaign. Over reactions happen in football but currently the same flaws in the side have not been reciftied over the summer: 1. Failure to defend set pieces and 2. inability to break down a packed defensive unit.

Where do we look for solutions? Well, I was amazed that Nigel Atagana did not start after his impact on Tuesday night, he pushed the team forward and provided the energy from midfield. The midfield was very one paced in central areas with Kelly and Weir today, which puts to much reliance on the wings and the forwards.

With the Jay Simpson saga set to be resolved in the week, a ridiculous one but you get used to that around here don’t you. A player that netted 20 + goals in League two next season and is unavailable for selection. Without Simpson in the team or squad, the four strikers that remain are all the same type of play and make the same runs.

Yesterday, there was one tactic of hitting the ball to Ollie Palmer and hoping he held the ball up. There appeared no thought of trying to get behind the Newport defense either down the side by the wingers or stretching them behind and in the channels. As plenty of teams have shown in the last season, being so predictable in attack means teams come with the same game plan which ultimately works 9 times out of 10 at the moment.

Tuesday night sees another home game against Stevenage where most Orient fans already know the envitable feeling that Jobi McAnuff will score or assist and Jamie Jones will have another man of the match display in goal.

Well who knows but what is important that Orient need a victory ahead of a tough trip to Grimsby next Saturday where they will be right up for the game.

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“We are More Determined Than Ever”

Posted on August 12, 2016 by mattbristow271993

Leyton Orient winger Dean Cox insists it is imperative for his side to set their stall out in their home matches. Cox who made his first appearance in an Orient shirt in just over 9 months on Tuesday night against Fulham is delighted to be back on the pitch.

Speaking to leytonorient.com ahead of tomorrow’s clash with Newport County, “it was great to be back, it has been a long road so thankfully it was nice to get back on the pitch. I was obviously disappointed on Saturday but it was nice to come on at home with the icing on the cake two assists and two goals for Paul”.

Cox who sustained an ACL injury to his knee in early November 2015 thanked the work done by Peter Webb and Craig Smith in his rehabilitation, “those two were instrumental in getting me back, I can’t thank them enough for that, the knee feels great and I am looking forward to getting more minutes”.

Cox who is a fans favorite at Brisbane Road thanked the crowd for “the great reception, they have been great since I have been here. They have been right behind me, I want to do well for them and hopefully I did that Tuesday night. But it is all about the league, we want to get out the division. We have good players but we have to prove it. This year we are more determined than every to get over the line”. 

Cox’s introduction alongside his “ACL Buddy” Paul McCallum was the catalyst to almost see Orient battle back from a 3-0 deficit against Fulham on Tuesday night. Cox assisted twice for McCallum and acknowledged their good relationship “we started like a house on fire last season until we got injured. He’s one of those players that likes crosses, I like crossing the ball. He gets in the right positions which helps me and I help him. I am over the moon for him”

Orient’s first defeat of the season wasn’t a concern for manager Andy Hessenthaler who was happy with his sides performance. Speaking to leytonorient.com ahead of tomorrow’s first home league match, “I thought the first 45 the team did really well, we worked hard and probably created the better chances. They had more ball than us and it was unfortunate we conceded from a set play. Generally the performance was really good”.

Hessenthaler now faces a selection headache with McCallum and Cox in fine form at the end of the Fulham match but likes having that problem. Post match he stated “that is great momentum for finishing the game, it gives me a major problem to pick a team for Saturday with players making an impact off the bench. There is food for thought for the weekend but it is nice to have that problem”.

Orient’s point away to Cheltenham last week proved more significant according to Hessenthaler after Charlton lost there in midweek. Despite being favorites with the bookmakers to win tomorrow, the Orient boss is expecting a tough encounter, “we’ve watched them, it will be a difficult game, they can change their shape a number of times. The manager has made good signings and turned it around there. They will come and make it difficult but we need to get our first win on the board”.

Cox pulled no punches in what result his side need to get against the Exiles, “it is a must win for me, we need to set our stall out at home, we are a big club in this division, we have recruited well and need to hit the ground running. I am fit and ready to go, tomorrow can’t come soon enough”.

Orient home 1st game record

Leyton Orient’s First Home League Game result in past six seasons

 

County arrive in E10 ahead of back to back 3-2 home defeats to Mansfield and MK Dons this week. Despite losing twice, manager Warren Feeney is not too concerned by the results of his side. Speaking to newport-county.co.uk ahead of the trip, “it is obviously disappointing but we don’t look to much into it. We are taking the positives out the game with scoring goals we just need to shut up shop at the other end”.

Feeney was appointed permanent County boss at the start of the year with primary aim to keep the Exiles up. In his first full season as manager, Feeney has described it as a “fresh start”, My objective was to keep last year’s squad up, I did that, it is a fresh start. The last two games we have seen positives and I am confident these boys are working and playing together”.

It was a major summer of recruitment in Wales with Feeney bringing in 16 players to his side. The former Cardiff City man understands that “football is probably the hardest job in the world, everybody has a opinion. If i wanted to sign those players, I would have done it. It was tough last year but it is different now”.

Newport County INS

Newport’s Summer Signings

Defender Scott Bennett knows that his side have to move on quickly after his side squandered a 2-0 lead on Tuesday. Speaking to newport-county.co.uk “we’re very disappointed with both results, I think we have been in both games and probably the better side but silly mistakes and errors at wrong times have made us lose games. It is only one game in the league, we need to pick up results, I think we have a real good squad here”.

Bennett acknowledges that his side are not getting it quite right at the moment, “one silly mistake leads to three or four, we need to be cutting out mistakes then we should be okay. Once we stop conceding sloppy goals and make teams earn their goals, I think we will climb the table”.

Feeney spoke about his side going back to basics to ensure that they get things right on the training ground to move on in matches. Both defeats have been suffered with a goal conceded in the dying minutes of games, “clean sheets is what we’re after, to concede so late and lose the game, it does hurt. You think about it all the time, it is something we are looking to put right”.

After the summer signings have bedded in Bennett feels his side have the ability to hurt teams in the division this season, “we have enough players going forward to create problems for teams, Jenno (Jennison Myrie Williams) and Jack Compton on the wings. Their delivery is spot on, the fact we are scoring goals is a good thing and hopefully we can continue to do that”.

Feeney hopes his side can look forward to the game tomorrow “we have got to make sure we apply ourselves and go in with confidence. It is a fantastic game for us, Leyton Orient are quite rightly one of the favorites to go up. They have fantastic players but it was a game we had a chance of winning last year. It will be a good game, it is what you want. All games are hard but as footballers this ones should excite you” .

Newport away 1st game record

Newport’s First Away League Matches results in past three seasons

Team News

Tom Parkes could be a doubt after missing the Fulham defeat in midweek after suffering a discloated shoulder last weekend at Cheltenham. Jordan Bowery also missed the defeat in midweek with a bang on the knee and remains a doubt tomorrow. Nigel Atangana, Dean Cox and Paul McCallum will all be looking for starts after impressing after their introductions on Tuesday evening.

Newport will be without striker Jon Parkin who serves the final game of his suspension while Lenell John-Lewis is a long term absentee. Jack Compton is out after suffering a calf injury on Tuesday while recent loan signings Josh Sheehan and Jordan Green will be looking for starts.

Head to Head – Leyton Orient 10, Draw 13, Newport County 17

Last Meeting – 26/01/2016 – Leyton Orient 1-0 Newport

  • Orient are unbeaten in their last four meetings, winning 3 of them
  • Orient have scored in  5 of their last 6 meetings
  • The last 0-0 between the two sides came (01/03/1988)

Predicition – Leyton Orient 2-1 Newport County

 

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“No Reason We Can’t Take Game to Fulham”

Posted on August 8, 2016 by mattbristow271993

Leyton Orient striker Ollie Palmer is hoping his side stand up to Fulham when they host them tomorrow night in the first round of the EFL Cup. Palmer’s side drew 1-1 away at Cheltenham on Saturday and is hoping his side can provide upset at the Matchroom Stadium tomorrow.

Palmer started in attack on Saturday in the absence of Jay Simpson and understands the tough test that the former Premier League side will be. Speaking to leytonorient.com earlier today “they couldn’t have got off to a better start, beating Newcastle 1-0 on Friday night. We watched the game in the hotel and they looked organised with a lot of quality players”.

Palmer continued “they are a premiership side really and should be looking to get out of the Championship. They have good players on the bench who will play on Tuesday such as Scott Parker and it will be a tough test for us boys”.

With Orient’s primary aim being promotion this term, squad rotation is likely to take place tomorrow night but winger Gavin Massey sees nothing wrong with a large squad. Speaking after his first goal for the club on Saturday to leytonorient.com “both teams will probably be making changes, there is competition for places we have good players on the bench who are raring to go”.

With the changes to the loan window, it is important to have a big squad if you are to challenge according Massey. “It keeps me on my toes and others which is what you want, everyone wants to play football at the end of the day and there could be a time where players get frustrated”. However “if you are performing well on the training pitch then there is no reason why you should not be picked”.

Massey who joined from Colchester in the summer thought a draw was a fair result against Cheltenham and was happy to get off the mark for his new club. Speaking to leytonorient.com “we started really bright and did exactly what the gaffer wanted us to do. Turn them, put the pressure on them and we killed their mood with the early goal, it was a shame that we couldn’t hold on”.

Andy Hessenthaler thought his side were excellent but better quality in the final third could have seen them return to the Capital with more points. Speaking post match to leytonorient.com “I thought we were excellent in the first half, if perhaps we had a little bit more quality in the final third we could have had two or three before half time. This isn’t an easy place to come but there are lots of positives today”.

Hessenthaler , Massey and Palmer all praised the fans, “they have been different class, even last year when they got frustrated but they would always be here. They came out in force and were right behind the team (Hessenthaler). Palmer thanked “the fantastic support we have had already in pre season and at Cheltenham, with that behind us there is no reason we can’t take the game to Fulham and try and get a good result”.

Orient's past League cup results.jpg

Leyton Orient’s last seven seasons record in League Cup

Fulham opened up the new EFL season with a 1-0 victory over Championship favourites Newcastle on Friday night. Captain Tom Cairney was named man of the match and revealed that “it was the best atmosphere I have played under at the cottage”. Speaking to fulhamfc.com “the build up with Newcastle at home, under the lights, to kick off the season, it doesn’t get much bigger than that. I was thinking about it every night and just couldn’t wait to get it started. What a way to start”.

Cairney continued his 100% record as captain with victory over the Magpies and is hoping that continues at Orient tomorrow, “we want to keep on winning, it is a great habit we have done it most of pre season. Winning is a great feeling, we have Orient Tuesday then Preston which will be tough but we take confidence from tonight”.

The former Blackburn midfielder was recently named captain in the summer for the Cottagers and revealed it was a privilege to lead the team out, “it was amazing to lead the boys, it was a special feeling. It was amazing for my family and something that I will never forget”

Fellow Midfielder Kevin MacDonald knows that performances need to be replicated if they are to be promoted this season. Speaking to fulhamfc.com post match “the boys are over the moon in the dressing room, the amount of work we did in the 90 mins is something we need to do week in week out if we want to get promoted. It is the first game, we take the win now but the hard work starts Sunday when we are back in”

With Ross McCormack’s departure to Aston Villa last week, it could be a big season for Matt Smith. The former Oldham striker returned from injury in the summer and revealed that last season was “the worst of my career”. Speaking to fulhamfc.com “the lads were buzzing, we had a really productive pre season and felt we were in a real good place coming in”.

Smith’s first goal of the season was relief for the front man who is not getting carried away after scoring on the opening day last season. He praised the “self belief and confidence in the camp which helped us get over the line in the end”.

Fulham League Cup Results

Fulham’s League Cup Results in the last Seven Seasons

 

Team News

Andy Hessenthaler is expected to make changes tomorrow night with his squad still overcoming of the effects of an illness in pre season. Robbie Weir could be rested after coming off after an hour on Saturday. Callum Kennedy, Sammy Moore and Liam Kelly could all be handed starts on Tuesday while Tom Parkes will miss out after suffering a dislocated shoulder at Cheltenham with Nicky Hunt set to deputise at center half.

Speaking to East London Advertiser on Saturday, Hessenthaler stated “ I think Coxy is definitely coming into my thoughts for Tuesday, he is there now. He is fired up, his knee is ready and was desperate to get on at Cheltenham”. Cox is expected to start with Paul McCallum set to miss out with the forward “getting” closer according to Hessenthaler. While fellow forward Jay Simpson is set to be left out with his continued transfer speculation linking him with Southend.

Changes are expected to made by Slavisa Jokanovic who could hand a starting berth to Cauley Woodrow, Richard Stearman and Scott Parker.

Head to Head – Leyton Orient 34, Draw  27, Fulham 33

Last meeting – 08/01/2006 – Fulham 1-2 Leyton Orient 

  • It will be Orient’s first home game against Fulham in 19 years and the first meeting in 10 years
  • Orient have won the last three game in cup competitions: 2-1 in FA Cup (2006), 1-0 in (1994) and 5-2 in (1994) both in the Auto Windscreens Shield
  • Both teams have scored in three of the last four clashes

Prediction: Leyton Orient 1-2 Fulham

 

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

A Point Apiece in Opening Game

Posted on August 7, 2016 by mattbristow271993

Billy Waters’s second half strike saw the spoils shared at Whaddon Road after O’s winger Gavin Massey had given his side the lead. Massey tapped home at the back post after just three minutes from a Sandro Semedo cross. The O’s were full value for their lead but as the game continued the hosts grew into the contest. Cheltenham pushed for an equaliser in the second half and deservedly pulled level with 14 minutes to go when substitute Billy Waters tapped home.

Cheltenham manager Gary Johnson handed debuts to four of his new recruits: James Jennings, Danny Whitehead, Daniel O’Shaugnessy and Easah Suliman. Captain Aaron Downes missed out through injury while the prolific pair of Dan Holman and Danny Wright were named in attack.

Cheltenham home vs Orient

O’s boss Andy Hessenhaler handed debuts to six of his side: Tom Parkes, Harry Cornick, Gavin Massey, Robbie Weir, Yvan Erichot and Jordan Bowery. Academy product Sandro Semedo started at left back while Ollie Palamer partnered Bowery in attack. The main absentee was last seasons top scorer, Jay Simpson who did not travel due to illness.

Orient vs Cheltenham away

In a fast start it was the away side who got their League 2 campaign off to the perfect start when Gavin Massey netted after just three minutes in. A good move down the left saw Sandro Semedo pick the ball up just inside his own half, he skipped past one then cut back on to his right foot. The youngster starting his first game at left back whipped a ball to the back post where Gavin Massey was there to tap home beyond Scott Griffiths to send Orient ahead.

Cheltenham were finding it hard to find a way into the game with their tactic being a long ball to striker Danny Wright who was finding it hard to find his teammates in attacking areas. Orient were playing the ball around nicely in the midfield with Semedo continuing to attack down the left linking up well with Harry Cornick.

Cornick was showing nice touches playing in Bowery who saw his tame shot easily saved by Griffiths. Semedo could have put the away side 2-0 ahead after 18 minutes when a corner routine found him on the edge of the box but he curled his shot wide.

As the half wore on, the Robins showed more attacking intent but their only shot of note came from distance from Danny Whitehead. Wright was starting to link up with his wide men and his neat flick on found Amari Morgan-Smith in the inside left channel. The Cheltenham forward broke into the box but a fantastic block from Sean Clohessy prevented a shot at Alex Cisak.

Chances were being created at either end with Massey firing over for the O’s before a neat piece of play from Cornick saw him beat two men but his goal bound shot was blocked. Cheltenham were beginning to find holes in the Orient defense as the away side looked shaky but Dan Holman could only head wide for the home side.

Cheltenham ended the first half the stronger of the sides and continued where they left off at the start of the second half. A Ryan O’Shaugnessy long throw was flicked on by Tom Parkes but Cisak saved well. Massey nearly added a second for the away side but his volley from outside the box was tipped for a corner by Griffiths.

As time ticked on, Orient began to sit deeper looking to hit the hosts on the counter attack with Massey and Cornick looking particularly dangerous. It was Cornick who played in Bowery on the break but the summer signing from Oxford scuffed his shot wide of the mark.

Cheltenham were dominating play and were looking extremely dangerous from set pieces especially the long throw. O’Shaugnessy’s throw was causing all kinds of problems in the Orient back line with their goal leading a charmed life. Dan Holman fired wide but the hosts grabbed a deserved equaliser 14 minutes from time. A decent move down the left saw Danny Whitehead cross for second half substitute Bill Waters to tap home for Cheltenham’s first goal back in the football league.

The game still remained end to end with Massey continuing his breaking from deep and his cross nearly found Ollie Palmer at the back post. With the clock ticking down, neither side was able to grab a decisive second goal and settled for a point apiece.

A point away at the National League Champions? Surely most Orient fans would have taken that before the game, a tough place to go where they have not lost a home league game since September 2015. Orient looked very good in the opening 25 minutes, passing the ball around nicely in midfield with Massey and Cornick impressing on both wings. Both looked adept at beating their full back and decent link up with the two strikers.

Sandro Semedo started at left back in the absence of Callum Kennedy and Josh Doughty and impressed. The youngster who typically plays as a winger showed real attacking intent, with some lovely touches in attack. Along with his very good assist, Semedo was a bright spark for the O’s and continues to show his flourishing development. With Semedo a winger, sometimes his positional sense was out but that will come with more games at this level however his pace helps him get out of the situation.

The opening period was good with the only thing missing being a second goal and on another day, Orient would have been punished. Illness has hit the Orient camp in recent weeks and it was clear that captain Robbie Weir was suffering from the start. However, the concern for most supporters will be the defense which still looks susceptible to conceding.

It is a well known fact that Hessenhaler is still looking for a center half with that  being the only area of the squad short. Yvan Erichot and Tom Parkes started today but are at the moment attracted to the ball, leaving space behind them which has yet to be exploited. Both have the tendency to get to tight to their man allowing them to get turned. One game in, only 90 minutes, how can you make a judgement? I have not been impressed by either throughout pre season but hope I am proved wrong.

Then comes the issue with Simpson, is he ill? Was he at Southend? Will we sell? If he does go for money, we will need to bring in a replacement. Orient will be missing a fox in the box striker, a striker who only needs one touch to score. Something that without Simpson we may not have. If he does go, the ideal scenario for me would be, let Hessenhaler bring in a proven striker from the National league. A pacy forward, who runs the channels and forces opposition defenders the other way.

One game down, 45 to go. A long way to go but the tide turns to the EFL cup on Tuesday against Fulham. Our first game at home this season and an opportunity for players to get minutes and time on the pitch.

 

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“The Players are Hungry and Ready for the Real Stuff”

Posted on August 5, 2016 by mattbristow271993

Leyton Orient boss Andy Hessenhaler knows the importance of hitting the ground running ahead of their league two curtain raiser at Cheltenham tomorrow. The O’s  finished outside the play off places last season and  will be looking to secure a return to League 1 this term.

Hessenhaler was appointed in the summer on a permanent basis after moving up from assistant manager to Ian Hendon and Kevin Nolan. Speaking to leytonorient.com ahead of the game “We started well last year and got off to a great start. It is important to hit the ground running and gain that momentum from day 1″.

The former Gillingham boss feels that there always comes a time with pre season where you need competitive football, “I have been pleased with pre season, we have gradually got better in games but it comes a time where you have had enough and are ready for the real stuff”.

Orient Pre Season Results

Orient’s Pre Season Results

Summer addition Tom Parkes understands the test that Cheltenham will pose tomorrow having been in exactly the same position last season. Parkes moved to the capital after gaining back to back promotions with Bristol Rovers. Speaking to leytonorientcom ahead of his league debut tomorrow “they have just been promoted from the conference so there will be a buzz around the place. They will want to try and get off to a flying start just like us but we have got to go there and focus on getting the three points”.

Parkes joined at the start of July and feels comfortable in E10 “it always takes a bit of time to get used to new surroundings but I feel have settled in well and all the new players have gelled as a team and think over pre season it has been evident”. Parkes was one of nine summer arrivals in East London as Andy Hessenhaler looked to build a challenge for promotion.

Orient ins

Leyton Orient’s Summer Transfers

Midefielder Nigel Atangana completed his first pre season at the O’s after a January move from Portsmouth and is relishing a return to a happy hunting ground. Atangana, who spoke to leytonorient.com last weekend “I have some very good memories against Cheltenham having scored their when I was at Portsmouth. We are looking forward to the game and we have to start well”.

With a sickness bug running through the Orient camp, Atangana could seize his opportunity in central midfield, “if we are missing a few players through injury or illness, we have to stick together because we all want to go in the right direction”. He added “it will be the first test of the season and it will be a tough one at the National Conference Champions. I am now confident for the first game of the season and the lads are raring to go”.

First 6 games

Opening six games of both sides

Cheltenham midfielder Harry Pell is relishing a return to playing in the football league after a season away. Pell penned  a two year deal for the Robins last summer with the ambition to be playing League football within a year. Speaking on the eve of tomorrow’s game to Robinsplayer “we know how important the start of this campaign is, most importantly I want a good year for me and the team”.

Cheltenham ended their pre season campaign with defeat to Bristol Rovers last weekend, in a performance that Pell described as “unacceptable”. The Robins midfielder added “it has been a little frustrating pre season, with negativity comes an attitude to put it right. We have put a lot of hours in this week leading up to the big game and am sure by three everybody will be ready to go”.

Cheltenham Pre Season Results

Cheltenham Pre Season Results

Striker Danny Wright has waited all his career to play in the football league and is excited about the prospect tomorrow. Wright had spent season after season in the non-league before gaining promotion last season and is sure that his teammates can replicate their last season form. Speaking to robinsplayer “We feel good to go this weekend, the boys are confident, we definitely have what it takes to be as successful as last year – that is definitely the aim.

Newly Promoted Sides opening result

Newly Promoted sides opening day results past six seasons

An important factor for Wright is to keep the “togetherness” of last season, “everybody said it the togetherness around the club was a massive help to help us win the league. We have kept the nucleus together which is important” However, manager Gary Johnson was left frustrated by his summer transfer dealings, with clubs failing to deliver in their promises.

Chelts in

Cheltenham Transfers

 

Johnson spoke to robinsplayer yesterday “we waited for certain players for a long time but unfortunately there were unable to come. So we had to quickly adapt, a couple of lads came in today”. Johnson has set his target on the opening 10 games to assess his sides start, “I think you need a good start anyway, August and September is 10 games. You just want to be up there with the challengers, we know the importance of getting a good start. We have a difficult start but we have earned the right to be here”.

The Robins bounced back as Champions last season with a big helping hand coming from their prolific striker force of Wright and Dan Holman who scored 52 of their 87 league goals. Wright knows that with competition for places in attack is key for to replicate what brought that success last season. “There is definitely goals between us, we need to make sure we are doing what brought us the goals last year. Competition breeds success, we are hopeful we can take the performances into the lead and upset teams”

  • League Record last season – P46 W30 D11 L5  F87  A30         101 points
  • Home record – P23 W17 D5  L1  F49  A13
  • Unbeaten in their last 16 league matches at home (26th September 1-0 defeat to Tranmere)
  • They were the highest scorers in the league with the strongest defense
  • Scored two or more in 8 of their last 9 home league games

Opening Day History

OPening Fixtures

  • Cheltenham are unbeaten in their last 11 seasons in their first home game of the season
  • Orient have won their last three opening away games  – 3-1, 3-1, 5-1

Team News

Gary Johnson revealed that Aaron Downes and Jack Munns have both been ruled out of tomorrow’s clash whilst James Dayton will face a fitness test. Johnson could include all new signings Danny Whitehead, Daniel O’Shaughnessy, Easah Suliman and Russell Griffiths. However Kyle Storer remains suspended after a biting incident at the end of last season.

Andy Hessenhaler revealed that a sickness bug hit his squad last weekend with the effects still being felt in E10. Callum Kennedy, Sammy Moore, Dean Cox and Alex Cisak all missed training this week while Robbie Weir is still struggling with a knee injury sustained in pre season. Hessenhaler could hand league debuts to Gavin Massey, Harry Cornick, Jordan Bowery.

Head to Head – Leyton Orient 6, Draw 4, Cheltenham 9

  • Last meeting -04/04/2009 –  Cheltenham 0-1 Leyton Orient
  • Only one of the last four meetings have both teams have scored
  • There is been no draw in last seven meetings
  • Last draw – 27/08/2005 – Cheltenham 1-1  Orient

Prediction – Cheltenham 2-2 Leyton Orient

 

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O’s Still in Play Off Hunt

Posted on April 16, 2016 by mattbristow271993

Leyton Orient’s first win in five games saw them keep their faint play off hopes alive. In a week where Kevin Nolan was relieved off his managerial duties, it was Andy Hessenthaler who led Orient to victory in turn relegating Dagenham to the fifth tier. Two first half goals from Jay Simpson looked to have set the O’s on their way before two goals in a minute pulled the Daggers level. However the Daggers nine year spell in the football league ended when Armand Gnanduillet stroked home with 25 minutes left.

After a week of behind the scenes turbulence at Brisbane Road with Kevin Nolan asked to stepped down as manager and goalkeeping coach Lee Harrison sacked. Andy Hessenthaler and the management team (including O’s president Francesco Bechetti) picked the team which included four changes from the side that lost 3-0 at Barnet last weekend. Nolan, Peter Ramage, Ollie Palmer and Callum Jahraldo Martin dropped out with Sean Clohessy, Mathieu Baudry, Blair Turgott and Armand Gnaduillet coming in.

Orient home to Daggers

Dagenham manager John Still knew his side needed no less than a victory in order to give them a very faint hope of survival. Still made only one change to the side that lost 1-0 away to Luton on Tuesday night with former O’s striker Jamie Cureton coming in for Oliver Muldoon.

Daggers vs Orient

With the O’s winless in four, they were hoping for a quick start to proceedings which they managed after just three minutes. Armand Gnanduillet flicked on to Sean Clohessy, the right midfielder broke forward and squared to Jay Simpson to slot home the opening goal. With the deadlock broken it was the perfect start for Orient who had only scored one of their last 13 goals in the first half prior to the game.

Orient pressed forward looking to extend their lead with Blair Turgott linking up well with Simpson in attacking areas with Simpson going close to adding a second but his shot was saved by Mark Cousins in the Daggers goal. Armand Gnanduillet then spurred a guilt edge chance for the O’s, after breaking forward he had options right and left in Simpson and Turgott but only managed to drag a shot wide from distance.

Orient were comfortable with Dagenham highlighting why they were the joint lowest scorers in the division but Alex Cisak was called into action smothering a shot from Gavin Hoyte. Despite being ahead, the Daggers were beginning to drift into the game with Orient struggling to gain a foothold in possession. Christian Doidge had an effort blocked from the away side after a Josh Labadie effort rebounded to the striker.

With the half ticking down into added time, Orient doubled their advantage in a nearly identical goal to their opener. Gnanduillet nodded forward to the onrushing Blair Turgott who pressed down on the Dagenham area, he crossed to Simpson who swept in his 25th league goal of the season.

Orient have been known as a second half team in recent months but Matthew Cash fired an early warning to the hosts. However Orient should have added number three with Simpson twice going close in a matter of minutes. First after good work from Turgott on the left, he found Simpson in the center who turned inside but his left footed effort cannoned off the post before his second effort was saved by Cousins.

Orient had failed to keep a clean sheet in their previous four and it was the same old story when Jamie Cureton pounced on a Mathieu Baudry error to round Alex Cisak and halve the deficit. The Daggers seized their opportunity and levelled just a minute later when a corner fell out to Clevid Dikamoma who fired a volley high beyond Cisak to draw the scores level.

With the home crowd in disbelief at their sides collapse, Armand Gnanduillet was being ready to be replaced by Ollie Palmer after a poor show. However the Frenchman’s last involvement was to seal victory when he swept home a Blair Turgott center.

Ollie Palmer replaced Gnanduillet who was very unlucky to miss out on a start and immediately made an impact but his close range header was brilliantly tipped to safety by Cousins. Palmer then went close five minutes later but his lofted effort over Cousins was cleared off the line by Joe Widdowson.

Dagenham pushed late on for an equaliser and were thwarted twice in quick succession by Cisak. First the O’s keeper pushed away a Matt Richards free kick before denying Josh Labadie from close range to give Orient their first victory in five games, keeping them just two points from outside the play off places with just four games left.

Well, never boring is it supporting the Orient however I really wouldn’t mind a quiet week where two of the managerial team get the sack. I don’t think you find many if any of people who thought that Nolan should have been asked to step down but unless you are Bechetti you don’t get a say. Then the decision to sack Lee Harrison was as ludacrious as the Nolan decision.

So it was confirmed post match that Bechetti was involved in the team selection, something I think many of us knew anyway. Well, it explains how Armand Gnanduillet somehow gets a start ahead of Ollie Palmer. How that happens is beyond me? Anyone care to explain this? After the only starter from Barnet who put 100% in is dropped to the bench, it really begs the question on what he actually has to do to keep a place in the side. And after Gnanduillet’s performance he cannot start on Tuesday, well if Bechetti has his say then we all know what will happen.

It is true that Orient played well in spells in the game but it is still a worry that we let the league lowest scorers in the league score twice against us at home. The defence still remains a worry after a period not too long ago when clean sheets were picked up most weeks.

The motto you have to beat what is put in front of you is true, it was exactly what Orient needed after the week they had. A confidence booster to say the least but with two vital games to come, they need wins in both if they are to have any chance of the play offs at the end of the season.The win cannot paper over the cracks of the constant instability Orient have at boardroom and managerial level.

Who knows what will happen against Plymouth and Wimbledon but all we know is that it will never be dull….

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Inside Daggers

Posted on April 15, 2016 by mattbristow271993

Dagenham arrive in Leyton on the back of a 1-0 defeat to Luton Town on Tuesday night. The Daggers go into tomorrow’s clash knowing that defeat to the O’s and a Stevenage win will see them relegate back to the Vanarama National. John Still’s men sit rock bottom of the football league, 11 points from safety with only five games remaining.

  • League Record – P41  W6  D10  L25  F37  A72
  • Joint lowest scorers in the league with Yeovil
  • Last 8 games – W2  D1  L5  F5  A14
  • Away Record – P20  W4  D5  L11  F23  A37
  • Last away games (most recent first) – LLLDLLDW

Manager John Still is hoping his side build on their second half performance at Luton on Tuesday. Speaking to Daggers.co.uk after their defeat “it was a good peformance and 2nd half I thought we had the ascedancy. The most important thing for Dagenham is when we have games like this, we have to compete, we have done and I am really pleased”.

  • Have failed to score in 16 league matches – 6 away
  • Only Newport (18) have failed to score in more
  • Failed to score in 3 of their last 5 and 8 of their last 14 games

Still returned to Victoria Road at the turn of the year, looking to keep his beloved Daggers in the Football League. Despite his sides position, Still stated “I went back at the right time, the club is so important to me and I couldn’t say no to Dagenham. We both know each other inside out, we desperately need to re-find the Dagenham I know and love”

  • Kept 5 clean sheets – 2 away from home
  • Failed to keep a clean sheet in their last 6
  • 3 clean sheets in their last 9

Still has achieved promotion to the football league three times and will be looking to get Dagenham back when they finally succumb to relegation, “I knew when I came back it was a rebuilding job, I will try and do that. The club needs to regrow itself, i am under no illusions, I have one more year to try and get performances and find some young hungry players”

  • Both teams have scored in 23 of their 41 matches and 13 of their 20 away matches
  • 3 of their 6 games has seen both teams score
  • Only scored 2 or more in only 10 games
  • 5 of their 6 wins have been by 1 goal
  • Have taken 13/28 when leading at half time – W3 D4 L3
  • Only taken 1 point from a possible 45 when losing at half time – D1 L14

A key for Still is to ensure his side put a performance in for the full 90 minutes which has been a problem all season for the Daggers, “All games are important now, our consistency is our inconsistency. We put in some decent performances but it is no good doing it for 50, 60 or 70 minutes. It has been one of the problems we have found, we have been inconsistent in games, let’s hope Saturday is different”.

  • Have only scored 15 goals in the 2nd half ( worse in the league)
  • Conceded 45 in the second half, Only York (46) have conceded more
  • Have conceded 22 in the final 15 minutes and 36 in the last 30 minutes
  • No team has lost more points than Dagenham (13) in the last 15 minutes of matches

Despite the unlikely chance of survival, Still is relishing an East London Derby against Leyton Orient, a place where he enjoys going back to. Speaking to daggers.co.uk earlier today, “I will look forward to the game, it is a good place to play. I made my debut there 5o years ago so I always look forward to going back”. With Orient in contention for the players, Still feels it will help his players, “they have got something to play for which I would prefer, it gives the game an edge”.

  • Record scoring first – W5  D5  L4      away – W3 D3 L2
  • Have won 2 of their last 3 when scoring first
  • Only Stevenage (13) have scored first in less games

With the behind the scenes turbulence at Brisbane Road, Still doesn’t feel it will put Orient off stride tomorrow. “I know Orient’s players but don’t know how the situation will affect them. I know they are up there, challenging for the play offs which is going to make it a very difficult game. It will be tough for us, we’ve played the top sides, by and large we have always competed well. We don’t really know what has happened off the pitch but they are professionals”.

  • Record conceding first – W1  D2  L21        away  W1  D1  L9
  • No team has conceded first more than Dagenham
  • Have lost their last 15 when conceding first
  • Have taken just 6 points from the last 105 available when conceded the first goal –    W1  D3  L31
  • 3 of their 6 wins have been away against the top 9 (2-1 vs Northampton, 1-0 vs Wimbledon and 2-1 vs Exeter)

Team News

Mathieu Baury should be recalled in to the starting 11 after missing out at Barnet last weekend. Kevin Nolan could be included despite his move from player manager to jst player this week. Paul McCallum is back in training after returning from his knee injury but is still a way off. Dean Cox remains unavailable while Jack Payne, Sammy Moore and Jobi McAnuff remain doubt after missing last week’s defeat.

Dagenham midfielder Matt Richards played 60 minutes at Luton in midweek and is set to be included in the squad while Frankie Raymond is set to be back in contention. However Liam O’Brien, Luke Gutteridge and Zavan Hines still remain unavailable.

Head to Head – Leyton Orient 5,   Draw 2, Dagenham & Redbridge  5

Last Meeting – 15/08/2015 – Dagenham 1-3 Leyton Orient

  • Dagenham have not won any of the last 6 meetings 
  • Daggers last beat Orient in 2010, (2-0 win)
  • The last 2 meetings at Brisbane Road ended 1-1
  • 5 of the last 6 meetings both teams have scored
  • Orient have only lost 1 of 5 games played at Brisbane Road

Prediction – Leyton Orient 2-0 Dagenham

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Lloyd Leaves Orient Just About in the Play off Hunt

Posted on April 2, 2016 by mattbristow271993

Lloyd James second half equaliser kept Leyton Orient’s faint hopes of reaching the play offs in tact. James fired home with 15 minutes remaining to earn Orient a draw against ten man York after Jobi McAnuff missed a first half penalty. York took a deserved first half lead through Bradley Fewster after he tapped in a Luke Summerfield cross and were rarely troubled until William Boyle handled in the box but McAnuff missed the spot kick.

York were denied three penalty appeals by referee Trevor Kettle with the third resulting in William Boyle’s dismissal after collecting a second caution for simulation. James fired home from outside the area to draw Orient level before York hit the bar in the dying minutes, leaving both sides with a point they would rather not want.

After suffering a 3-2 defeat at Plymouth on Easter Monday, York manager Jackie McNamara made one change to his side. Russell Penn missed out after picking up an injury at Home Park with James Berrett filling in the midfield.

Orient who lost both games over the Easter period made two changes to their side. Jobi McAnuff came straight back into the starting 11 after being away on International duty while Shaun Brisley was back in the defence after missing the defeat to Hartlepool on Monday. Armand Gnanduillet dropped to the bench while Jack Payne was not included in the match day squad.

With both sides needing a win for very different reasons, it was the home side who were clearly up for the fight. McNamara’s side were straight out of the traps with Michael Coulson having a shot beaten away by Alex Cisak in the opening minute of the match. Orient sat only two points off the play offs before the match but you would have hardly knew that with York continuing to pile forward to try and grab the opening goal.

Lewis Alessandro was a constant nuisance for the Orient defence and was unlucky not to receive a penalty after Shaun Brisley appeared to take out the striker. Trevor Kettle waved away appeals but York continued to push for the opener. With Orient still seemingly on the bus, the home side seized their opportunity and drew first blood. After Orient were not set for a throw in, Luke Summerfield put in a teasing cross from the right to the centre where Bradley Fewster had evaded his marker to tap home past Alex Cisak.

After playing  4-5-1 in most of Nolan’s away games, the 4-4-2 formation was providing York with plenty of space in the midfield. York were able to find extra space with Summerfield and Berrett looking to feed balls into the front man, Fewster. York were winning virtually every second ball over the pitch with one side only showing the fight needed to win the match.

After falling behind, Orient could have drawn level after a move down the left saw player manager Kevin Nolan cross from the left however Ollie Palmer could not connect at the back post. York looked to add a second when Femi Ilesanmi cross from the left was flicked towards goal by Scott Bennett but Cisak held well.

The O’s had failed to test the York goal in the first 35 minutes and it took a Jobi McAnuff effort from the right for their first shot on goal. The Jamaican midfielder drifted inside from the left hands side, unleashing a fierce shot which looked destined for the far corner until Flinders tipped his effort wide.

After being second best for nearly the entire first half, the away side were literally handed a lifeline into the game. After a ball went into the box, William Boyle handled to leave Kettle with no option but to point to the spot. After Jay Simpson missed Orient’s last spot kick, McAnuff stepped up from 12 yards however the 34 year old could only hit the post with his effort.

If Orient had drawn level it would have been harsh on York who felt that they should have been awarded a penalty of their own just before the interval. As James Berrett jinked his way into the box, he went down under a challenge from Peter Ramage. With everyone in the crowd expecting a spot kick, referee Kettle awarded Orient a free kick and cautioned Berrett for simulation.

After the break, Orient still were unable to test Flinders with only Jay Simpson flicking a ball over the bar. The O’s looked to put pressure on the home side who only had kept 1 clean sheet in their last 33 league games with Kevin Nolan having a header parried away from danger.

Lloyd James and Callum Jahraldo-Martin were introduced in place of Nigel Atangana and Sean Clohessy. James provided an instant impact for Orient with his teasing cross headed towards goal by Ramage but Flinders acrobatically tipped his effort over. James’s introduction seemed to provide the away side with an impetus going forward and it was Flinders that kept Orient out once more minutes later. Following a corner, the ball dropped to Jahraldo-Martin on the edge of the box, he laid the ball to McAnuff on the edge of the box. McAnuff curled the ball towards the top corner but Flinders produced an outstanding save to keep York’s lead in tact.

As the game reached the last 15 minutes York saw their third penalty appeal waved away when Boyle went down under a challenge. Kettle thought otherwise, cautioning Boyle for the second time after his handball in the first half to reduce the home side to 10. Orient exploited the man advantage almost immediately with that man Lloyd James who fired home from outside the box to draw them level.

Orient threw Armand Gnanduillet for Ollie Palmer as they looked to go for the all important three points. Despite being down to ten, York knew that they had to try and get a result and went inches of retaking the lead but Fewster header clipped the bar. It was the team with 10 who were forcing more opportunities with Cisak forced into action when Luke Hendrie fierce effort was goal bound.

With six minutes added on, both sides looked to push for a winner but neither side were able to force either keeper in to action as they had to settle for a point. The draw leaves York nine points from safety after Stevenage picked up a vital win away at Luton. Orient sit only one point outside the play offs after Wycombe lost to Wimbledon. But both Wimbledon and Carlisle have closed the gap on Orient who are without a win in their last three.

Play Offs in our grasp? Yeah, really, if you were present for the last three performances, Orient showed no fight in wanting to reach the end of season lottery. It was the feeling of same old story over the Easter weekend with Orient non-existence in the opening 30 minutes of the match. If I was a York fan, blimey I would have been fuming that my side didn’t take all three points.

Denied three penalties, two stonewalls penalties highlighting that when you are at the bottom, you have absolutely no luck. In fairness York played very nice football in the first half, with many wondering which side were only two points off the play offs. Well, as many O’s fans said at Accrington, the Orient performance had a feeling of an “end of season” feel to it.

Why though? With the play offs in sight and with a relatively easy run in compared to their rivals. Kevin Nolan admitted in his post match interview that his side lacked the fight in the opening 30 minutes, surely that is unacceptable for a professional footballer to admit that. Over 600 away fans made the trip to York to be presented with that first half performance and to be trailing to the second worse team in the Football League.

As I have said previously and for almost 6 weeks now, Nolan starting shouldn’t happen. He was poor once more in the midfield but then again, who did have a good game in a black shirt today? The introduction of Lloyd James changed the game completely and provided Orient with an impetus. His first ball forward was a cross straight onto the head of Ramage forcing a save. James should start at Barnet, 100% but what do we know?  A midfield involving Sean Clohessy, Kevin Nolan and Nigel Atangana will not create chances going forward meaning a lot is carried on the shoulders of Jobi McAnuff and Jay Simpson.

Nolan is still in his first managerial role at a club but to continually play when you have at least three better midfielders in the squad who offer more than he does currently. Sammy Moore, Lloyd James and Jack Payne all have more to offer than Nolan but will the former West Ham drop himself? I doubt it but it is quite clear that Orient are not good enough for the play offs and I think most will agree with me.

Nolan needs a summer rebuild where he can bring in his own players and get rid of the dead wood, which there is plenty by the way. The worrying thought is the player that offered us the most in attacking areas today is out of contract this summer. Will James be offered a new deal? Well I think he should but what do I know?

Barnet away next up, the game feels me with excitement. Well hang on….. Surely we have to play a bit better at the Hive next week, I mean 600 Orient fans can’t put that much pressure on their side can they?…..

 

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“It Will Come Down to Who Wants It Most”

Posted on April 1, 2016 by mattbristow271993

Kevin Nolan is expecting a battle when his side travel to 2nd bottom York City tomorrow. Orient head into tomorrow’s crunch clash after losing both games over Easter and knows it will be another tricky game for his side.

  • League Record – P39  W16  D11  L12  F53  A51
  • Form in last 8 – W4  D1  L3  F7  A6
  • Away Record – P19  W7  D7  L5  F25  A25
  • Last away games (most recent first) – LWDWWWD

Nolan’s men only sit 8th, outside the playoffs by two points despite their defeats over Easter but defender Jerome Binnon Williams understands that his side need to bounce back at Bootham Crescent tomorrow. Speaking to leytonorient.com earlier today “we were not happy with the loss, hopefully we can bounce back this week. It happens in football but we have to keep at it and go again”.

  • Failed to score in 6 games (2 away from home)
  • Failed to score in 3 of their last 5 games
  • Orient failed to score in their last two games, the last time they failed to score in back to back games was 21/03/2015 – a run of 48 league matches
  • Did you know? The last time Orient failed to score in three consecutive League matches was December 2012

Midfielder Nigel Atangana was disappointed with the manner of the goals conceded in their last two games. Speaking after the defeat to Hartlepool to leytonorient.com “it was a tough game, we are all disappointed with the results and the manner of the goals conceded. We haven’t had a clean sheet in the last two games but we had a discussion after the game”.

  • 9 of Orient’s 16 wins have been by 1 goal including 5 of their last 7 wins
  • Have scored 2 or more goals  in 14 games but only managed that in 5 of their last 19 league games
  • Have scored 32 of their 53 goals in the second half including 14 of their 25 away goals – 11 of their last 12 goals been scored in second half
  • 25 of 53 goals and 9 of their 25 away goals have been scored in the last 30 minutes of matches
  • Only Bristol Rovers (13) and Wimbledon (15) have gained more points than Orient (12) in that period – The O’s would sit 13th if games ended at 60 minutes

With Orient’s next two fixtures away from home, Kevin Nolan is hoping his side build on their recent good form on their travels. Speaking ahead of tomorrow’s trip to leytonorient.com “we’ve prided ourselves on our clean sheet record and our away form. So having the next two away maybe takes a bit of pressure off the lads of playing at home”. The O’s have struggled to break teams down at home with Nolan expressing “sometimes we find it a bit more difficult having to take the game to the opposition”.

  • Kept 11 clean sheets – (5 away from home)
  • Failed to keep a clean sheet in their last 2, have 2 clean sheets in their last 4 and 7 in 13 games under Nolan
  • 7 of Nolan’s 13 game in charge have been 0-0 at half time – Orient last 0-0 in the league came 49 games ago – 17/03/15 (0-0 vs Barnsley)
  • Have taken 23 points from possible 27 when leading at half time
  • But only taken 4 points from 30 when losing at half time

Atangana has been an integral part to the O’s since his arrival in January and knows his teammates have to repay the fans. “I am disappointed for the fans as well, we haven’t rewarded them over Easter and for that I’m sorry but am sure we will do the maximum we can to take back in the play offs”. With just over a month left of the season, the end of season will be key for Orient if they are to reach the play offs with Atangana issuing “it is seven cup finals left for us now, I know it is a cliche but we have to take it game by game”.

Play off contenders run in

Leyton Orient’s nearest rivals and their run in

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  • Record against bottom half – P19  W11 D4  L4    – 37/59 points – 63%
  • Away Record against bottom half – P9  W4  D3  L2

Orient face the current bottom two in two of their next three games but Nolan doesn’t think that it will mean easy pickings for his side”it will be a difficult game at York, they are fighting for their lives and we have got to make sure we fight against them”. He added “we are fighting to get back into the play offs at the end of the day, that’s what it will come down to, who wants it more. If we can match them, our quality can shine through”.

  • Record scoring first – W15  D5  L3         away – W7  D4  L2
  • Have won their last 7 scoring first
  • Record conceding first – W1  D6  L9      away – D3  L3
  • Have only won 1 of their last 20 when conceding first – W1  D7  L12
  • Have not won any of their last 11 away games conceding first
  • Won only once in their last 17 away games conceding first – W1  D5  L11

York host Orient on the back of picking up only two points from a possible 27 and are without a win their last nine league matches. Jackie McNamara’s men sit 23rd, seven points from safety after their 3-2 defeat at Plymouth on Easter Monday. York went 3-0 down in the first half however their second half comeback was not enough to pick up any points.

  • League Record – P39  W6  D10  L23  F43  A74
  • Form in last 9 – D2  L7  
  • Home record – P19  W5  D5  L9  F27  A34
  • Last home games (most recent first) – DDLLWWW

Despite it being an uphill task to survive, McNamara still believes that his side can escape the drop. Speaking after the defeat to Plymouth to yorkcity.co.uk “I thought we played well which is the frustrating thing. We started well with a few chances then we lost our way and conceded three all of which were preventable”. Regardless of being 3-0 down, McNamara thought his side showed their character in the second half “I thought we were fantastic, our passing was good and it was probably the best we’ve played for a while”.

  • Failed to score in 10 games – only failed once in home matches
  • Only Northampton (1) and Accrington (0) have better records
  • Have scored in their last 4 games and 7 of their last 9 games
  • 17 of their 27 home goals have been scored in the second half

When down at the bottom, McNamara feels that luck is not going with his side, “we don’t seem to be carrying a lot at the moment, anything at all seems to be getting punished, every little thing seems to end up in our net, but the good sign is we are creating chances”.

York City Run in

  • Record against top half – P19  W1  D4  L14 
  • Have lost all 11 games played against the current top 8 – scoring 9 and conceding 34
  • Record against bottom half – P20  W5  D6  L9

York’s run in sees them face sides with promotion on the agenda but the York boss knows it will be a tough task to survive, “there is no doubt it will be tough, the games are dwindling down, it is possible but we have to do things properly. We need to win games, we are capable of doing so but certain things are costing us which is disappointing and frustrating because it is in the players to create and play well”.

  • Did you know? York City have trailed for 1348 minutes this season, 206 more than anybody else in League 2

Relegated Teams + Point

Midfielder Luke Summerfield made no secret of where his side must improve in the coming games, speaking to yorkcity.co.uk “we need clean sheets, simple as that, it is the whole team, we need to work better to stop conceding goals and hopefully next week it will come” Summerfield netted from the spot at Plymouth and acknowledges that creating chances is not a problem for his side “we looked a threat every time going forward, we create enough but we are not taking them or being clinical enough is costing us”

  • Only Colchester (87) have conceded more goals than York (74) in the top 5 English leagues (including the National League) (116) 
  • Kept 4 clean sheets  – 2 at home
  • Without a clean sheet in their last 9
  • Only have one clean sheet in their last 33 league games (2-0 home win vs Exeter)
  • 7 of their 9 home defeats have been by just 1 goal

With Kevin Nolan’s Orient in town tomorrow, McNamara’s aim is simple “we have to get more points than Stevenage, if we win tomorrow and they draw, it gets even closer. A few wins changes everything”. Speaking ahead of the game tomorrow to yorkcity.co.uk “we are running out of games and have to make it count. We have to do things properly and make sure we get the three points tomorrow. The belief is still there and I genuinely believe we can escape, others will write us off but the signs are there, it is within us to win and stay in the league”.

  • Have conceded 44 of their 74 goals in the second half – including 30 in the final 30 minutes of matches
  • Only Stevenage (31) and Notts County (33) have conceded more in that period
  • They have lost 10 points in that period, only Dagenham (13) have lost more
  • They have won all 4 matches when they have been leading at half time
  • However, they have taken only 2 points from a possible 48 when losing at half time

McNamara revealed that he has gone back to basics in training this week with his defensive unit, “we have stripped everything back and explained the importance of defending properly and not giving the opposition encouragement. The biggest problem is ourselves defending certain things means we give ourselves too much to do”.

  • Record scoring first – W6  D6  L4        home – W5  D3  L2
  • Won 3 of their last 4 at home scoring first
  • 24/28 points picked up when scoring first
  • Record conceding first – W0  D3  L19     home – D2  L7
  • Have not won their last 25 games when they have conceded first (4 points/75)
  • Have only 1 win in their last 36 conceding first (2-1 win vs Morecambe – 04/04/15)

Team News

Leyton Orient will welcome back both Jobi McAnuff and Callum Jahraldo-Martin who missed Orient’s Easter defeats to Accrington and Hartlepool. Shaun Brisley could return to the squad after missing the game on Easter Monday after picking up an injury. Mathieu Baudry will serve the last game of his suspension with both Lloyd James and Sammy Moore pushing for a recall to the starting 11.

Nolan spoke on his squad “we missed Shaun, the skip, Jobi and Callum which changed a lot of things, those lads played a major part over the last 4-5 weeks. I have a good enough squad that should be able to handle that but the performance level is not up to the level I expect”.

York will be without midfielder Russell Penn who was carried off at Plymouth on Monday with the extent of injury still unknown. Jake Hyde still remains a doubt alongside Josh Coulson and Reece Thompson. Lubomir Satka and Kyle Cameron are both set to return to the squad after missing the last two games after being away on International duty.

Head to Head – Leyton Orient    8,     Draw   7,    York City   12

Last meeting – 21/11/2015 – Leyton Orient 3-2 York City

  • Orient have won the last two meetings between the sides
  • 10 of the last 12 meetings have seen both teams score
  • Orient have 2 wins in the last 14 meetings however before the last two games, they went 12 games without a win

Prediction – York City 0-2 Leyton Orient

 

 

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