Football Analyst

Leyton Orient succumbed to their fourth defeat in nine matches as they went down 3-1 away to Hartlepool. The O’s had progressed to the FA Cup second round last weekend against Staines and started as they meant to go on with Bradley Pritchard slotting the away side ahead after 13 minutes. Orient were always in control of the contest until Alan Dunne unexplainably handled a Kudus Oyenuga cross. Oyenuga stepped up and converted from the spot for his second goal in a week.

The away side continued to have the majority of possession but apart from a John Marquis shot, failed to trouble home keeper Trevor Carson. Pool pushed forward in the second half with Crystal Palalce loanee Jake Gray striking home via a deflection to put the hosts ahead with 20 minutes remaining. Orient failed to create any clear openings in the final minutes with Gray striking his second with 3 minutes remaining. The defeat leaves Orient in the final play off place but in very poor form going into a run of key fixtures for manager Ian Hendon

Ronnie Moore made 3 changes to the side that overcame Cheltenham last weekend in the FA Cup; Carl Magnay replaced Rhys Oates who dropped to the bench. Whilst recent loan signings Kal Naismith and Mikael Mantrom both made their debuts after joining from Portsmouth and Sunderland respectively.

Ian Hendon was also forced into three changes ahead of the clash at Victoria Park, Alex Cisak was away on International duty with Austraila with Charlie Grainger in goal. Dean Cox missed out after suffering a cruciate ligament injury last week with John Marquis replacing Orient no 7. Blair Turgott also dropped to the bench was Bradley Pritchard was back available after serving his one match suspension last weekend.

In a low key start, neither side was able to grab a foothold of the game, with troublesome windy conditions, free flowing football was at a premium. First to go close for the visitors was skipper Mathieu Baudry who collected a knock down from a corner but his effort was saved by Trevor Carson. The away side were starting to play their football with Sean Clohessy bombing forward down the right flank to offer an option. Hartlepool struggled to retain possession as Orient pushed for the opener and it did come after 13 minutes.

Lloyd James attempted a lofted through ball to Jay Simpson but it was cut out, Bradley Pritchard collected the loose ball and shot low beyond Trevor Carson to put Orient ahead. The away side had been comfortable with rookie keeper Charlie Grainger untested between the sticks. Then the season so far began to unravel once more in front of the travelling away contingent.

The question remains, how many games will Orient be in complete control then somehow combust to allow the opposition a route back in? Well with Alan Dunne playing a centre half in the absence of Connor Essam, it brings dread amongst the Orient fans. After giving away a penalty at Exeter and Crawley, Dunne inexplicably decided to handled a Kudos Oyenuga cross. A baffling decision by a centre half with so much experience at a higher level; Oyenuga stepped up and sent Grainger the wrong way to level the scores.

Another game, another mistake, the same old story right? Well it continued towards to end of the first half. Orient continued to have large spells of possession without any end product, something which has been a problem in recent weeks despite the 6-1 victory last weekend. Alan Dunne continued to look uncomfortable in defence finding it hard to deal with on loan Sunderland forward Mikael Mandrom. The former Millwall man was lucky to get a free kick after appearing to slip with Mandrom set to bare down on goal.

John Marquis netted his first for Orient against Staines and forced Carson into a smart one handed save 10 minutes before the interval. Hartlepool nearly took the lead 8 minutes before the break, on loan Kal Naismith crossed from right hand side but Scott Fenwick was inches away from connecting at the back post.

Hendon’s men lacked creativity in the final third and without the influential Dean Cox, was their coming to be anyone to step up to the occasion? Well look towards the bench? You could but you will only find 5 youngsters, one a keeper and the other four with no more than 15 league appearances between them. Hendon commented to BBC London on Saturday night that no one wants to drop down to league 2.

The O’s continued to have large periods of play in the second half, Clohessy was again found on the right wing with his cross in the centre causing Hartlepool problems. However both Jay Simpson and Ollie Palmer had their efforts blocked as Pool thawted the away side. Scott Fenwick should have put the home side ahead 8 minutes after the break, from a Kal Naismith corner, the Pool striker headed over from 6 yards out when he should have scored.

Ian Hendon’s men have been on top in many games this year without converting possession to goals. Today was another one of those days, Mathieu Baudry could only head straight at Trevor Carson after he was found unmarked following a Lloyd James cross. The eventful was coming were the words uttered from the away end, it indeed happened with 20 minutes left. Jake Gray was found unmarked on the edge of the area, unleashed a shot which was deflected by Alan Dunne beyond the despairing Charlie Grainger to put Pool ahead.

Hendon remained motionless on the touchline, with the little behind him to change the game, Mandrom headed wide before being replaced but by that time the game was over. Orient attempted to push forward but lacked a cutting edge in the final third with lack of ideas and poor decision making. Pool sensed their opportunity and struck the third, after Lloyd James was caught in possession, the ball was played beyond the O’s midfielder to Jake Gray. Gray approached the edge of the box, striking across goal into the far corner to put the game to bed.

Hendon threw on Blair Turgott and Scott Kashket but the game was over and done with by then. Another defeat for Hendon and an Orient side who have only picked up 11 points from the last 12 games, a poor return considering the budget at Brisbane Road. Is Hendon under pressure? It is hard to say he isn’t, the squad size has been an ongoing talking point since the start of the season but with three key men out, it is hard to see Hendon’s thinking. Sammy Moore was missing due to the birth of his daughter while Alex Cisak was away on International duty, that still only gives Hendon a squad of 18 to pick from.

“No-one wants to drop to League 2” words spoken by Ian Hendon, something I fail to believe with Pool naming Palace loanee Jake Gray and Sunderland loanee Mikael Mandrom in their starting 11. Orient’s squad is paper thin, replacements need to brought in quickly otherwise the downward spiral will continue. Hendon has spoken on numerous occasions about if we need to bring in reinforcements, he has the contacts to do so? We shall see but his loan signings to date have not been fantastic in John Marquis and Adam Chicksen. But the baffling decision with only two fit centre halves was the inability to integrate John Maquire when he joined on loan from Liverpool. One game away to Luton in the JPT was his lot, well he can’t be any worse than Alan Dunne on current form.

Only 1 clean sheet in 14 matches, says it all really, we are always susceptible to conceding but at the moment we find it hard to create going forward. Take away the 6 scored against Staines last week, the O’s have scored 13 in the last 9 games, something which has to be more if we are to be so poor defensively. Charlie Grainger made only his 2^nd league start today but was given no protection in front of him, he had no chance with all three goals.

Hendon has work to do on the training ground, Orient fans made the long trip on a Sunday lunchtime, spending hard earned money on hotels for the night, train tickets and be served up with that after controlling the first 20 minutes. We have all seen how fire happy Bechetti can be? Doe Hendon have much longer? Well, we saw what happened last year, Orient need numbers in the squad and fast. With Cox out for 6 months, a creative replacement needs to be found. A tough run of games will set out the rest of the season, 2 home matches against York and Wimbledon sandwiched around a Tuesday night trip to league leaders Plymouth.

York up next, a win is a must with a clean sheet but how likely is that? A weekend away with an Orient loss is never good but it is always at the back of your mind before you go. A Tuesday in 9 days time in Plymouth could see the same but who else would you follow home and away than, Leyton Orient. Win or lose support the team. Everyone has a different opinion but the end goal is support the team. See you all at Plymouth.

Leyton Orient midfielder Bradley Pritchard is hoping his side can build on their 6-1 victory over Staines Town in the FA Cup last weekend. Pritchard missed out on the win after serving his one match suspension but is set to return to the squad ahead of tomorrow’s televised trip to Hartlepool.

Speaking to leytonorient.com yesterday, the midfielder stated“the boys did really well, it was good for the confidence and for a couple of the boys to get on the score sheet. We put in a performance that is something we can build on”. Orient have struggled after a fine start to the season, with last week’s win only their third since the end of August. But Pritchard was happy that how his teammates showed professionalism to progress to the second round of the cup, “It didn’t really matter about Staines or their position, it was more a case of being professional about it and doing it the right way”.

Ollie Palmer struck twice in the victory over Staines, with his first goals in 18 matches since he struck against Stevenage in mid August. Palmer spoke after the victory to leytonorient.com “It was about time to get a couple of goals, it felt good to get them early on and probably help settle the team down”. Palmer made the summer switch to E10 from Mansfield and has found a frustrating period in front of goal. But is now looking to push on “as a forward it is what you want to be doing, I have been a bit unfortunate of late but I am glad to get off the mark now and want to take it in to Hartlepool away”.

Despite the comprehensive result, Palmer revealed that his manager, Ian Hendon was far from happy about his side conceding against the Ryman Premier side. Palmer stated “At times, we were a bit sloppy, gaffer was not happy that we still conceded a goal, that’s football, came away with a 6-1 win, a clear result and got to be happy with that”.

• Only kept 4 clean sheets in the league this season – only kept 1 in the last 13 matches in all competitions
• Kept 3 in the first 4 matches of the season

Ian Hendon was happy with how his players started the game last weekend with the O’s netting three times in the first 13 minutes to put the game to bed early on. Speaking post match to leytonorient.com “It was always going to be tough, these games are not easy but got to say credit to the players, they came out and started the game well, put on a good performance and the main thing through to the next round”. Hendon thought his side could have scored even more “we should have had more, we had some good chances in the 2^nd half to finish the game off”.

Hendon would have been happy with Pamer netting a couple of goals alongside John Marquis scoring his first from the club. Freddy Moncur and Scott Kashet also played their part with good involvement in the second half with Kashket assisting Marquis’s goal. Both had good involvement however Jack Payne was replaced with an injury with Hendon revealing “we are looking to add to the squad, I had a meeting with the president and we discussed it”.

Key Stats

• Orient only lost 1 of their last 5 away games – drawing 3, 1-1
• Scored 16 goals in the second half on matches – including 14 in last 30 minutes
• Orient have gained 8 points in last 30 minutes of matches and would sit 17^th if games ended after 60 minutes
• Orient have conceded 6 of their 13 goals away from home between minutes 31-45
• Only failed to score in 2 games this season
• Record when scoring 1^st – W7 L1 – away W3, L1
• Record when conceding first – D5, L3 – away D3, L1
• Form in last 8 games – W2, D3, L3 F11 A11

Hartlepool picked up their first win in four matches after progressing to round 2 of the FA Cup after a 1-0 victory over Cheltenham last weekend. Pool sit 19^th in league 2 with only 17 points from 16 games and face a testing run of fixtures. Ahead of the visit of Orient tomorrow, Ronnie Moore’s side face 6 of the top 7 in their next 6 leagues matches and a tough trip to Salford City in round 2 of the cup.

Moore spoke after the Cheltenham victory to hartlepoolunited.com “it was one of them, we never got going from start to finish, we have played a lot better and lost games. Take the win which is the most important thing, sometimes not how you play but we got lucky today”. Moore added “you know this maybe the kick up the backside they need to get us going in league games. We have killed not winning at home but that was a long 90 minutes”.

• Home Record – P8, W2, D2, L4 F8 A13
• Form in last 8 – W2, D1, L5, F7, A 15
• Picked up first home win in 9 matches in all competitions
• Picked up 6 of their 8 home points in first two home games of season
• Since victory over Newport on 18^th August, Pool only taken 2 points from last 18 available at home

Despite the victory Moore was far from happy with his side in possession, “we have to keep the ball, take the game to the opposition, we sat back. I don’t know how we are in the draw but we need to make sure we kick on, there is still a lot of work to do, we know that but for some reason we are a bag of nerves here”.

Moore’s side host Leyton Orient tomorrow lunchtime with both looking to build on victories last weekend. Moore spoke yesterday to hartlepoolunited.com “it is a great honour to be on the TV, what we have to do now is play, our form hasn’t been brilliant but it is an ideal opportunity to now put that right against a very good Orient team”.  Moore understands the importance of his side’s form improving with key games in the coming weeks “It is a massive month for us to be fair, 6 out of the top 7 coming up, as a footballer the games you want, there is quite a lot happening in the next month”.

Ronnie Moore kept Pool up last season in what could be described as a miracle escape but has found it hard this time around. Moore’s side have only won twice in the last 8 league matches, sitting 8 points above the relegation zone. The Hartlepool manager has added to his squad ahead of tomorrow with Mikael Mandrom joining on loan from Sunderland and Kal Naismith joining on loan from Portsmouth this week. Moore spoke about “the new faces help the squad, bench now becomes stronger, sometimes the road you have to go down, we have given the players here enough opportunities and it hasn’t happened”.

Key Stats

• Kept 4 clean sheets – 2 in their last 5 games
• Failed to score in 5 games – 2 of those at home
• Billy Paynter top scorer with 7 goals – 1 in his last 4 matches
• In fact Paynter has been involved in 9 of their 15 goals (60%)
• Record when they have scored first – W4, D1, L1 – at home W1, D1, L1
• Conceded first – W1, L8 – at home L3
• Pool have conceded 13 goals at home – 11 in the second half and 5 in minutes 76-90

Team News

Moore can include Carl Magnay who is back following his suspension last week while Scott Harrison has overcome a hamstring problem. Both Kal Naismith and Mikael Mandram were registered in time for tomorrow’s game and both trained this morning.

Moore understands the threat that Orient could pose at Victoria Road tomorrow “They are a bit like ourselves, have a new manager in there and are exciting going forward. Cox is the main one that people know but they have Palmer and Simpson. The back is strong and built on experience, we know it is going to be a real tough game” He added “if we don’t play to our best, we will get beat so it is important that we turn up and make it a competition. We need to show everyone how Hartlepool can play”

Orient boss Ian Hendon can include Bradley Pritchard who served a one match suspension last week but Jack Payne remains a doubt following an injury picked up against Staines. Alex Cisak misses out as he is away on International duty with Austrailia so Charlie Grainger is set to deputise while Connor Essam and Paul McCallum remain sidelined with injury.

Hendon revealed this lunchtime that Dean Cox has suffered cruciate ligament damage to his right knee and will be sidelined for 6 months. Hendon spoke to leytonorient.com “we are all gutted for Dean, he is going to be a massive loss for us as he has been back to his best in recent games”

• Cox has been involved in 10 goals this term – scoring 3 and assisting 7

Hendon stated after the victory over Staines “we had a look at them, we put out a team which we thought would perform and cause them problems. We will look at Hartlepool aswell and do the same, however we play, there is a purpose in what we do”

Head to Head – Hartlepool 17, Draw 9, Leyton Orient 18

Last Meeting – 16/02/2013 – Hartlepool 2-1 Leyton Orient

• Orient have won 1 of last 4 meetings – a 1-0 victory at home in 2012
• Won 2 of their last 5 trips to Hartlepool – both 1-0

Prediction: Hartlepool 1-2 Leyton Orient

A comphrehensive 6-1 win for Leyton Orient saw the League 2 side see off Ryman Premier side Staines Town. 3 goals in the first 13 minutes killed off the tie early but former O’s defender Darren Purse did lob in against his former club to give Staines an ounce of hope. However Dean Cox curled in a free kick to make it 4-1 at the break. Staines gave it a go in the second half but Orient wrapped it up in the final minutes through John Marquis and Sean Clohessy.

Orient manager Ian Hendon wanted a reaction from his side after a disappointing 1-0 defeat to Accrington last weekend. He made 5 changes with Dean Cox, Frazer Shaw, Lloyd James, Blair Turgott and Alan Dunne coming in. Staines who play in the Ryman Premier League were without a win since beating Gloucester City in the previous round included former O’s defender Darren Purse and their top scorer Pat Cox.

Orient Formation

Staines Formation

In a scrappy start, neither side were getting a foothold on the ball due to the tricky conditions but it was Orient who struck first blood. The East London side have struggled in recent weeks to grab an early goal but today was different. After a flowing move, Dean Cox found an advancing Frazer Shaw down the left. The former West Ham trainee’s first cross was blocked but his second cross found the head of Ollie Palmer who could hardly miss from 3 yards out (well you say that). The O’s striker celebrated with a point to his watch, a celebration which seemed to see relief strike around Brisbane Road.

The goal settled down the home side immediately as they were looking to prevent an FA Cup shock. Staines were struggling to find their feet going forward and were finding it hard to deal with the advancing Frazer Shaw. It was Shaw who provided Orient’s second, Jack Payne found space in the center and sent a through ball to Shaw. Shaw advanced, seeing Dean Cox’s pull out to the edge of the box, Shaw’s cross found Cox who angled his finish in to the bottom corner.

Staines looked shell shocked and as soon as they kicked off after the second they were three behind. Blair Turgott nicked the ball, taking a long range effort on goal but visiting keeper Jack Turner could only palm in to the path of Ollie Palmer who netted his second of the day, to pretty much kill of the tie.

With Orient 3-0 ahead, Hendon’s men sat a little deeper allowing Staines more space to go forward. Both visiting wingers were having some joy with Luke Wanadio the outlet ball on the left flank for Staines. It was Wanadio who nearly created Staines first goal, he was allowed space on the left hand flank. His in-swinging cross evaded everybody with Ashley Lodge inches away from tapping in a the back post.

Then came the most disappointing part of the afternoon, Orient have only kept one clean sheet since August and today was no different. After a corner was poorly dealt with by Alex Cisak, it bounced out of the box but a Staines man headed it back into the danger area. Cisak punched poorly for the  second time to Darren Purse and the former O’s defender looped his effort in to give Staines hope once more.

However, the glimmer of hope only lasted for 8 minutes when Dean Cox curled in a wonderful free kick. After scoring one away at Dagenham and Northampton, there was only one man who was going to take the free kick and once more Cox curled in.

With Dean Cox and Ollie Palmer both netting braces, Jay Simpson was looking to add his 11 goals this season. First he went close after he turned and swiveled on the edge of the box but Turner saved comfortably before Orient’s striker struck over from edge of the box. Cox nearly completed his hat trick with another fine move down the left, Simpson played in Cox but Lloyd James nicked the ball from Cox. James back-heeled to Cox however Turner was equal to Cox’s effort.

The break of half time didn’t seemed to stop the home side attacking for more goals. Dean Cox who returned to the starting 11 after being left out in recent weeks nearly created Orient’s fifth. Orient’s number 7, weaved his way down the left, crossing for Lloyd James but somehow James headed well wide of the target from 6 yards. Palmer who netted in his first game since 18th August was inches away from grabbing his hat trick, after Simpson laid off to his strike partner, Palmer collected the ball. The former Mansfield man, set his sights but Turner once again palmed away the ball for a corner.

Staines were still finding it hard to contain Orient who saw Simpson and Turgott have efforts saved by Turner. Hendon brought on two youngsters Scott Kashket and Freddy Moncur for Jack Payne and Jay Simpson. Both impressed after their introduction to the game with Kashket creating Orient’s fifth in the dying minutes. Kashket played a neat one two with Cox, he collected the ball playing a through ball to another substitute, John Marquis. Marquis touched forward and slotted home for his first goal for Orient after his loan move from Millwall.

Orient completed the scoring in added time, Sean Clohessy advanced forward on the right flank and curled above Jack Turner to send Orient into round 2. A routine win for Ian Hendon’s men which was made easier with their 3 goals in the opening 13 minutes. Staines rarely troubled Orient’s defensively however the failure of a clean sheet will be really be infuriating to Hendon. Another poor mistake punished, currently Orient seem to be playing with the motto, “if you score one, we will score 2”.

“Get a win under our belt” said Clohessy pre match and despite being against a team 80 places lower, a win is a win. With Palmer and Cox both netting braces, it should give them confidence ahead of next weeks trip to Hartlepool. The issue that is constantly being raised is the squad size which with Connor Essam and Paul McCallum is being challenge. With Jack Payne forced off with injury yesterday, the size of the squad is once again being challenged. Hendon called for more players ahead of next week, but Freddy Moncur and Scott Kashket staked their claim.

The most pleasing performance yesterday was from MOTM Frazer Shaw. After losing his place to Adam Chicksen, he has been forced to sit on the bench. However after Adam Chicksen’s poor performance last week and him being sent back to Brighton: Shaw staked his claim. A real solid display from Shaw and looked a real threat going forward. Yes, I know, against Staines some of you will be saying but after having a hard time before he was dropped, Shaw seems to have relished his chance. I for one am really pleased for Frazer who I felt was harshly treated earlier in the season but after yesterday’s performance he really showed everybody how good he is.

A win under the belt but defensive problems clear to see. The tests will come in the next three league games with York City at home and tough trip to Hartlepool and Plymouth. Orient will find out what they are made off in those games but it is clear Hendon needs to add to his squad before hand. Well after how poor last week’s performance, it was nice to see Orient score some goals but the truth is Orient will take any win to make round 3.

It could have been a shock but Orient were professional, onwards and upwards to Hartlepool next week on a Sunday. Yes, cheers Sky for the extra money forked out for the trip, let’s hope it is worth it.

Leyton Orient manager Ian Hendon insists his side are fully focused ahead of a potential FA Cup shock tomorrow as they host Staines Town. Orient lost 1-0 at home to Accrington Stanley last weekend with Hendon slamming his sides performance stating to leytonorient.com “Disappointed is the biggest understatement, that is just not acceptable“. 

Speaking earlier today Hendon highlighted “that the key when you come off the back of a bad performance is the next game and this game cannot come quick enough for us”. Orient have been stuttering after a fine start to the season, picking up just 11 points from the last 11 games but Hendon knows that tomorrow “is a break from the league and our sole focus is to make sure that we come out on top and are in the draw for the second round”.

• Last 11 games: 2 Wins, 5 Draws, 4 Defeats
• Form (Last 6 games): LWDDLW
• Only won 1 of last 5 games at home – 5 points from last 15 available
• Last weekend was only the second time Orient failed to score in 18 matches in all competitions this season
• Only kept 1 clean sheet in last 12 matches
• Conceded 1st in 8 out of the last 11 matches – picking up just 5 points from those 8 games
• Won 7 out of 8 matches they have scored first
• Only failed to reach round 2 in 1 of last 5 seasons (2014/2015)
• Reached the 3rd round in 3 out of the last 5 seasons – longest recent run came in 2011 when Orient reached Round 5

O’s defender Sean Clohessy understands that Orient have been up and down in recent weeks but sees the FA Cup as a distraction to get Orient back  to winning ways. Speaking to leytonorient.com he stated “we have been stuttering of late, we have been playing well in most games, just haven’t really got the results. We need to start putting things together as we can’t keep saying playing well but not getting the results. It gives us an opportunity to get a win under our belt”. 

Clohessy played an early part of his career in the non league and appreciates the work Staines completed in order to reach the 1st Round, “they have done well to get here, it will be a big occasion for them, I have been down in non-league and when you come up against league teams, it is a massive occasion, they are going to be raring to got”. Despite there being 80 league places between the sides, Orient’s right back knows that his  side must make sure “we are professional, get an early goal to settle ourselves and the game down, once that happens we can control the game”.

Staines Town are managed by former Brighton Striker Nicky Forster and also have former O’s defender Darren Purse in their ranks. Ian Hendon is relishing facing Forster once more, “Nicky and Darren are experienced people to have in their set up, Nicky enjoyed an illustrious career and was a good lad to play against so we are looking forward to locking horns once more” Leytonorient.com

With the FA Cup most known for non league teams shocking professional outfits, Hendon warned his side of the test that awaits them tomorrow “It will be their Cup Final and anyone coming to our stadium on our pitch will get inspired to play there. We have watched them and it is going to be difficult like everybody is” leytonorient.com

Staines Town lie 18th in the Ryman Premier Division, reaching the first round after beating Gloucester City 2-1 in the final qualifying round thanks to 2 goals from Pat Cox. It is only the sixth time in their history that they have reached the First Round proper stage. Manager Nicky Forster spoke to BBC London earlier this week stating “I still think it is a special day, I still think that pitting non-league sides against professional teams is great, I used to love as a pro playing against non-league sides”

Forster enjoyed a fruitful career and played at Brisbane Road on many occasions, more times than not on the winning side, “I like the place, I have been there as a player and enjoyed it. I have been successful there, scored there and won there. It feels like a nice place to play, nice ground and playing surface which will give us an opportunity to try and play; hopefully giving a good account of ourselves”.

• Picked up 22 points  from 15 league matches – winning 6
• Away League record – W4, D3, L3
• Collected 68% of points away from home – 15 of their 22
• Lost 3 out of their last 4 games – last win came against Gloucester City 2-1
• Pat Cox is top scorer with 19 in all competitions – 9 in the league – including 3 in his last 3 matches

Orient have won their last 5 games against non league opposition but Forster stated that “It is the FA Cup, little ounce of hope we have got, our boys are no fools, they are good players in their own right and have worked tremendously hard to get here and they deserve to be here”. Forster added “They really should be fitter, stronger, techincally better and better drilled but we have told them to enjoy it, if we play to the best of our ability we will give them a good game” BBC London

Team News

Orient be without Bradley Pritchard who is suspended after picking up his fifth booking of the season last weekend. Connor Essam is missing after picking up a foot injury in the defeat to Accrington and is set to be missing for 6-8 weeks. Paul McCallum is the only other absentee for Orient as Jack Payne and John Marquis available after being given permission to play by their parent clubs. Harry Lee is also available after being recalled from his loan spell at Welling.

Darren Purse is set to face his former sides while Joe O’Cearuill is a major doubt with a leg injury but Mitchal Gough and Ashley Lodge are both fit. Prince M’Bengui misssing out through suspension.

Prediction

Leyton Orient 3-1 Staines Town

Nicky Forster side will provide a scare for Orient in the early stages but I think (hoping) that Orient have enough to progress to round 2.

A Halloween horror show as Leyton Orient succumbed to their second home defeat off the season. Josh Windass slotted home his eighth of the season for Accrington who moved to fourth after their win in the Capital, continuing to impress with the free flowing football. Ian Hendon slammed his players post match, speaking to leytonorient.com he described the performance as “unacceptable” but the O’s will need to bounce back next week to avoid a potential FA Cup shock against Staines Town.

Orient named an unchanged side ahead of the visit of Stanley looking to build on their 1-0 away win at Morecambe last weekend. Dean Cox was brought back into the squad and was named on the bench as Blair Turgott missed out through illness. Stanley made only  1 change after their first win in three games last week against Dagenham, Dean Winnard came back into the side as Adam Buxton missed out.

Starting Formation

Stanley Formation

After picking up 4 points from the last 6 available, Orient started brightly looking to get on the front foot in the early stages. Orient enjoyed the majority of the early possession with Stanley looking to break.

It was the away side who had the first real chance of note after nine minutes. Piero Mingoia was given far too much space on the right flank, he drove towards the edge of the box but his cross to the back post was volleyed across goal and wide by Sean McConville. Orient seemed to kick into gear following their close shave, following a corner the ball found Jack Payne on the right flank. He whipped in a delicious curling cross which Connor Essam headed down but only onto the bar. Ollie Palmer’s rebound effort was saved before Jay Simpson inadvertently blocked his second.

The home side were knocking on the Stanley door with Orient searching for Ollie Palmer’s head and to get to his knock downs. John Marquis was next to go close after his volley was pushed round the post by Jason Mooney after Palmer had knocked down for the on loan Millwall striker. With Ian Hendon adopting for a 4-3-3 formation, Orient lacked a man in midfield which allowed Stanley to grow into the contest.

After weathering the opening 20 minutes, Stanley began to grow in confidence and were urged to go forward by manage John Coleman. The away side began to press Orient higher up the pitch and were forcing mistakes from their hosts. Josh Windass who had netted 7 goals already this term saw a free kick narrowly fly over the bar as Stanley looked more confident. Orient did however go close themselves when Marquis broke down the right hand side, he crossed for Bradley Pritchard who made a dart to the near post but his header was glanced across goal.

Billy Kee was proving a real outlet for Stanley with his hold up and link up play very good and it was Kee who set up the opening goal. Jack Payne was caught slightly out of position, Kee dropped into the hole between midfield and attack, he turned on the ball playing in Josh Windass who broke from deep. Adam Chicksen played Windass onside and Stanley’s top scorer made no mistake calmly slotting home.

Despite falling behind the pattern of the game continued with Stanley in the ascendancy, playing some lovely football. Their two wingers Piero Mingoia and Sean McConville were afforded far to much room on the flanks, providing real danger for Orient. The home crowd were getting restless with their side getting outplayed by Stanley but they were fully justified of their lead.

Dean Cox was left out of Orient’s squad last weekend at Morecambe but Ian Hendon wasted no time in all on chucking him into action after just 30 minutes. John Marquis was hauled off but make no mistake about Hendon could have replaced anyone of the midfielders as no one in a red shirt was playing well. Orient moved from their starting 4-3-3 formation to their more conventional 4-4-2 diamond with Cox returning to his spot at the top behind the two front men.

Orient Diamond

Despite being dominated for the second part of the first half, Orient really should have gone in level. Sammy Moore broke down the right, his cross to the back post was missed by Brad Halliday. Ollie Palmer however did not anticipate this as the ball skated away for a throw in, something you must do a forward. Stanley provided the last chance of the half and could have doubled their advantage, after a period of good possession for the away side, Seamus Conneely had a strike from outside the box which Alex Cisak could only fumble. However disappointingly for the 139 travelling Stanley fans, Sean McConville could only poke the rebound over.

Orient continued with the midfield diamond after the break, Ollie Palmer and Jay Simpson linking well on the edge of the box but Palmer was unable to net his first goal since August as he prodded wide. Stanley continued to impress with Billy Kee having the better of both Orient center halves, Sean McConville and Josh Windass were driving beyond Kee and having joy.

Stanley’s wingers were the outlet ball all second half as they were awarded time, space and freedom on the ball, something which many are asking Orient to play with. Mingoia broke down the right but his deep cross was headed over by McConville at the back post. Billy Kee went close to a deserved goal but Alex Cisak had to tip around the post after Windass tried to return the favor. Sean McConville also saw an effort curl narrowly wide as Orient struggled to breakdown a resolute Stanley.

Hendon threw on Lloyd James after an hour as Orient moved to their third formation of the day but James seemed to have been on the same planet as the rest of his team mates. Orient looked adrift of ideas in attacking areas as Stanley keeper Jason Mooney remained untroubled and without making a save. Dean Cox drove wide and Ollie Palmer headed over but Stanley were by far the better side on the day and fully deserved their three points.

Well, what happened there then. Terrible defending, not learning your lessons and being poor in attacking areas. Hendon slammed his players for not listening to instructions, Josh Windass is known for his deep runs from midfield, running off Billy Kee’s flicks forward, something which Ian Hendon pointed out to his players. However, Orient’s defence went AWOL once more, Jack Payne was caught out of position, Kee dropped deep and played in Windass, simple stuff.

2 wins from the start of September is very poor, however it has been nothing more than “work in progress” since the calamity of last year. Orient’s squad is not big enough, everybody knows that, with Blair Turgott missing through injury, there was no different way of playing than a narrow midfield with Bradley Pritchard on the wing. All Orient fans know, you can’t play him there but when you have no other option, what do you do?

Stanley showed exactly the way to play away from home, absorb the pressure early on, on another day they could have been behind. But there was only one winner after the 20th minute, it is amazing what threat you can have with pace in your team and runners from deep isn’t it. As bad as Orient did play, credit must go to Stanley who have one of the lowest budgets in the league who are riding high in 4th. Billy Kee and Josh Windass ran Orient ragged in attacking areas and could have scored more on the day.

Overreactions always happen after a defeat, it is expected, you have the right to express your opinion if you go to a game. From last weekend’s trip to Morecambe, the defensive facilities were highlighted but not punished, there is a lot of work to be done on the training ground this week. Competition for places is needed in defence with neither Baudry or Essam playing well, is Baudry captain material? Well that is up to Ian Hendon but went the team is losing is Baudry the right man to galvanize the side?

For those people critisicing Fraser Shaw in the early weeks of the season for not getting forward and his defending not great on occasions have to look at Adam Chicksen. Is Chicken better than Shaw? On yesterday’s evidence no. Food for thought for Ian Hendon but with a potential upset in the offering with Staines next weekend and tough trips to Plymouth and Hartlepool, it could be a decisive part of the season in the coming weeks.

Will their be a reaction next weekend, hopefully their will but the true test will be in the next league match away to Hartlepool on Sky. I will be there but question is will Orient turn up…..

Jack Payne’s freak goal sealed Leyton Orient’s first win in 4 games. Payne followed in a Morecambe clearance just before the half hour mark, with his effort flying underneath home keeper Barry Roche. Orient failed to test Roche in the second half but had to be thankful to their own keeper Alex Ciask who saved well from Aaron Wildig and Tom Barkhuizen in the second half. The win keeps Orient in 6th but with the league tightening, they sit just 2 points from second spot.

Morecambe who came into the game on the back of four consecutive wins made one enforced change; Paul Mullin replaced the injured Shaun Miller in attack. Orient named an unchanged side following their 1-1 away draw at Luton on Tuesday night with Ollie Palmer overcoming a late fitness test. Dean Cox was left out of the matchday squad despite travelling.

Morecambe Starting Formation

Orient’s Starting Formation

Morecambe who were the league’s top scorers after netting 11 goals in their last 3 matches started slowly with Orient having the majority of the possession. It was the Shrimps who had the first half chance of the game though with home center back Ryan Edwards heading wide at the back post following a corner.

Orient lined up in their conventional midfield diamond but lacked width and remained very narrow in midfield. Full backs Adam Chicksen and Sean Clohessy had license to go forward but seemed reluctant in the opening exchanges. With Orient narrow in midfield, the home side were trying to overload the right hand side. Alan Goodhall broke through the middle playing Jamie Devitt in on the right hand side but his cross was blocked for a corner.

The O’s were finding it difficult in attacking areas with the final ball lacking. At times, the away side lacked options as they reached the final third and resorted to long ball to Ollie Palmer on numerous occasions. Tom Barkhuizen and Shaun Beeley were continuing to link up well down the right hand side for the hosts with Barkhuizen’s cross headed over at the post by Devitt.

Jack Payne, who had regained his place back in the side after being dropped against Oxford last week was once again the engine room in the midfield. The former Peterborough captain was trying to dictate play for Orient and in freak fashion he grabbed his first goal for Orient. After the ball broke on the edge of the Morecambe box to Payne, his through ball to John Marquis was intercepted. Payne threw himself into a challenge with the deflection flying underneath Barry Roche to give the O’ the lead. The bit of luck O’s manager Ian Hendon had insisted will come and it duly did with a freak goal for Payne.

Despite Morecambe’s attacking threat, they also had the joint worse defensive record in the division conceding 27 goals. It was clear to see why at times, pushing a lot of men forward leaving them exposed to a break away if they were caught in possession. It was here where Orient nearly doubled their advantage, after pressure in midfield, Ollie Palmer nicked the ball. Palmer’s through ball found Bradley Pricthard in the right channel, Pritcthard crossed looking for Jay Simpson in the center but his effort clipped the bar.

The away side held the lead at the break but nearly blew it just a minute after the restart. Paul Mullin was played in behind the O’s backline but his shot was scuffed wide. Hendon’s men looked to add to their margin with Clohessy and Pritchard linking up down the right. Pricthard crossed to Palmer at the back post with his header back across goal inches from the foot of Jay Simpson who would have been left with a tap in. Simpson who is the league’s top goalscorer with 11 goals nearly made it 12 as he swiveled on the edge of the box however his left foot shot curled wide of the post.

Morecambe brought on Aaron Wildig for Alan Goodhall as they searched for the equalizer. Jamie Devitt dragged a shot wide but Orient looked far for certain at the back. Hendon replaced John Marquis with Lloyd Jame as Orient moved to a 4-1-3-2 formation with Jacj Payne continuing in a deeper midfield role with James, Moore and Pritchard slightly further forward.

Orient’s change in formation

Payne continued to impress for the O’s and it was his ball to Pritchard which made the next chance. Pricthard played Clohessy in, the full back’s cross found Palmer at the back post, he knocked down to Simpson however his attempted effort was blocked. Morecambe threw on Lee Molyneux and Jack Kellner as they looked to force an equalizer with Orient still looking vulnerable in defensive areas.

Hendon’s side were without a clean sheet in 10 games and began to sit deeper and deeper. Connor Essam and Mathieu Baudry looked far from comfortable dealing with the aerial balls forward and the tricky conditions which was concerning the away contingent. All Orient needed was a second that would have killed the game and Lloyd James was doing his best. He won the ball in the midfield and advanced forward, he laid off to Palmer but a defender nipped in as he was about to shoot. As the game ticked down, Morecambe continued to throw lots of men forward with Ciask saving well from Aaron Wildig and Tom Barkhuizen. Orient’s defence as times appeared to be on a “suicide mission” in the dying minutes as they lost the ability to retain possession.

But Orient did grab the precious 3 points with a clean sheet which was the most important thing. The O’s were without one since 29th August and picked up only their fourth of the campaign. The clean sheet will do the world of good to the team as a whole however Orient looked far from comfortable at the back. Defensive frailties have been a part of Orient’s game recently but mistakes were not punished with Alex Ciask keeping his sides lead in tact when called upon.

Jack Payne continues to impress in the midfield, pulling the strings once more highlighting why Ian Hendon was so adamant on bringing in him in the summer. His desire and influence appears to calm Orient at times with his captain’s instincts beginning to shine in the team. Despite being one of the last men in the squad, Payne is far from frightened to get his team mates going. he deserved his goal after his recent performances and on current form is the first man on the team sheet at the moment.

The “Cox issue” remains far from clear with the winger left out of the squad despite travelling to the game. A decision which baffled most of the 398 away contingent with Cox sitting with us for most of the game. Is there something beyond the surface between Hendon and Cox? Well, we may not know but Hendon has made it public that he wants a reaction in training from Cox. Hendon was somewhat vindicated with his decision as Orient picked up the victory but the issue needs to be cleared up quickly. Cox has not been great in recent weeks but the number 7 has the ability to change any game.

A win is a win, no matter how it comes and on yesterday’s evidence the luck and rub of the green has changed. In a difficult game with limited chances it was settled with a Payne’s deflection. It could have gone absolutely any where but fortunately for Orient it flew in and gave them 3 points. A great away day and what supporting Orient is all about. Accrington at home next Saturday, it will be another difficult game with Stanley one of the surprise packages in the league this season.

We only sit 2 points from 2nd spot and the phrase “anybody can beat anyone” was again on evidence this week. Oxford beat league leaders Plymouth on Tuesday night but lost at home to Barnet yesterday highlighting that no game is easy in the division. Only 3 points separates Portsmouth in second spot and Accrington in seventh. The league is very tight but hopefully yesterday’s victory can put Orient on another run of wins. It is never dull being an O’s fan but more of a pleasure… well

Leyton Orient manager Ian Hendon was pleased with his sides battling qualities once more as Orient fought back to a 1-1 draw with Luton Town on Tuesday. Orient have now fell behind in 8 of their last 10 games with Hendon revealing to leytonorient.com “that we shouldn’t have to keep battling back in games”

Speaking ahead of a tough trip north to face Morecambe tomorrow, Hendon stated “We need to turn draws into wins. We go and try to win every game”. Hendon’s men only have 1 win in their last 10 games with defensive frailties costing them recently. Hendon revealed his frustration on the goals conceded “Every mistake is unfortunately costing us so we need to eradicate them from our game”.

Orient do have the League’s top scorer in Jay Simpson who took his tally to 11 in 14 games after netting the equalizer at Kenilworth Road on Tuesday with Hendon revealing that the former Arsenal and Hull forward is in “the form of his life”. Simpson had a injury hit time last season but revealed after the Luton match to leytonorient.com that “in this team players are going to create chances, some times strikers wonder where the next one is coming from but if you miss one, you need to stay alert as there is another one coming”

Despite Orient’s recent inconsistent form, Simpson insists that everyone at the club is pushing in the right direction, “We all want to win, we are all desperate to win, no-one will give up and we are all pulling in the right direction”. With only 8 points from the last 24 available, Simpson knows that “we are only 14 games in, we have only lost three, we have had a lot of draws, we have to turn draws into wins in the future”.

Orient face Morecambe tomorrow who sit level on points and a place below the O’s but Simpson knows exactly where Orient want to be come May, “there is a long way to go, come May we want to be in the top 3, we need to stick with the pack but I don’t think we are in a bad position”. Both sides sit just four points off the automatic positions as they battle tomorrow which puts the league’s two highest scorers together.

Hendon highlighted the threat that Morecambe will possess tomorrow, speaking ahead of the clash tomorrow to leytonorient.com “we are up against the top goalscorers in the league and know it will be tough but we will prepare and get ourselves ready for the game”. Orient have not won on the road since a 3-2 win at Newport back in mid August but Simpson highlighted their intent tomorrow “we will go up there hoping to come back with the 3 points, we are going to put the work in and we are going up there to bring back the points”.

• Orient’s away record W2, D3, L2
• There has been at least 2 goals  in every league match involving Orient this season
• Orient have not won when they conceded first – D5, L2
• Orient have failed to keep a clean sheet in last 10 games in all competitions
• Orient have taken 18 of their 23 point when they have scored first

Morecambe go into tomorrow’s clash after picking up their fourth consecutive win in all competitions as they beat Crawley 3-1 on Tuesday night. Morecambe have been somewhat of a surprise package in League 2 this season and have been free scoring throughout the campaign. The Shrimps have hit 31 goals in 14 games this season – including 11 in the least three league matches.

Manager Jim Bentley stated morecambefc.com after the victory over Crawley on Tuesday “it was a massive win for us, I think performance wise it can be better but the big think is to score 3 goals again”. He added “we needed to win tonight, we haven’t been good in the last couple of games here. We are scoring goals but defensively haven’t been great; we have players in form at the moment”

• Average 2.21 goals a game
• Conceded the joint most in League with 26
• Kept only 1 clean sheet in 14 league games – 0-0 draw with Oxford
• Only failed to score in 3 games all season
• Failed to score in 1 of their last 13 games and scored in each of last 6 games
• Morecambe won 3 and lost 4 at home – all 4 losses when they have conceded first
• Morecambe have taken 16 of their 23 when they have scored first

Bentley’s side sit 7th but with two games against sides in amongst them, he knows that it could make the lead even tighter come next Saturday. Despite Morecambe’s games seeing the most goals in the division, Morecambe only achieved an attendance of 1098 on Tuesday night. Bentley commented to Morecambefc.com “we have to keep our feet on the ground but I am disappointed with the turnout, we work extremely hard as a club. We can’t do much more than be the League’s top scorers, this football club needs community backing; it is very hard to sustain a football league club without it”.

Midfielder Kevin Ellison recently returned from suspension and has played an integral part to his sides winning run. Speaking to morecambefc.com he stated “It was important that we backed it up today, there was no point in winning at Carlisle and Wimbledon. But we did it, we haven’t been great at home but the win was the important thing”. Ellison’s teammate Shaun Miller struck his 7th goal in 5 games on Tuesday night and will be a threat against an Orient side struggling to keep clean sheets.

Bentley is expected another tough test as Orient visit tomorrow, “it will be a tough game, they were one of the fancied sides, they started extremely well and still have players capable of playing in League 1. Ian Hendon is a man I know well, Orient have been up and down of late but all games in this division are tough. They will expect a difficult game for us but the most important thing from Tuesday was we broke the cycle and got the win under our belt that we needed”.

Team News

Jim Bentley looks set to have a relatively full fit squad with only Peter Murphy and Lawrence Wilson missing through injury. Shaun Miller looks set to continue in attack but Paul Mullin is hoping for a start after netting Morecambe’s third on Tuesday night.

Ian Hendon only has long term absentee Paul McCallum missing for tomorrow’s trip however Ollie Palmer is struggling with a hamstring injury which forced him off in Tuesday draw at Luton.

Head to Head – No Prior meetings

Prediction – Morecambe 2-2 Leyton Orient

Well, another night of feeling, same old, same old as Leyton Orient drew 1-1 away at Luton Town last night. The O’s fell behind for the 8th time in 10 games as Jack Marriott tapped in at the back post after 33 minutes. Marriott should have doubled the home side’s lead but struck wide. Orient, who rallied against Oxford on Saturday, equalised 3 minutes into the second half through that man again Jay Simpson. The former Arsenal forward struck his 11th goal in 13 games as he tapped in a Sean Clohessy front post cross. Neither side was able to force a winner and had to settle for a point.

Luton who suffered their 1st league defeat in 8 games to Crawley on Saturday made 1 change with Paddy McCourt coming into midfield in place of Mark O’Brien, who dropped to the bench. Orient made two changes to their side that drew to Oxford on Saturday, Jack Payne and Ollie Palmer were handed starts after impressing from the bench last timeout, replacing Dean Cox and Blair Turgott who were dropped to the bench.

Unusually for the watching eye, both sides were playing a 4-4-2 diamond but in the opening exchanges the sides were cancelling each other out. With space given on both wings, the full backs of either side had the opportunity to venture forward.

The O’s finished Saturday’s draw against Oxford strongly but started slow, allowing Luton to have the first chance of the game. Craig Mackail-Smith collected the ball on the right flank, he crossed for his strike partner Jack Marriott. Marriott got in front of his marker but his near post effort was saved by visiting keeper Alex Ciask.

Orient began to grow into the contest with Sean Clohessy and Bradley Pritchard linking well down the right hand side. With Luton’s diamond midfield narrow, Clohessy was continually the outlet ball for the away side but his end product was poor. Orient should have taken the lead on 16 minutes, Ollie Palmer beat the offside trap and reached the byline. His cross from the left found John Marquis but the Millwall loanee’s shot was saved by Mark Tyler.

Luton were captained by former Orient center half Scott Cuthbert and it was the former O’s defender who nearly broke the deadlock on the half hour. Paddy McCourt right wing corner was met by Cuthbert but Jack Payne cleared off the line. However just three minutes later the Hatters did take the lead, following a throw in on the right hand side. Orient’s midfield pushed inside, the ball was then switched to Dan Potts who was in space. Potts advanced forward, his crossed was deflected by Pritchard to the back post. With Orient’s defence watching, Jack Marriott nipped in at tapped home to put Luton ahead.

The goal gave Luton confidence and really should have doubled their lead. With Orient losing the ball in midfield, Cameron McGeehan broke forward, with an option to his right and left, the former Norwich man shot at goal. His effort hit Connor Essam, falling to the feet of Marriott but the forward snatched his shot wide of the mark.

The away side were still finding joy down the right hand side with Clohessy and Pricthard but the ball was not falling in the right areas. But when it did Marquis blazed wide and Simpson clipped wide. But Jay Simpson and Ollie Palmer did combine just before half time with Palmer volleying straight at Tyler.

In recent weeks Orient have been a different side in the second period but Luton started quickly with Jonathon Smith blazing over. However, Orient did strike level just 3 minutes after the break, Clohessy was found free on the right, he beat Potts on the inside and approached the edge of the penalty area. His cross found Jay Simpson who beat his man at the near post to flick in and put Orient level.

The game completely opened up after the equalizer with space created all over the pitch, the visitors were in the ascdenacy looking to push for a second. Jack Payne saw a volley saved by Tyler before Jay Simpson headed a Sammy Moore cross wide of the far post. Despite much of the ball Orient’s decision making in the final third was poor at times with players failing to pass to the right option.

Luton were still in the game and Alex Cisak had to palm away a long range Cameron McGeehan effort away from goal. Orient threw on Dean Cox to try and grab the all important winning goal but it was Luton who had the final attempt on goal. Jack Marriott spun in behind Mathieu Baudry but Marriott could only fire wide of the far post as both sides had to settle for a point.

Another game, another point another Jay Simpson goal, a feeling of De Ja Vu eh? Well it is a feeling of the same old story with once again another sloppy goal conceded. Ian Hendon revealed post match to leytonorient.com that he was disappointed in the manner of Luton’s goal. Recent games have seen Orient punished by defensive lapses and last night was no different. To be in and around the play offs teams have to show that they have the ability to keep a clean sheet – Orient are without one since August 29th, a run of 10 games. 

The defensive lapses have been Orient undoing since August aswell as the failure to be clinical in front of goal. Well apart from Jay Simpson that is who has hit 11 goals in 14 games including five in his last 4 games. Is their an over reliance on the front man, well maybe their is but when a man is in form, he will score goals. Hendon has already commented publicly about other players chipping in with goals – Simpson has netted 11 of Orient 25 goals (44%).

Hendon reverted back to the midfield “Diamond” that some people do not like, well I think Saturday’s 1st half performance highlighted that we don’t have the players to play a conventional 4-4-2. Despite not winning games, Orient three defeats have been to sides around mid-table, Yes you should be losing those games, but an important point to make is the games Orient have played with teams around them has not seen points gained by the opposition. It is quite clear that the League 2 promotion race will be a tight affair with only 8 points separating Plymouth who are top and Wycombe who are 10th. Orient sit 6th, 4 points off of third placed Oxford.

Another tough trip on Saturday awaits, as Orient travel north to face Morecambe, a side which has hit 11 goals in their last 3 games. Work needs to be done on the training ground with defensive stability but as @Daniel_Slaw wrote on Twitter last night “Could someone wrap Jay Simpson up in bubble wrap for Saturday”. Simpson will be integral to Orient mounting a charge this season but a clean sheet is needed at some point a long the line. Jack Payne impressed once more but with Morecambe free scoring could we see a 4-5-1 formation on Saturday with James brought in to bolster the midfield alongside Payne and Moore or Pricthard.

On Saturday we find out,  an away trip to Morecambe awaits, the 10:30 from Euston is booked, the anticipation awaits. Only to be shot down as Orient concede in the opening 10 minutes. Well it is never dull being an Orient fan, I am sure everyone could tell you that but come 5 o clock Saturday my emotions could be totally different.