Football Analyst

With April just around the corner, the end of season shootout for promotion and the play offs is hotting up rather nicely. Seven games to go in League 2 and the only certainty is that Northampton Town will be Champions and rightfully so in my opinion.  The Cobblers have been in amazing form since November with the only question remaining, at what game will they lift the trophy?

The battle for the two remaining automatic promotion places is certainly unfolding as the games keep ticking away. Oxford and Plymouth currently sitting in second and third respectively however only five points separates Oxford in 2nd and Bristol Rovers in 5th.  

While the play off places also look set to go down to the wire with a battle for the last remaining spot, teams down in 12th still have a faint hope of reaching the end of season lottery.

This weekend could be pivotal to who finishes in the automatic positions come May. Oxford play in the JPT final on Sunday afternoon, meaning that Accrington, Bristol Rovers and Plymouth all have the chance to close the gap on the U’s. Come 5pm on Saturday afternoon, Oxford could only be 3rd on goal difference ahead of Accrington Stanley.

Form in Last 8 Games :

Bristol Rovers are the form side in the division with their defeat to Carlisle on Easter Monday ending their run of six straight league wins. The Pirates are looking for  second consecutive promotion after returning to League 2 through the play offs last May.

Performances rarely matter in the dying games of the season, when you are at the top you don’t mind how you play or how you pick up your points.

There remains a worry for Wycombe and Leyton Orient with both of them looking to obtain the last play off place. Both sides are struggling to score goals currently and will need to find the net if they are to finish in the top 7 come May 7th.

Here is the top 5 and their run in till the end of the season, the highlighted games seem to have the most importance however as we all know every game when you are seeking promotion is as important as the next:

All of the promotion contenders have important games with either play off pushing teams or teams in form. You may be wondering about Hartlepool being highlighed? Craig Hignett’s men play 3 of the 4 contenders in their last 4 games and could be an important factor to who finishes in the top 3. Hartlepool are one of the form teams in the divisions and will certainly be no push overs in the run in.

Portsmouth will be in the play offs come May, in my opinion. They have an outside chance of promotion however will be setting their sights on a trip to Wembley.

While here is the run in for the play off contenders:

On paper Leyton Orient have the easiest run in of the play off contenders however with the unpredictable nature of Kevin Nolan’s men anything can happen at Brisbane Road. Considering Orient picked up 0 points over the Easter period, it is a massive plus that they sit just two points off the play offs with six games remaining.

Carlisle do have a game in hand on the O’s while Wycombe face a difficult last three games playing promotion contenders who could need a result to seal a place in League 1 next season.

Below is the points that teams 1st – 7th achieved in the past 10 seasons in League Two:

The Champions will be confirmed in the next couple of games so points needed for automatic promotion and 7th are the ones that everyone will be concerned about.

To finish 3rd: Most points collected = 88       Least Points collected = 78     Average = 83

To finish 7th: Most Points: 78                 Least= 66              Average= 71

Below I have put the results of the reverse fixtures of the run ins and my predictions for the final games:

It may be hard to follow, these results so below is the predicted finishing positions if the results of the reverse fixtures are taken into account:

However the likelihood of the same results happening again are very slim, so to provide a more realistic projection here is the prediction finishing points and positions with my predictions:

My Thoughts

I think that Oxford will just have enough to earn promotion however their last game of the season against Wycombe could have a meaning for both sides. Wycombe could need a result to make the play offs which could dampen what could be a promotion party.

After seeing Accrington on Good Friday, they are a force at home and with four of their remaining seven games remaining at home; it could prove the difference. Billy Kee links Stanley very well in attacking areas and they are very organised under John Coleman.

Bristol Rovers are the form side in the division and the defeat on Easter Monday shouldn’t stop the Pirates form. Playing the current bottom 3 in their four games, it could make or break Rovers push for a second straight promotion.

Wycombe, Orient or who for the last remaining play off place. It is true that Wycombe have a very tough three matches of the season, however with Orient seemingly struggling to score goals and extremely hard to predict. Who knows who will be there come May, Orient will have Jobi McAnuff back who missed both games over Easter.

Orient face the bottom 2 in their next three matches and no less than 6 points from those games will see them struggle to make the top 7. Carlisle are certainly still within a shout and ready to pounce if Wycombe or Orient slip up.

All we know is that there will be plenty of twists and turns till the end of the season and I fully expect that both the automatic race and play off race to go right down to the wire in the last game of the season.

Leyton Orient’s Easter got worse as they lost their second game in four days to Hartlepool, leaving them two points off the play off places. Billy Paynter put Pool ahead four minutes into the second half, tapping in at the back post. The O’s looked to respond but failed to test visiting keeper Trevor Carson with Nathan Thomas wrapping up the victory with a fine individual effort with 20 minutes remaining. The win stretches Hartlepool’s unbeaten run to six games as they move up to 17th, 14 points above the bottom two.

After defeat to Accrington Stanley on Good Friday, player manager Kevin Nolan made two changes to his side. Shaun Brisley missed out due to injury while Sammy Moore dropped to the bench. Ollie Palmer partnered Armand Gnanduillet in attack with Jay Simpson playing in the hole behind them. Jack Payne came in to the midfield in place of Moore, Sean Clohessy moved to right back with Nicky Hunt partnering Peter Ramage at the heart of the defense.

Hartlepool came into the game unbeaten in their last five matches and manager Craig Hignett named the same starting 11 for the fourth game running. Billy Paynter continued in attack with Luke James and Nathan Thomas either side of the front man. Rob Jones recovered from his head injury and was named on the bench.

With Orient playing 4-3-3, the change of formation nearly forced an early goal for the home side. Following an Ollie Palmer interception, the striker looked to play in Gnanduillet however the Frenchman poked the ball over the Hartlepool crossbar. Despite the home side having the larger spell of possession, it was failing to trouble the visitors with the ball being played around the back and in midfield.

Hartlepool who had picked up form since Craig Hignett appointment in February had a great chance to take the lead but Adam Jackson could only head a Nathan Thomas free kick wide at the back post. Orient were looking to commit men forward in attack as they pressed for the opening goal but Hartlepool were highlighting their danger on the break.

The game was beginning to open up with Ollie Palmer next to go close for the home side, after a Nicky Hunt lofted ball into the left channel. Palmer picked up possession, drove towards the penalty spot but his goal bound shot was deflected wide for a corner. The O’s were enjoying a spell of continued pressure but Nigel Atangana saw an effort blocked before Kevin Nolan could only tamely volley after being found unmarked at the back post.

Hartlepool were offering a threat going forward through their wide men  Luke James and Nathan Thomas. It was Jackson who headed straight at Cisak following another cross into the box before Billy Paytner had a goal ruled out for offside following a well taken free kick. Orient’s pattern of play was becoming increasingly easy for Hartlepool to defend with Sean Clohessy failing to beat the first man with his crosses.

With the scores level at the break, it was the visitors who were out the traps the quickest at took the lead four minutes after the interval. Following a move down the left flank, a neat one-two put Jake Carroll in the clear, the left back crossed to the unmarked Paynter to slide in at the back post to put Hartlepool ahead.

After falling behind Orient waited 10 minutes before bringing on Fraser Shaw and Blair Turgott on for Armand Gnanduillet and Kevin Nolan. However despite moving to a 4-4-2, Orient failed to create going forward and Hartlepool looked the more threatening to increase their lead. Indeed they did with 21 minutes remaining, Nathan Thomas picked the ball up on the right wing, he jinked his way into the box and past Fraser Shaw. Thomas opened his body up and curled the ball high beyond Alex Cisak to put Pool 2-0 ahead.

After falling further behind, it was Hartlepool who nearly added a brilliant third, Lewis Hawkins picked the ball up 25 yards out, his goalbound effort was brilliantly tipped over by Cisak to prevent a third goal. Lloyd James replaced Jack Payne in Orient’s last change as Orient looked to pull a goal back.

With the game entering the last 10 minutes, Trevor Carson pulled off an excellent save to prevent Jerome Binnom-Williams’s header from creeping in after he connected with a James corner. Before big shout for a penalty after a goalbound header was blocked on the line however with the Orient players appealing, referee Fredick Graham waved away their appeals.

Jay Simpson nearly reduced the scoreline after he picked up an Ollie Palmer knock down but his  effort was smothered by Carson. Pool could have added a third in stoppage time when substitute Michael Woods broke through but after rounding Cisak, the Orient keeper managed to block his effort.

So two defeats from two over Easter, where does that leave Kevin Nolan’s Orient? Well I think it highlights that there is still major work to be done on the training ground. Yes Jobi McAnuff and Callum Jahraldo-Martin were away on international duty but we have known they were going away for a while. Was there a plan b to play in those games, all I could see was long diagonal balls forward and putting the ball wide to a full back, who never beats the first man.

I think anybody could have told you how Hartlepool would have set up yesterday, 10 men behind the ball when defending and Orient would not be able to break them down. Again much like Friday, the tempo and pace of play was too slow to harm Pool meaning it is very easy to defend. Jack Payne was the only man in a red shirt looking to get the ball down and play however the lack of movement when Orient were in possession was terrible.

Were the players tired? Playing two games in four days? Never, that was the fourth consecutive game that Hartlepool had named the same starting 11 and showed just how to execute a game plan. The pattern of the game was there for all to see in the team selection, two big forward and Jay Simpson with Jack Payne the only man in the midfield looking to play the ball on the floor. Like I said on twitter before the match, “attacking team but worried that without an early goal, there is nothing to change it from the bench”.

So we go 1-0 down four minutes after the break, what should your changes be? Well surely Lloyd James and Sammy Moore had to have been introduced. Two players who would have helped changed the pattern of play, but Blair Turgott and Fraser Shaw were brought on. Don’t get me started on Blair Turgott, a player that never looks like he has been coached in his lifetime.

Orient still sit only 2 points off the play offs however you wouldn’t no that after the last two performances. No energy, no enthusiasm, no pace the list goes on and it all cannot just come from one player, Jobi McAnuff. Play offs are still within grasp however would it cover over some major flaws within the squad? There are plenty of players that will be shown the door in the summer and there will be another rebuilding job to be done.

Lastly, I don’t know how many more times I and many other will have to say, what does Kevin Nolan do to start every game? He has been poor in the midfield for weeks and playing him at home does not work. I can see that, others can see that and it plays straight into the hands off the opposition. I think in the summer there will be a major decision by Nolan need to be made, Do I want to be a manager or not? It is now 13 games under Nolan and I think many have seen that you need a manager on the sideline not berating the official throughout the 90 minutes on the pitch.

York away Saturday, a team sitting 2nd bottom and winless in their last 9 matches. Being an Orient fan, it seems almost envitable that we will end their winless run on Saturday. I for sure know that they will be no pushover what so ever. I would like to see a game plan to go to York with as in my opinion we have not seen one in the last three games. I suppose the only saving grace after yesterday’s performance is it didn’t cost me £60 round trip in train fares like Friday.

Leyton Orient defender Peter Ramage insists his side will have to hold their nerve till the end of the season, “it is the business end of the season, we have to  try and pick up as many points as possible as you never know what might happen”. Ramage is on loan from League One Coventry City but has quickly adapted to life in London, “I have enjoyed it, the boys have been very welcoming which is good”.

• Sit 8th on 59 points – 1 point outside the play offs
• League Record – P38  W16  D11  L11  F53  A49  
• Form in last 8 – W4  D1  L3  F7  A 8
• Home Record – P19  W9  D4  L6  F28  A24
• Last home games (most recent first) – WLWLLW

Ramage’s side dropped out of the play off places on Good Friday after defeat to Accrington Stanley but knows that it was an opportunity missed for his side. Speaking to leytonorient.com after the game “it was frustrating and probably a missed opportunity considering the good run we have been on”.

• Have failed to score in 5 games – 3 at home
• Failed to score in 2 of their last 4 home and away and 2 of their last four home games
• 5 of Orient’s last 7 games have ended 1-0 either way
• Both Teams have scored in 22 of their 38 games and 10 of their 19 home games
• Only 1 of their last 9 games have both teams scored (2-2 at Carlisle – 01/03/16)

With Accrington winning, it appears to be a straight shootout with Wycombe Wanderers for the last remaining play off places but Ramage knows “we have got eight games left and we will try and win as many games as possible starting with Hartlepool on Monday. We need to dust ourselves down and try to get back to winning ways”.

• 9 of Orient’s 16 wins have been by 1 goal  – including 5 of their last 6 wins
• Only taken 4 points from a possible 30 when losing at half time – D4 L6
• Have scored 32 of their 53 goals in the second half including 18 of their 28 home goals
• 11 of Orient last 12 goals have been scored in the second half – 5 of last 6 in last 30 minutes
• Orient have scored 16 goals in the final 30 minutes of matches – helping to gain 12 points
• Only Wimbledon (15) and Bristol Rovers (14) have gained more points in that period

The defeat at Accrington ended Orient’s seven match unbeaten away record but goalkeeper Alex Cisak knows where his side need to improve to make the end of season play offs. Speaking to leytonorient.com “we didn’t create enough chances going forward which cost us the game. At half time it was 0-0 and the least we should take is a point but they scored a nice goal. We didn’t defend well enough and didn’t create enough chances in the final third”.

• Record scoring first – W15  D5  L3     home  W8  D1  L1           – 50/59 points – 85%
• Orient have won their last seven games when scoring first
• Record conceding first – W1  D6  L8     home W1 D3  L5             9/59 points   – 15%
• Orient have only 1 win in their last 19 conceding first – W1 D7  L11 – 10/57 possible

Since Kevin Nolan’s arrival in mid Janaury, Orient have been in good form taking 22 points from a possible 36 available, thanks to defensive stability in his side. However despite keeping clean sheets, Nolan understands that his side need to score goals aswell as keeping them out. Speaking to leytonorient.com after the Accrington defeat “We can’t keep relying on keeping a clean sheet, it is something we have been working on at the training ground but we are going to have to put it on the pitch”.

• Kept 11 clean sheets – 6 at home
• Kept 2 in their last 3 games and 2 in their last 3 home games
• Kept 7 in 12 matches under Kevin Nolan
• Orient have taken 23 points from a possible 27 when leading at half time
• 6 of Nolan’s 12 matches in charge have been 0-0 at half time – including the last 3 games

Orient’s run in to the end of the season is very kind to them and they play three of the bottom four sides in their next four games. Ramage knows that these will not be easy games “Teams down the bottom are fighting for their lives to stay in the Football League which can possibly be even harder, it will be tough no matter who we play because everyone is fighting for personal reasons and contracts” East London Advertiser.

• Record against top half – P20  W5  D8  L7  – 23 points   – 39%
• Record against bottom half – P18  W11  D3  L4  – 36 points    – 61%
• Orient have taken 22 points from a possible 27 in home games against bottom half

Hartlepool arrive in Leyton on the back of a five match unbeaten record – taking 11 points from the last 15 available. Pool picked up a 1-0 victory on Good Friday against AFC Wimbledon, thanks to a Adam Jackson first half winner and will be looking to extend their recent good form against Orient.

• Sit 21st on 39 points
• League Record – P36  W11  D6  L19  F37  A55
• Only Dagenham (34) ad Yeovil (36) have scored less goals than Pool

Manager Craig Hignett has turned the fortunes around of his side after Ronnie Moore’s departure in early February. Pool sat 22nd when Hignett took over at Victoria Road but since his appointment, his side have moved 11 points above the bottom two. Since Hignett’s appointment, Pool have taken 15 points from the last 33 available and would sit 9th if the season started in February.

• Away Record – P17  W4  D3  L10  F15  A29   
• 2nd worse record in the division – only York (8) have taken less points away
• Last away games (most recent first) – DDWLL
• Form in last 8 games – W3  D3  L2  F9  A8

Hignett was very happy about the defensive display of his side once again on Good Friday, speaking to hartlepoolunited.co.uk post match “defensively again, we were outstanding, they put us under massive pressure and I thought we dealt with it really well”. He added “We nicked one in the 1st half then kept a clean sheet which was pleasing”.

• Have kept 9 clean sheets – 3 away from home
• Have kept  3 in their last 3 games  – including their last 2 away games

Despite the victory, Hignett felt his side could have been better in possession, “I am disappointing on how we played with the ball, I thought we looked a bit tired, it was the third game in a row with the same team. We have done a lot of travelling but we are in a good place at the moment”.

• Failed to score in 11 games – 6 away from home
• Failed to score in 2 of their last 3 and only scored 1 goal in last 270 minutes of football
• Both teams have scored in 20 of their 36 games and 10 of their 17 away games
• Have not scored a goal in the opening 30 minutes of any away league match  this season

An important aspect for Hignett is ensuring that every player knows their responsibilities on the pitch, “the lads are all full of confidence, one thing I said to them when we are not good with the ball, be hard to beat and I thought we were today”. He added “it doesn’t matter who scores the goals, if yo look in the dressing room, everyone is together and they want to do it for each other”.

• 7 of their 11 wins have been by a 1 goal margin
• Only lost 1 of their 8 games they have been leading at half time
• However they have lost all 10 games they have been losing at half time – scoring only 6 goals
• 17 of their 37 goals have been scored in the last 30 minutes of matches
• Have conceded 16 goals in the final 15 minutes of matches

Adam Jackson struck the winner on Friday but most importantly for the defender is keeping clean sheets. However, Jackson was quick to credit the whole team for their third consecutive shut out, “it is not just the back five, it is the midfield three as well. We have got good team effort with discipline and organisation which is really working well”. Continuing speaking to hartlepoolunited.co.uk “we have had a good few results, we need to keep building on it. The games are coming thick and fast, we are playing well and we want to keep it going”

• Record scoring first – W8  D2  L1      away W2  D1 
• Won their last 3 scoring first and taken 20 points from last 8 games when scored first
• Only conceded 8 goals in the 11 games scored first
• Record conceding first – W3  L18     away W2  L10
• Prior to win at Barnet (05/03/16) – Pool lost their last 10 when they conceding first
• Have conceded 47 of their 55 goals (85%) when conceding the first goal

Hignett wants his side to only look up in their remaining games of the season “I have always been looking up, there is nothing below us that I am worried about. My only focus is getting us as high up the table as we can. I want to see the rest of the squad and see what they are capable of”.

• Record against top half – P18  W3  D3  L12     – 12 points
• All three wins came at home
• Have taken only 1 point frome the 8 games played away against the top half
• Record against bottom half – P18  W8  D3  L7    – 27 points

Team News

Leyton Orient will be without the duo of Jobi McAnuff and Callum Jahraldo-Martin who still remain away on International Duty. Mathieu Baudry remains unavailable due to suspension after his sending off at Oxford. Kevin Nolan hopes to have a full fit squad however stated “we have a few knocks and bruises and we will assess them to see if they are available”.

Hartlepool we have to wait and see if Trevor Carson is available with the keeper on standby for Northern Ireland ahead of their friendly with Slovenia tonight. Rob Jones remians doubtful after missing the last couple of games with a head injury whilst a doubt remains on Carl Magnay after he went off with a knee injury in Friday.

Head to Head – Leyton Orient   18         Draw    9       Hartlepool 18

Last Meeting – 15/11/15 – Hartlepool 3-1 Leyton Orient

• Orient have lost three of the last four meetings between the sides
• Their last won came at Brisbane Road in 2012
• Orient are unbeaten in their last three matches at Brisbane Road
• Hartlepool last won at Brisbane Road in 2010, (3-1 win)
• Four of the last five matches has seen both teams score

Prediction – Leyton Orient 1-0 Hartlepool

Scott Brown second half winner for Accrington saw Leyton Orient drop out of the play off places. Brown struck home from just inside the box six minutes into the second half to keep Stanley in with a shout of automatic promotion. Orient who had picked up back to back wins going into the game struggled to create going forward with top scorer Jay Simpson kept quiet throughout. Orient will be looking to get back to winning ways when they host Hartlepool on Easter Monday.

Accrington came into the game on the back of a 1-0 victory at Dagenham last weekend with manager John Coleman naming an unchanging side. Billy Kee continued in attack looking to add to his 16 league goals this term. Stanley welcomed back Josh Windass to the bench after the midfielder missed recent matches due to a groin injury.

Leyton Orient were forced into one enforced change from the side that beat Morecambe 1-0 last weekend. Jobi McAnuff was away on International duty with Jamaica so player manager Kevin Nolan brought in Sammy Moore to the midfield.

In an open start at the Wham Stadium, Orient were the brighter of the two sides with Sammy Moore striking over from distance after five minutes. The away side were enjoying more possession but struggling to create going forward. Armand Gnanduillet was partnering Jay Simpson in attack and it was the former who could only shoot wide after making space inside the box.

With both sides  in the play off hunt, neither side was able to gain a foothold in the game with both guilty of giving away possession cheaply. Despite Orient’s early play, Accrington grew into the half as it grew on. The home side’s first chance came after 17 minutes, after a short corner found its way back to Sean McConville on the right flank. The midfielder crossed to the back post where Shay McCartan was unmarked however he could only volley high and wide.

Sean McConville then fired wide for the hosts as the game shifted in favour of the home side. Orient were struggling to win the midfield battle with the energy of Scott Brown and Seamus Conneely helping to move Stanley forward. Piero Mingoia then could have put Stanley ahead but his volley was deflected wide by Jerome Binnom-Williams.

As the half wore on, neither keeper was forced into action as both teams seemed to settle for the draw at the break. Stanley started the second half brighter and were the team pressing for the opening goal. It duly arrived six minutes after the interval, a long ball into the left channel saw Shay McCartan hold off Peter Ramage. McCartan laid the ball back to Matty Pearson who’s cross into the centre found Billy Kee. Kee chested the ball down to Scott Brown who fired low beyond Alex Cisak to put Stanley ahead.

Stanley should have doubled their lead moments later when Sean McConville was played through  by McCartan but with only Alex Cisak to beat it was the Orient stopper who came out on top. Billy Kee continued to be the figure head for his side, dominating both Orient centre halves as they struggled to contain the Stanley forward. Orient’s key chance came when a good move saw Sean Clohessy released down the right wing, his cross found the head of Armand Gnanduillet but he could only faintly head at Etheridge before Simpson’s rebound effort was blocked.

Orient responded to going behind by bringing on Ollie Palmer and Blair Turgott for Armand Gnanduilet and Sammy Moore. Jay Simpson did well for the O’s but after beating two men on the edge of the box, he could only shoot wide of the mark. Orient defence had seen them keep back to back clean sheets however it was far from certain at the back when they almost gifted Stanley a second. Following a miss clearance by Binnom-Williams, Shaun Brisley under hit his header back to Cisak. McConville nipped in and bared down on goal however the defenders blushes were spared as Cisak was able to put the ball out for a corner.

The O’s looked void of ideas going forward and the hole left by Jobi McAnuff was there for all to see. Clohessy did link well with Palmer but after a driven cross found Palmer, the former Mansfield man saw his first touch desert him and the chance went begging.

The home side were comfortable in their lead with Orient lacking urgency to get back in the game. Billy Kee was a very useful outlet for the home side with the front man helping Stanley manage the game well and pick up fouls for his side. Orient’s last change came when Sean Clohessy departed for Frazer Shaw as Binnom-Williams moved to left midfield while Blair Turgott moved to the right.

The change brought no change to the away side who failed to test Etheridge in the remaining minutes as they dropped to their first away defeat in nine away matches, subsequently dropping out of the play off places after Wycombe’s win over Mansfield.

Well, where to start with that one then. The gaping hole left by Jobi McAnuff was there for all to see, but we knew that he was leaving to play for Jamaica however no game plan appeared evident in the 90 minutes. It was a typical Orient away game under Nolan with the game very cagey and very little chance for either side to create.

There was one major difference, we played 4-4-2 today, not the traditional 4-5-1 formation we have become accustomed to away from home. Did it make a difference? Well we lost the midfield battle today and Accrington were hungrier than us to win the game. The personnel may have not been there to play 4-5-1 but to play Sammy Moore at left midfield seemed a waste. Without McAnuff we had no attacking threat going forward, with only Simpson and Gnanduillet the only real attacking options going forward.

Orient’s tempo was slow throughout, posing the question to why Lloyd James didn’t play some sort of role? Yes, James is lacking match fitness but he is probably only one of a handful who can make a defence splitting pass. Something which we lacked today and I would say for the majority of the season. Even when Orient fell behind, there was no urgency or fight to respond and equalise.

The question will be asked by many, Should Nolan be starting? Well I am believer that if Orient are losing a game, he will rarely if ever substitute himself which surely poses a problem. Today was the perfect opportunity to replace Nolan with Lloyd James and see if that can help the team respond. The second half seemed to pass Orient by, with the midfield non existent for periods with Accrington running at the back four on numerous occasions.

It is understandable that Nolan will make mistakes in first managerial job and I think he will realise that today was one of them days. After completing perfect away performance at Oxford, Notts C, Wycombe and Portsmouth, today was all to different. Tactically Orient were not set up correctly and it was obvious from minute one that the ploy from the home side was to play to the strengths of Billy Kee. Hit balls forward, in and behind Orient’s back four and using Kee as a target man. It worked and Accrington will be there to stay.

Home to Hartlepool next on Monday and I think we know what to expect as Orient will be expected to go on the front foot, pushing for the win. Something we know we struggle with and with McAnuff and Jahraldo-Martin still away on International Duty, where will Nolan go with his team? If it was me I would bring James into central midfield to help Orient try and prize open what will be a tight defensive unit.

From the Oxford away game to today, it is one hell of a difference and one that I hope doesn’t not continue. With Orient’s run in, they have a great chance of making the play offs but with Nolan’s men continuing to be incredibly inconsistent who knows where we will finish come May. It is certain either way that there will be changes in personnel in the summer with a few certainly shown the door.

Kevin Nolan is hoping his side can find their ruthless streak ahead of their crunch trip to Accrington  Stanley tomorrow. Both sides sit inside the play off places with automatic promotion still in grasp but Nolan knows that “we need to find our ruthlessness in our play, when we are on top we take them chances and making sure we punish sides”.

• Sit 7th on 59 points- 2 points inside the playoffs and 6 points off automatic promotion
• League Record – P37  W16  D11   L10  F53  A48
• Away record – P18  W7  D7  L4  F25  A24
• Last away games (most recent first) – WDWWWD
• Only lost 1 of last 8 away league matches

Orient picked up their seventh win in 11 games under Nolan, following a 1-0 victory over Morecambe last weekend. Nolan’s men faced ten men for 78 minutes and it was an own goal that settled the game in the second half. Speaking to leytonorient.com earlier today, Nolan stated “I just thought the lack of quality was there for me to see. We did create some great chances and I think it’s the killer instinct we need to find”.

• Record since Nolan took charge – P11  W7  D1  L3  – only Oxford (23) and Northampton (27) have taken more points in that period
• Only failed to score in 4 games – 1 away from home
• Failed to score in one of their last 3 games but scored in their last 15 away league games
• Both Teams have scored in 22 of their 37 matches and 12 of their 18 away games
• But both teams have scored in only one of their last 8 games

Orient have been defensively stable under Nolan keeping seven clean sheets in 11 but the former West Ham man knows that finishing in the final third needs to be better. “We have been working on it for the past couple of weeks, crossing and finishing right, the goals haven’t flowed in going forward but we need to make sure we get a nice balance”. Five of Orient’s last seven wins have been by just one goal, “we are hoping that with the work we are doing, it will relieve the pressure with goals and it is important we get the execution right and I am sure it will make it easier to get them clean sheets”

• Kept 11 clean sheets – 5 away from home
• Kept clean sheets in their last 2 games and 7 of Nolan’s 11 games in charge
• Kept clean sheets in 4 of their last 5 away games
• 9 of their 16 wins have been by 1 goal and 5 of their 7 away wins

Midfielder Lloyd James returned on Saturday after three months out with injury and feels he’s in the best shape he has ever been. Speaking after his sides victory to leytonorient.com, James stated “it has been a tough three months with the injury and have done nothing but work my socks off. Credit to Craig and Pete who were keeping me at it and I feel as fit as I’ve done for a very long time”.

• Have scored 32 of their 53 goals in the second half
• 14 of their 25 away goals have been scored in the second half
• 11 of their last 12 goals have been scored in the second half
• Have gained 12 points in the last 30 minutes of matches – only Wimbledon (15) and Bristol Rovers (14) have gained more
• Orient would sit 12th if games lasted 60 minutes

James knew his side were made to work for the victory but “it doesn’t matter now, this time of year, you get the results and three points. If we can get in the playoffs or even better, they won’t remember a result like that”. Following a trip to Accrington tomorrow, Orient host Hartlepool on Easter Monday with James knowing that it is “a tough period”. “Two games in four days will be tough but I think we have got the quality squad to cope”.

• Orient have taken 23 point from a possible 27 when leading at half time
• Record scoring first – W15  D4  L3    – away W7  D3  L2
• Have won their last 7 games when scoring first
• Record conceding first – W1  D7  L7     away Wo D4  L2
• Only have one win in their last 20 when conceding first
• Have not won any of their last 11 away games when conceding first

Orient lost to Accrington earlier in the season but Kevin Nolan isn’t surprised at all by the form of Stanley. Speaking to leytonorient.com “Accrington have got a good, experienced manager. John Coleman I know off the field and is a good man. It is going to be a tough game, it always is going there”. Nolan added “With that scouse connection you keep an eye on them, I am delighted he is doing well, he always has good sides that like to attack and go forward. I am looking forward to pitting my wits against him and hoping I come out on top”.

• Top half record –  P19  W5  D8  L6  = 23 points
• Have won their last 3 away games against teams in the top 8 with clean sheets
• Only lost 1 of their 9 away games against top half teams
• Bottom half record – P18  W11  D3  L4  = 36 points

Accrington host Orient with a huge opportunity of reaching the third tier of English football. Stanley sit only one point off 3rd placed Bristol Rovers with nine games to go, with the promotion race set to go down to the wire. Accrington picked up a vital 1-0 victory away at Dagenham on Saturday and it was even better their promotion rivals dropping points.

• Sit 5th on 64 points
• League Record – P37  W18  D10   L9  F60  A44
• Form in last 10 – W4  D4  L2  F13  A12
• Home Record – P18  W9  D6  L3  F36  A27
• Last home games (most recent first) – DWLDWDW
• Only Northampton (33) have taken more points at home than Accrington

John Coleman felt his side overcame a tough test on Saturday, speaking to accringtontanley.co.uk “it was a difficult game, we struggled to come to terms defensively in the first half, 2nd half we defended really well. We kept plugging away and you get your rewards“ Billy Kee netted the winner with Coleman describing “if there could be ever a fitting player to score, it was Billy, he was fantastic. That kind of performance, dogged determination despite getting battered from pillar to post, it sets him apart that’s why I think he is the best striker in the league”

• Kept 8 clean sheets – 2 at home
• Kept one in their last 4 and two in their last 12 games
• Without a clean sheet at home in their last 7 games
• 12 of their 18 wins have been by a one goal margin
• Have conceded 14 of their 27 home goals in the last 30 minutes of matches

With it looking a three way fight between themselves, Plymouth and Bristol Rovers for automatic promotion, Coleman thinks his side need at least one win over Easter for automatic promotion. Speaking ahead of tomorrow’s clash “if you don’t pick up a win over the next two games, it gets harder as the games run out”. Coleman added “I personally think if we win six out of our last nine we will go up”.

• Have failed to score in 7 games (none at home)
• Have failed to score in 2 of their last 6 games
• Have scored in their last 24 home games
• Both teams have scored in 24 of their 37 games and 16 of their 18 home games
• Three of their last four and eight of their last 11 games have seen both teams score

Although Coleman’s side sit five points above Orient, the Accrington boss is aware of the threat that Orient will possess tomorrow. Speaking to accrington.co.uk “they have had remarkable results in their last five away games, winning at Oxford, Portsmouth, Notts C and Wycombe while drawing at Carlisle. They are one of the form teams in the division and they were top of the league for the 1st ten games, it should be a fantastic game with a good crowd”.

• 37 of their 60 goals have been scored in the second half – only Oxford (43) have scored more
• 22 of their 36 home goals have been scored in the second half – most in the league
• Accrington are the 2nd highest scorers in the league behind the top 2
• Have taken 25 points from a possible 27 when leading at half time
• Only Wimbledon 16 have taken more points when losing at half time

Coleman knows Nolan away from football, “they are a good footballing family from Merseyside Kevin is level headed and a good pro. They also have our former player Nicky Hunt in their side, we need to nullify what he brings, good passing and a good footballing brain”. Coleman continued “they have kept four clean sheets in their last five away games but we know what we are capable of at home, we can give teams a tough game”.

• Record scoring first – W14  D3  L2  – home  W7  D3  L1
• Have only lost 1 of their last 18 home games when scoring first
• Record conceding first – W4  D5  L7   – home  W2 D3 L2
• Top half record – P18  W6  D6  L6  = 24 points
• Bottom half record – P19  W12  D4  L3  = 40 points
• Have only won 2 of their 9 home games against the top half

Team News

Kevin Nolan will be without the duo of Jobi McAnuff and Callum Jahraldo-Martin who are away on International Duty while Mathieu Baudry misses the trip North due to suspension. Connor Essam and Bradley Pritchard left the O’s on loan this week but Nolan should have a fully fit squad to chose from. Lloyd James and Sammy Moore will be pushing for starts after their second half performances against Morecambe.

John Coleman will be without Matt Crooks who remains injured while Adam Buxton remains a doubt. Terry Gornell and Josh Windass could return to the squad after missing recent games with injury. Tarique Fosu and Andy Little joined from Reading and Preston respectively earlier today and are both available for selection tomorrow.

Head to Head

1 previous meeting – 31/10/15 – Leyton Orient 0-1 Accrington Stanley

Prediction – Accrington 2-2 Leyton Orient

Jobi McAnuff pushed Leyton Orient right back in the play off hunt after victory at Oxford United yesterday. The former Reading midfielder slotted Orient ahead with 16 minutes remaining as they continued their unbeaten away form under Kevin Nolan. Mathieu Baudry was sent off in stoppage time after a challenge on Kemar Roofe but the O’s were able to hang on and move into the play off places after the win.

In a tight first half, neither side was able to create any clear cut opportunities. After the break the game opened up more with Orient continually looking dangerous on the break. Sean Clohessy wasted two great chances after blocks on the line but McAnuff popped up 2 minutes later to send Orient away from the Kassam with yet another win.

Oxford made three changes to the side that drew 2-2 away at Plymouth last weekend. Benji Buchel came in ahead of Sam Slocombe who dropped to the bench. John Lundstram and Joe Skarz came back into the starting 11 after being rested at Plymouth. Josh Ruffels and Canice Evans dropped to the bench.

Orient who suffered their first defeat in four last weekend made two changes to their side. Ollie Palmer dropped to the bench while Sammy Moore missed out through injury. Jobi McAnuff and Callum-Jahraldo Martin came into the starting 11 which included Shaun Brisley who had overcome a head injury to play.

In a very slow start at the Kassam, the play was very scrappy with neither side able to gain a foothold on proceedings. Orient had reverted to their traditional set up, packing the midfield and frustrating the home side going forward. Jay Simpson was up front on his own with Jahraldo-Martin playing just behind him however, chances were at a premium at the Kassam.

The home side were trying to find Kemar Roofe on the left when in possession but Nicky Hunt was doing his best to snuff out the threat. Simpson had the first half chance of the game but could only head over a Sean Clohessy cross from the right. With both sides in the promotion hunt, their were nerves on show with lots of missed placed passes in the midfield.

Orient’s main ploy was to try and find Simpson with long balls however it was good built up play which brought the best chance of the half. After a handball on the left by an Oxford man, McAnuff whipped in a free kick. Shaun Brisley headed back across goal but Nigel Atangana’s header was cleared off the line by Jordan Mullins. Roofe fired wide for the hosts but neither keeper was tested in the first period.

The pattern of play was very similar to Orient’s last few away games and the second half started at a faster pace than the first. Orient breathed a huge sigh of relief when referee David Coote waved away the home sides penalty appeals. With Liam Sercombe breaking into the Orient box, Jerome Binnon-Williams challenged but appeared to connect with Oxford man rather than the ball. However Coote awarded a goal kick.

Alex Cisak was forced into a low save from a Kemar Roofe free kick but Orient’s attacking intent was growing by the minute. With the hosts searching for the opener, the pace of Jahraldo-Martin, McAnuff and Simpson on the break was there for all to see.

Armand Gnanduillet replaced Jahraldo-Martin just after the hour mark and should have put his side ahead minutes afterwards. After good play in the midfield, Kevin Nolan played in Gnanduillet who somehow broke the offside trap but his effort was tipped to safety by Buchel.

The away side were clearly in the ascendancy and knew that the game was there for the taking. Sean Clohessy then wasted two glorious opportunities on 72 minutes, McAnuff broke forward and played Gnanduillet in down the left. The Frenchman, beat his man and crossed to the back post where Clohessy stood unmarked with the goal gaping. Clohessy had his tame effort blocked on the line before his follow up flew to safety for the hosts.

However just two minutes later the 800 away fans were able to celebrate as McAnuff stroked home from inside the box. Following another break from deep, Gnanduillet cross field ball found Clohessy who crossed into the box at the second attempt. The ball fell to McAnuff who took one touch before tucking the ball home beyond Buchel to send Orient ahead.

After going ahead, Orient began to sit deeper inviting pressure from the hosts. Oxford wasted their best chance of the match with nine minutes to go when Sercombe was played in but could only drag his shot wide of the far post. Ollie Palmer replaced Jay Simpson with Orient looking to relieve pressure at the back.

As the game ticked into four minutes of added time, Kemar Roofe broke down the left flank. Mathieu Baudry came over a took down to the Oxford midfielder on the touchline, referee Coote wasted no time in brandishing a red card to the amazement of everyone in the Kassam Stadium. Connor Essam came on to see the remaining minutes out as Orient’s fourth away win in their last five moved them back into the play off places.

A typical away performance from Kevin Nolan’s men who keep the roller coaster ride of a season continuing. It is very clear on the format of away matches under the former West Ham man, keep it tight, compact and frustrate the hosts in the first half. Then when the game opens up use the pace on the counter attack and chances will present themselves.

4-5-1 or 4-4-1-1 doesn’t really work with the personnel at the disposal of Nolan however the tactics away from home are getting the results. Orient made Oxford look very ordinary in attack and gave them few chances in the final third. Baudry was very unlucky to be sent off and thought that he had to make the challenge. Orient will appeal but whether or not the card will be rescinded is unknown. My thinking is it won’t and it will be a massive miss for Orient.

When the game opens up, it plays straight into the hands of Orient in the second half. The pace and attacking threat on the break will always present chances to nick a goal. However the O’s nearly blew their opportunities when Clohessy wasted two glorious chances in the second half. It didn’t matter in the end with McAnuff grabbing the winner but is something which Nolan addressed post match with Orient needing to add a ruthless streak to their play.

The question is can Orient do it at home next weekend? It will be tougher as like I have said before Orient are set up to play away from home with the pace on the counter. Orient exploit space away from home in the second half of matches, something which is rarely afforded to them at home. The challenge remains finding a tactic and formation which helps Orient pick up results at home.

The play offs are in sight but as many have said Orient’s season can be summed up in two words: consistently inconsistent. If Orient put a run of wins together they will be in the end of season lottery and with teams in the mix playing each other and dropping points – a run of form will cement a place in the play offs. Currently if Orient did make the play offs, I would feel more confident having the away leg second. Odd? Why? I think Orient are more capable of getting a result on heir travels than at home. It may change, you never know.

Morecambe at home next weekend and we will wait to see if Baudry’s suspension remains if not it appears that Nicky Hunt will move to center half. Whatever the outcome of the season, Nolan has added steel in the defence. The play is not pretty but picks up results, something which was opposite in the first half of the season.We will see where the season takes us next weekend, all we know is Orient never fail to go on a rocky road.

Kevin Nolan is hoping his side can continue their unbeaten away record as they travel to Oxford tomorrow afternoon. The O’s are unbeaten in four away games since Kevin Nolan was appointed in January and the former West Ham boss knows that ‘it is a test to prove we belong at the top of the league’.

• Sit 8th on 53 points – outside the playoffs on goal difference
• League Record – P35  W14  D11  L10    F51  A48
• Form in last 8 – W4  D1  L3  F8  A10
• Away Record – P17  W6  D7  L4  F24  A24
• Last Away games (most recent first) – DWWWD

Orient dropped out of the play off places after defeat to Luton last weekend with Nolan knowing how important it is going back on an unbeaten run. Speaking to leytonorient.com after the defeat ‘it comes down to not enough chances, our final ball and our final delivery. It’s just that little bit of composure in and around the box we had the runs and knew how they would set up against us’.

• Kept 9 clean sheets – 4 away from home
• Kept 3 in their last 4 away games
• Have kept 5 clean sheets in the 9 games under Kevin Nolan
• 5 of their 10 defeats have been by 2 or more goals
• Have conceded in 16 of their 20 away games this season in all competitions

Nolan’s side have struggled to pick up points at home since his appointment but it was no major concern for him after how his side performed against Luton. The former Hammer stated ‘I believe in what we’ve got here, I believe that if we continue to play like that we will win more games than we lose’.

• Failed to score in 4 games – only 1 away from home
• Failed to score in 2 of their last 5 games
• Have scored in their last 14 away league matches
• Both teams have scored in 22 of 35 matches and 12 of their 17 away games

Defender Nicky Hunt was frustrated with the result but felt his side didn’t have enough in attacking areas. Speaking to leytonorient.com ‘for a game that we dominated for large majority, we are frustrated coming in with a 1-0 loss. We didn’t really make their keeper work on his debut, it was an incredibly frustrating day all round, the performance was there but couldn’t get the goal’.

• Have taken 23 points from a possible 27 when leading at half time
• But taken only 4 points from a possible 30 when losing at half time

Hunt joined in January from Mansfield and has settled into life in London very well, ‘I am thoroughly enjoy it, the training is high intensity and it is a pleasure to come into. It was a bad day at the office today and we can’t have many more like that till the end of the season’. Hunt knows that his side can show the league another performance which will make them stand up and notice when they face Oxford tomorrow. ‘I think we can set a stall out next week, prove a statement to the rest of the league. If we go there and win on their home turf it is game back on’

• 30 of their 51 goals have been scored in second half including 23 in the final 30 minutes of matches
• 8 of Orient’s last 9 goals have been scored in the second half
• 15 of Orient’s 24 away goals conceded have been in the last 15 minutes of each half

Nolan is expecting a very tough test at the Kassam tomorrow and thinks that the U’s will prove a similar test to Northampton. Speaking on the eve of the game to leytonorient.com ‘we had Northampton at our place a couple of weeks back and saw how good and efficient they were. I think you will see the same with this side’. He added ‘I am expecting a very good football game tomorrow and hoping we can come out on top but it is a fantastic opportunity for us’.

• Record scoring first – W13  D4  L3         away – W6  D3  L2
• Have won their last 5 when scoring first
• Record conceding first – W1  D7  L7      away – W0 D4 L2
• Have not won their last 11 away games when conceding first
• Have only 1 win in their last 20 games conceding first
• Have taken only 11 points from a possible 60 in those games

With the season reaching the business end it is important that very member of the squad is raring to go. Nolan acknowledges this ‘there are a lot of big games coming up and everyone has got to be ready which they are. It makes it more difficult top pick an 11 week in, week out’

• Record against top half – P17   W4  D7  L5     19/53         36%
• Record against bottom half – P18  W10  D4  L5       34/53     64%

Oxford host Orient after a frustrating 2-2 draw at Plymouth last time out. The U’s took the lead twice but were pegged by the Pilgrims, leaving them six points clear of fourth placed Portsmouth. The U’s have taken 10 points from the last 12 available after back to back defeats in February brought the chasing pack closer to them.

• Sit second on 65 points
• League Record – P35  W18  D11  L6  F61  A34
• 2nd highest scorers in the league behind Northampton
• Joint 3rd best defensive record in the division

Michael Appleton spoke to oufc.co.uk after the draw ‘Looking at the game, it is definitely two points dropped but hindsight is a wonderful thing. If before the game they were still behind us, we would have been happy with that’. The pitch at Home Park was not the best but Appleton was very happy with the application of his players on the day ‘the way the game went, I thought the players did ever so well, playing very well. We looked as if we were going to score every time we attacked but a little bit of attention to detail cost us in the end’

• Last 8 – W4  D2  L2  F19  A11
• Home Record – P17  W7  D6  L4  F25  A15  
• 41% of their points have been collected at the Kassam
• Last home games (most recent first) – WLLDLLLW

Oxford and Plymouth sit 13 points behind league leaders Northampton but Appleton stated that despite being one of the teams to catch he would prefer to be in that position, ‘reality is we have the points in the bag, at the minute the lads are in a real good vein of form and it doesn’t matter who comes into the team, they do the business’.

• Have kept 12 clean sheets – only 3 at home
• Only kept 1 in their last 10 games in all competitions (4-0 win over York)
• Have only 1 in their last 8 home games in all competitions
• Only Oxford and Accrington have not conceded a goal in the opening 15 minutes of home matches this season

Jordan Evans joined on loan from Fulham earlier in the season for the U’s and has had to wait in the wings before making his impression on the first team. Evans was handed his first start for Oxford at Plymouth and knows that the next two games could be pivotal for his side. Speaking to ouf.co.uk post match ‘I think if we get results in our next two matches, we will be pretty confident but every game till then end of the season is massive. We have to make sure we do the right thing and leave everything on the pitch’.

• Only failed to score in 4 matches – 2 at home
• Have scored in their last 5 matches but failed in  3 of their last 8 home matches
• Both teams have scored in 21 of their 35 games and 9 of their 17 home matches         – 5 out of their last league games both teams have scored
• Have scored 37 of their 61 goals in the final 30 minutes of matches including 11 of their 25 home goals
• No team in the divisions has netted more in that period

With progression to the final of the Johnstone Paint Trophy and a run in the FA Cup, Oxford have played 47 games in all competitions – more than any other team in the top four divisions. Appleton has been forced to rest players to prevent injury but was glad that his side had ended their run of Saturday, Tuesday, Saturday fixtures. ‘The lads have got  a few days to recuperate now, it has been a long period of games but they will be raring to go when they come back in’ .

• 9 of their 18 wins have been by 2 or more goals, including 4 of their 7 home wins
• All 4 of their defeats have been by just 1 goal
• Only lost 1 of their 12 matches when leading at half time – W8 D3 L1
• Not won any of their 5 matches when they have been losing at half time
• Only Northampton (1353) have led for minutes this season than Oxford (1003)
• Kemar Roofe top league scorer with 13 goals – only 3 have been at home and 10 have been in the second half
• Roofe has 3 goals in his last 5 appearances

Appelton recognises the strength of the Orient team that visits the Kassam Stadium tomorrow. The U’s blew a 2-0 lead at Brisbane earlier in the season after Jordan Graham was sent off but knows that it will be a difficult game. Speaking ahead of the clash to oufc.co.uk ‘I think if you look at the team on paper, they have arguably the best squad in the division. The names in there, it has been a difficult season with a change of management but Kevin has gone in there and done ever so well’. He added ‘It is going to be a difficult game, there is no doubt about that. It is against a side that thinks they can go up through the playoffs’.

• Record scoring first – W17  D4  L3        Home – W6    D2  L3
• Record conceding first  – W1  D5  L3      Home – W1  D3  L1
• Failed to win their last 6 when conceded first

Oxford ended a run of six home games without a win with a 4-0 victory over York 10 days ago with Appleton hoping that the blip has finished, ‘we have back to back home games in the space of three days, if we can pick up six points it will give everyone a massive lift for the end of the season’.

• Record against top half – P18  W6  D7   L5     25/65 points    38%
• Record against bottom half – P17   W12  D4  L1      40/65 points      62%
• Have only won 2 of their 8 home matches against the top half 
• 1-0 victories over Plymouth and Wimbledon

Team News

Leyton Orient have one major doubt with Shaun Brisley still struggling with a facial injury picked up in their defeat to Luton last weekend. Brisley was stretched off after losing consciousness after sustaining a gash underneath his eye. Lloyd James is back in training and pushing for a recall to the squad while Paul McCallum and Dean Cox continue their rehabilitation from ACL injuries.

Charlie Grainger is out after suffering a hand injury in training so on loan Crystal Palace goalkeeper David Gregory will be included after joining in midweek.

Oxford will be without Jake Wright, Ryan Taylor and Sam Long who all remain sidelined with injuries Benji Buchel has recovered from his injury and is expected to return while Joe Skarz is available after being rested at Plymouth last weekend.

Head to Head – Leyton Orient 14, Draw 10, Oxford United 14

Last Meeting – 17/10/14 – Leyton Orient 2-2 Oxford United

• Orient have only lost one of their last 7 meetings with Oxford (1-0 loss in 2005)
• 12 of the last 14 meetings at Oxford has seen both teams score
• Orient’s two defeats in their last nine against Oxford have come away from home
• Their last win at the Kassam Stadium came in their memorable 3-2 victory in 2006

Prediction  – Oxford United 1-1 Leyton Orient

Once again the Marriott proves the difference for Leyton Orient. However it was Luton’s Jack Marriott who produced the winner after 27 minutes to give Luton Town their fourth consecutive win. 

In a game of few chances, it was route one that gave the Hatters their victory with Marriott latching onto a David Mitchell long ball forward. The Luton forward nipped past Shaun Brisley, lobbing past Alex Ciask to give his side victory. Brisley was later hospitalised after colliding with Mitchell with Orient struggling to break down Luton in the second half. The win moves Luton to just 3 points from the play offs while Orient drop outside the top 7 on goal difference.

Orient who picked up a point in Carlisle on Tuesday night made two changes to their side. After their impact from the bench on Tuesday, Sammy Moore and Ollie Palmer were handed starts with Callum Jahraldo-Martin and Jack Payne dropping to the bench. Armand Gnanduillet and Jobi McAnuff returned from injury to be named on the bench.

Luton who picked up their third victory in a row on Tuesday night against Morecambe made two changes. Dan Potts came into the defense with Jake Howells dropping out with injury. Keeper Jon Mitchell made his debut for the Hatters with Mark Tyler also out with injury.

With both sides in good form, it was a cagey start with Orient having the majority of possession but not creating anything clear cut. Luton’s game plan appeared clear from the start, try to utilise the pace of Craig Mackail-Smith and Jack Marriott. The Hatters were playing balls in the channels looking to turn Orient’s defense the other way and with the willingness of both forwards; it was a useful outlet for the away side.

Orient had their first half chance when Kevin Nolan’s shot was blocked from a corner but the hosts were struggling to create in front of goal. Mackail Smith and Marriot were linking up well in attack and it was the latter who could only drag his shot wide from outside the box

The away side were playing with a midfield diamond which was providing space for Paddy McCourt who was playing just behind the front two. As the half continued, McCourt’s contribution was increasing by the minute with his cute through passes causing Orient problems. Despite Luton’s neat play on the floor, it was route one that broke the deadlock. Mitchell who was making his debut in goal for the Hatters kicked long, Craig Mackail-Smith flicked on. Marriott nipped in ahead of Shaun Brisley and lofted the ball over the top of Ciask to put his side ahead.

Orient were then forced into a change when Shaun Brisley was knocked out by Luton keeper Mitchell, following a free kick. After a lengthy stoppage, Jobi McAnuff replaced Brisley who was sent straight to hospital. Nicky Hunt moved to center half, Sean Clohessy moved to right back with McAnuff slotting into the midfield.

Orient were trying to respond with an equaliser but Ollie Palmer could only head over at the back post from a Sammy Moore cross. Jerome Binnom-Williams was an outlet down the left hand side for Orient and his mazy run beat two Luton defenders however the Palace loanee could only curl an effort at Mitchell.

With the scores level at half time, Orient started the second half brightly with Luton put on the backfoot. However with crosses continually being cleared by former O’s defender Scott Cuthbert who was making his first return to Brisbane Road after his departure in the summer. Orient introduced Armand Gnanduillet in place of Ollie Palmer on the hour mark but it didn’t really give Orient an impetus going forward.

Luton replaced Paddy McCourt with Ruddock as the away side moved to a flat 4-4-2 as they looked to stop Orient’s momentum going forward. Dan Potts was presented with a wonderful chance to double the away sides lead. After neat link up between Mackail Smith and Marriott, the ball fell to Potts on the edge of the area. But the former West Ham trainee could only curl his effort wide.

Orient’s last throw of the dice came when Callum Jahraldo Martin replaced Sammy Moore. Orient had penalty appeals when Jobi McAnuff went down under a challenge but the referee waved away the home sides appeals. Armand Gnanduillet did test Mitchell in the Luton goal after turning well inside the box but his effort went straight at the keeper.

As the final 15 minutes approached Luton looked to hold out for their fourth consecutive victory. Danny Green replaced Jack Marriott as the away side moved to a 4-5-1 formation. With the home side becoming frustrated with the lack of tempo and speed in Orient’s play, it was more like a training session for the visitors. 10 men behind the ball and see if Orient could break you down.

Well the answer was no, Orient’s tempo was too slow and very easy to defend with crosses being cleared time and time again from Scott Cuthbert. The home side had late penalty appeals turn down through Mathieu Baudry and Armand Gnanduillet but it was not going to be Orient’s day and they fell to their third home defeat in last four home games.

After playing so well in the second half at Carlisle, it was always going to be difficult at home to a side in form. Luton and Kevin Nugent had done their homework with their gameplan completed to a tee. Orient have found it hard to pick up wins at home with teams coming to Brisbane Road and coming to take at least a point. The O’s have only taken 10 points from a possible 45 when conceding the first goal. I think most Orient fans knew what the outcome would be after we fell behind.

The pace and tempo of Orient’s play needs to be looked at, when at home and teams are sitting back, you need to attempt to draw them out. The second half proved to be just a training session for Luton with it a 10 men behind the ball and seeing if the opposition can break you down. Send the ball wide and we will clear all of the crosses into the box and that proved to be the difference.

Another game and a mistake costs the O’s once more but the most disappointing thing is in these close games, it is always Orient who give away a mistake. Every game, the emotions change being an O’s fan at the moment, last weekend at home to Crawley would have blinkered people but Crawley were that poor. For anyone at Carlisle in midweek, Orient were very poor in the first half and we were lucky to not be more behind. But the difference in the game was there was space to exploit in the second half when at home Orient did not have that luxury.

Orient need invention in the attacking third at home to cut open defenses or it will be an uphill task to reach the playoffs. With the league so tight the home form of clubs could be imperative to reach the end of season lottery. It is clear where the work on the training ground needs to be done, the question remains do we have a player who can unlock defenses? I’m not sure we do, but Nolan will have to find a away to combat that

Oxford away next weekend in a game which Orient will probably thrive in. Oxford will come on the front foot looking to win the game which should fall straight into Orient’s hands. The O’s are set up to play better away from home but it will have to change if Orient are to make the play offs.

The up and down season for Orient continues, if you like travelling on a bumpy road then make sure you follow Orient. If nothing else it will be a frustrating as hell but midweek trip to Carlisle make it all worth while. See you at Oxford.

Orient striker Jay Simpson ended his brief goal drought in his sides 2-2 draw away at Carlisle on Tuesday. The frontman has netted 23 goals for the East London side and is hoping his side can continue their unbeaten run as they host Luton Town tomorrow.

• Sit 7th on 53 points, a point inside the play offs

Orient struggled to get going in the first half at Brunton Park but substitutions at the break helped the O’s pull in front with goals from Simpson and Ollie Palmer. Speaking to leytonorient.com earlier today Simpson stated ‘the first half we didn’t play well, second half the boys that came on had a good impact. In the second period we got it down more and were doing what the manager asked us to do and started causing them problems’.

• League Record – P34  W14  D11  L9  F51  A47
• Last 10 games – W5  D2  L3  F13  A14  – 6th in the form table
• Home Record – P17  W8  D4  L5  F27  A23
• Home form (most recent home games) – WLLWL

Tomorrow will be Orient’s third game of the week and Simpson knows that recovery will be key for his side, ‘we haven’t done as much work on the training pitch as we have. It is a difficult time and we need time to recover”. He added ‘we had a win at the weekend then went up to Carlisle and got a point, if we can get a win on Saturday it will be a great return from the week”.

• Kept 9 clean sheets – 5 of them at home
• Kept 5 in their last 8 games including one in their last home game vs Crawley
• Have conceded 10 goals in their 5 home games in 2016
• 4 of their 8 home wins have been by a 2 goal margin

Goalscorer Ollie Palmer felt his side were unfortunate not to take all three points on Tuesday. After coming on at half time alongside Sammy Moore, Palmer stated to leytonorient.com ‘everyone stepped it up, the boys put a better shift in and I really think we really should have walked away with the win in the end’. 

• Only failed to score in 3 league matches – 2 of them at home
• Scored in 17 of their last 18 league matches
• Only failed to score in 1 of their last 7 home matches
• There has been at least 1 goal in every Orient league match this season
• Both Teams have scored in 22 of 34 matches and 10 of 17 home matches

The draw extended Orient’s unbeaten run and Palmer knows that ‘it is now three or four games on the road we have not lost. We need to keep winning and if not pick up points, sometimes you have to respect the point‘ The summer signing from Mansfield has been fighting it out with Armand Gnanduillet for the second striker role but was happy about his impact at Carlisle ‘I always want to try and make an impact to show the gaffer what I am capable of”.

• Scored 30 of their 51 goals in the second half including 23 in the final 30 minute of matches
• 15 of their 27 home goals been in the final 30 minutes of matches, no team in division has scored more
• Only 2 of their last 13 goals have been scored in the first half

Player manager Kevin Nolan felt his side fully deserved a point and was left disappointed that they couldn’t pick up three at Carlisle. Speaking ahead of the game tomorrow to leytonorient.com ‘I was pleased with the way we responded and dictated the game in the second half. I thought it was more our bad play rather than their good play in the first but the second we got things right more than we got them wrong’.

• 50% of Orient’s games have seen at least 3 or more goals
• Orient have taken 23 points from possible 27 when leading at half time – W7  D2

Nolan took responsibility on his sides first half performance with ‘poor passing, wrong decisions’ but felt ‘we could have hurt them a lot more and earlier’. Nolan made two changes to his side and revealed that ‘we had a few lads with knocks and a few lads who went down ill but it was a case of shuffling the pack’.

• Record scoring first – W13  D4  L3   home – W7  D1  L1
• Have won their last 5 when scoring first
• Record conceding first – W1  D7  L6   home – W1  D3  L4
• Only won 1 of their last 17 games conceding first

Nolan’s side were followed by 179 away fans at Carlisle with Palmer issuing a massive ‘thank you to all of the fans that came tonight and supported us, we all appreciated it’. Nolan also praised the Orient faithful ‘they have been fantastic since I’ve come in, I am delighted the way they have responded to me. I am really positive with the lads I’ve got here and I have had a fantastic response and I am hoping we can keep working hard together and get success’.

• Record against top half – P17  W4  D8  L5         -38%
• Record against bottom half – P17  W10  D3  L4     –  62%

Luton arrive in E10 on the back of three consecutive league wins under recently appointed manager Nathan Jones. The latest of their wins came in a 1-0 victory over Morecambe thanks to ninth league goal of the season from Jack Marriott. The Hatters are in with an outside shot of the playoffs sitting six points from 7th placed Orient.

• Sit 13th on 47 points

Nathan Jones was appointed back in early January after John Still’s departure and the former Brighton first team coach is seeing his side pick up form ahead of the end of season run in. Jones was happy with his sides performance on Tuesday stated to lutontown.co.uk ‘I put a team out to try and win the game, they dominated and controlled the game doing every single thing I asked of them’

• League Record – P34  W13  D8  L13  F49  A48
• Form last 10 games – W5  D2  L3  F11  A12  – 7th in form table
• Away Record – P17  W8  D3  L6  F28  A25
• Last away games (most recent first) – WLWWL

Jones is passionate and prides himself on hard work, ‘my job is 365 days a year, I am a passionate guy and live on the passion, desire and to do well. I was proud of the boys on how they went about business but we should have been out of sight, we had chances and played fantastically well’. 

• Kept 10 clean sheets , 5 away from home
• Kept 1 clean sheet in their last 4 games
• Kept 5 in their last 11 games but only 1 in their last 5 away games
• 59% of their away games has seen 3 or more goals

Along with Orient, it will be Luton’s third game in a week but Jones knows that it comes with playing English football, ‘the rigger of English league football, I want us to have a team and squad that can handle it, they will be tested and we will see how they respond’. Despite the tightness of the league and the Hatters still in sight of the playoffs, Jones was quick to diminish thoughts on them ‘we speak about Orient and nothing more, any talk on the playoffs would be foolish’

• Failed to score in 8 games- 4 away from home
• Have scored in their last 6 games and their last 4 away matches
• Both teams have scored in 19 of their 34 matches and 10 of their 17 away matches
• But both teams have scored in only 1 of their last 5 games

Goalscorer Marriott felt his side fully deserved the three points on Tuesday and is delighted to be playing. The 21 year old joined the Hatters in the summer after spells out on loan but stated to lutontown.co.uk ‘I am just happy to be playing to be honest, it is always nice to be in the team and scoring goals. Hopefully I can maintain my place in the team’.

• 12 of their 13 wins have been by either a 1 or 2 goal margin
• 8 of their 13 defeats have been by 1 goal
• 2 of their 6 away defeats have been by at least 3 goals

Marriott was sent off in a clash with Orient earlier on in the season in a Johnstone Paint Trophy clash but is relishing the trip to London tomorrow afternoon, ‘I know Orient are there and there about’s with the playoffs and we are hoping we can take three points off them tomorrow’.

• 31 of their 49 goals scored have been in the second half
• Have scored 21 in the final 30 minutes of matches including 13 in the last 15 minutes
• Only conceded 7 away goals in the first half but have conceded 18 in the second half
• Would sit 8th if games ended after 75 minutes
• Only picked up 1 point from possible 15 when losing at half time

Kevin Nugent moved to Luton from Orient after Ian Hendon’s departure and Jones is hoping that the former Orient coach has some inside info on tomorrow’s opposition. Speaking to lutontown.co.uk ‘he worked with the players and hopefully he will know enough about Orient and we won’t get any surprises. 

• Have taken 41 of their 47 points (87%) when scoring the first goal in a match –        W13  D2  L4   – away from home  W8  L2
• Record conceding first – W0  D3  L9   away from home  W0  D1  L4
• Luton have not won any of their last 31 games conceding the first goal
• Have only taken 8 points from a possible 93 when conceding first

Jones is hoping his side put in complete performances from now till the end of the season, ‘we have to do it week in and week out against everybody if we are going to be successful, that is challenge. A complete performance in and out of possession, set pieces for and against’. 

• Record against top half – P18  W5  D5  L8               – 43%
• Record against bottom half – P16  W8  D3  L4       –  57%
• Have not beaten a team higher than 8th placed
• Only taken 4 points from possible 27 against the current top 7

Team News

Leyton Orient were without Armand Gnanduillet and Jobi McAnuff for the trip to Carlisle but Kevin Nolan is hoping to have them available tomorrow. Paul McCallum, Dean Cox and Lloyd James are continuing their rehab from long term injuries.

Nolan on Luton, ‘they are a very good team, set out really well. They have had good wins over the last few weeks, they are playing well with lots of confidence. Winning breeds confidence and I am sure they will come here and want to play’.

Luton have no new injury worries ahead of tomorrow’s trip. Nathan Doyle and Josh McQuoid remain the only absentees.

Jones on Orient ‘Orient are a tough side, I have watched them and are a good side at home. It is going to be a difficult game but we’re in decent form at the minute and we are looking forward to the game’.

Head to Head – Leyton Orient 16, Draw  14,  Luton Town 29

Last meeting – 20/10/15 – Luton Town 1-1 Leyton Orient

• Orient have won 2 of the last 4 meetings
• Their last win at home came in 2008 in a 2-1 win
• Orient have only won 2 of the last 18 meetings between the sides
• Orient have lost 6 of their last 8 games at home to Luton
• 8 of the last 10 meetings have seen both teams score

Prediction – Leyton Orient 2-1 Luton Town

• Continue reading →

Michael Raynes’s header six minutes from time prevented Leyton Orient from making it four consecutive away wins. Macauley Gillesphey’s free kick put the home side into a deserved lead with the Cumbrians unlucky not to be more in front with Alex Cisak prevented Charlie Wyke from adding to the score. Orient looked far from a side challenging for the play offs but a key double change at half time changed the game

Ollie Palmer and Sammy Moore were chucked on as Orient moved to a 4-4-2 formation after lacking attacking intent in the first period. Jay Simpson drew the away side level five minutes after the interval after collecting an Ollie Palmer through ball. Kevin Nolan’s men continued to grow in ascendancy with Moore and Nolan going close. However Palmer put the O’s ahead with a confident finish after good work down the right but it was not the end of the scoring with Carlisle equalising six minutes from time as Michael Raynes rose unchallenged inside the six yard box. Both sides in the end had to settle for a point a piece.

Keith Curle made two changes from the side that beat Morecambe on Saturday, Mark Gillespie came back into the sticks with Dan Hanford dropping out. Luke Joyce came into the midfield with Brandon Comley dropping out after picking up at injury on Saturday.

Kevin Nolan made two changes after his sides 2-0 win over Crawley at the weekend. Callum Jahraldo-Martin came in for the injured Armand Gnanduillet while Jack Payne came into central midfield with Sammy Moore dropping to the bench.

With the conditions difficult for both sides with rain and wind swirling around Brunton Park, it was no surprise that both sides made a slow start to the game. Despite the away side having five men in midfield they were struggling to keep possession as Carlisle looked to dominate. Former O’s striker Jabo Ibehre had a cross shot easily saved by Alex Cisak as the Cumbrians looked to grab the opener.

The O’s lacked any real attacking threat with Nolan’s men continuing to try and hit Jay Simpson with the long ball. The hosts were growing in confidence with Ibehre and Charlie Wyke linking up nicely in attack. Jason Kennedy was brought down on the edge of the box as the away side failed to clear away the danger. Macaulay Gillesphey stepped up and curled beyond Cisak to put the hosts into  deserved lead.

Despite falling behind, Nolan’s men continued to lose possession in midfield, putting pressure onto their defense. Carlisle nearly doubled their lead after Ibehre sent his strike partner Wyke through but Cisak smothered the chance out. The hosts were outplaying Orient and could have gone further ahead but Wyke headed over after Michael Raynes knocked down at the back post following a free kick.

Wyke was replaced by Steven Rigg after picking up an injury but despite Orient flashing a corner across the area; it was still the hosts that looked more likely to score. Ibehre was continuing to find space in attacking areas but his cross shot was saved by Ciask with Rigg unmarked in the center. Jason Kennedy glanced a Alexander McQueen cross beyond the far post as Carlisle ended the first half stronger.

Nolan had got his formation wrong with Jay Simpson looking very isolated in attack so the former West Ham man made a double change. Sammy Moore and Ollie Palmer replaced Jack Payne and Sean Clohessy as the O’s moved to a 4-4-2 formation. The change in the set up gave Orient an instant lift in attacking areas as they looked far more competitive. Nigel Atangana blazed over from inside the six yard box before Simpson drew the away side level. After a neat through ball from Palmer found Simpson, the former Arsenal man jinked past one and finished low beyond Gillespie in the Carlisle goal.

The switch to 4-4-2 put Orient in the driving seat with Sammy Moore going within inches of putting the away side ahead but his fierce volley flew just wide from outside the box. Kevin Nolan continued to search for his 100th league goal after putting two key chances over the bar. However the Carlisle still remained after Halam Hope’s cross evaded everyone inside the box.

With Jay Simpson having a strike partner, Orient looked far more likely to add to their tally with the pair linking up well in attacking areas. Jahraldo Martin was providing a useful outlet on the break and after a good move from the O’s, Nolan cured over from  just outside the box.

With both sides looking to be in the play off mix come the end of the season, the game was being played at a frantic pace. Carlisle still looked very capable of grabbing a second but two wonderful blocks from captain Mathieu Baudry prevented Ibehre and Rigg respectively. Following the blocks, Orient broke quickly and after Ollie Palmer picked the ball up on the right wing, he skipped past Mark Ellis and made his way into the box. Palmer looked up and finished low under Gillespie to send the 179 away fans into delirium in the corner.

Orient began to sit back after going ahead and still looked a threat on the counter attack with the hosts looking to draw level. Jahraldo-Martin, Simpson and Palmer looked a threat but chances went begging for the away side. Baudry blocked brilliantly again after Rigg let fly inside the box however Orient did concede just two minutes later. Carlisle had gained 11 points in the final 15 minutes of matches before last night and made it 12 as Michael Raynes headed home. Following a quick throw on the left, Alex Gillead crossed wonderfully to the unmarked Raynes who headed home from inside the six yard box.

With the game in the final 10 minutes, both sides looked for a winner. Atangana fired over while substitute Derek Asamoh and Jabo Ibehre had shots blocked for the home side. In a pulsating second half, Atangana could have snatched it right at the death but dragged his effort wide as both sides had to settle for a point.

Respect the point, I would have taken one before the game and certainly at half time. Orient were very poor in the first half, lacking any invention in attacking areas with Nolan getting the set up wrong. Yes, we won at Portsmouth playing 4-5-1 however that works when you have pace on the wings and can counter attack. Despite having five men in midfield, Orient struggled for large periods to retrieve and keep possession in the first half.

Is Simpson a lone striker? Well, I am not a footballing expert but Simpson always plays better with a strike partner. Long balls to a forward who is being marked by four men is always going to provide more negatives than positives. Carlisle were nothing special but Orient were allowing them the freedom to play football on the biggest pitch in the league.

Orient should have been further behind at the break following chances for Wyke but the game plan in the first half was to make sure it was only 1-0 at the break. Credit to Nolan he had the bottle to change the formation and personnel at half time and boy did it nearly prove dividends. Sammy Moore is Orient’s most consistent midfielder which surprised most fans with Moore on the bench at the start.

Moore and Ollie Palmer changed the game and must have staked a huge claim to start against Luton on Saturday. 4-4-2 simple isn’t it, well on the second half evidence you would think so. Palmer helped the ball stick in attacking areas and provided a great foil for Jay Simpson. Simpson grabbed the equaliser and the momentum was fully with Orient and they took a deserved lead. Palmer divides opinion but you cannot dispute his work rate and passion for the game. A wonderful piece of skill from Palmer put the away side ahead but the question remained, Would Orient be able to hold out?

In the end they weren’t able to, it was a wonderful cross into the box but the marking was very poor. Orient had chances to win the game and on another day could have had several more but in the end, Respect the point. A tale of two halves and where substitutions changed the game, something you have to give Nolan credit for.

Most people would have taken a point away at Carlisle but the dominance in the second half sent me home with a feeling of, what if. Luton at home on Saturday, a win would make it 10 points from the last 12 available and keep Orient in the play off hunt before a key clash away to Oxford on the 12th March.

It is clear that we have a manager that will make some mistakes but has the ability to change the team when it is not going all to plan. Something which would have not happened under Ian Hendon. Anyway one to tell people in a couple of years, I was there when Ollie Palmer produced that piece of skill. 179 Orient fans made the trip and credit to every single one of them. Why do we do it? Well we were all thinking that at half time but in the end it was well worth the trip.