Football Analyst

Leyton Orient assistant manager Andy Hessenthaler insists his side knows what to expect as they travel to Northampton tomorrow afternoon. The O’s still sit top of the table after Jay Simpson secured a draw at home to Wycombe Wanderers last weekend. Hessenthaler stated to leytonorient.com “it is not going to be easy, we still sit top of the table and that’s an extra bit of pressure on ourselves but we have to go there and compete. Being at the top everybody wants to shoot us down”.

Orient assistant manager thought that on reflection a draw last weekend was a fair result but understands the threat that the Orient can face tomorrow at Sixfields. Hessenthaler added “They had a fantastic win at Morecambe, obviously we had them watched and they are very strong going forward. They have a fantastic manager and are very organised”.

Despite no win in their last 4, Hessenthaler insists their is no need to worry and “lots of teams will beat each other, it is important to take points from teams around us”. The O’s were thankful for Jay Simpson as Orient’s leading scorer notched his sixth of the campaign to keep his side unbeaten at home. Hessenthaler was full of admiration for his forward “He is terrific, I watch him every day in training, he is going to miss chances but also going to create them, he is a very clever player. In my opinion he is too good for League 2 which is pleasing we have got him ” 

O’s midfielder Lloyd James was also full of praise for his teammate, speaking to leytonorient.com, James stated “Jay’s in superb form at the minute and I don’t think there are many better in the league at the minute; he is doing fantastic”. James has seen more competition for places since Jack Payne’s arrival in August and is finding it difficult to hold down a regular spot in midfield.

James is aware that the trip to Northampton is another tough game but is aware that “every game in the league is tough, this is going to be even more physical. The league is more physical but we have started well and we need to continue to do that”.

The O’s are without a win in September and in 4 games in all competitions but two draws against two tough sides has seen the East London side continue to tick over. James added when speaking to leytonorient.com “As a team we are doing well and it is still good to be top of the table but we need to start turning the draws into wins and I am sure they will come”.

Northampton go into to tomorrow’s clash after back to back league wins over Morecambe and Exeter. Cobbler’s manager Chris Wilder stated to http://www.ntfc.co.uk “The last 2 games have been really encouraging for myself and the staff about the way we have gone about our business. We want to kick on into the top group now”

Northampton secured an impressive 4-2 win away at Morecambe last weekend and Lawson D’Ath even thought his side could have scored more. Speaking post match to http://www.ntfc.co.uk, he stated “today we could have scored 7 or 8 goals, that’s a lot I know but it’s the truth. It is disappointing in a way but at least we scored 4″.

Both D’Ath and Wilder were full of praise of midfielder Nicky Adams and the impact he had at the Globe Arena. Adams joined the Cobblers in the summer and D’Ath thinks that things are starting to click going forward. D’Ath added “Nicky has come in, he plays a different way, I have had to adapt to that but now it is showing with his assists so everyone realises how he play now”.

• Adams did have a spell on loan at Leyton Orient back in 2010 and O’s fans will know the quality that the former Leicester man has in his game

Despite the win Wilder has urged his side to be more consistent, speaking ahead of tomorrow’s game to http://www.ntfc.co.uk, he added “Lawson and Adams had their best games so far this season so we are firing but we got to make sure we show that consistency and if we do we will create chances and cause problems”. But despite scoring, Wilder knows his side “need to tighten up, we need to get both ends of the pitch right to be successful”.

Wilder is expecting another good crowd at Sixfields with the league leaders visiting and the former Oxford manager is hoping more of the same from his supporters. “I expect the crowd to get behind us, the supporters understand the help they give us especially after the Oxford game. What great atmosphere hopefully we can get that on the pitch and we can be like the last 2 on the pitch”. 

Despite Northampton facing the league’s top side, Wilder is hoping his side make it 3 wins on the bounce but is aware of threat that the East London side possess. Wildee stated “Orient have started the season on fire and got off to a great start but it is up to us to dent their promotion charge and enhance our form and points tally”. He added “They have kept some quality players and added well, they are one of the favourites to go up and rightfully so” 

Even though Orient are without a win in 4, Wilder does not expect Ian Hendon’s side to sit behind the ball tomorrow “I don’t expect them to come and sit back, I believe they will come and want to gain 3 points, Ian will believe they are good enough and have the players to go anywhere and win. 3 points will be important to both clubs on Saturday”.

Hendon’s men have struggled in recent weeks to break down resolute sides in Cambridge and Wycombe with the diamond formation a topic of conversation. However with Wilder stating to http://www.ntfc.co.uk “we will be looking to get on the front foot and take confidence from the last 2 games. We need to get after the opposition, we will certainly do that, being at home we need to start on the front foot. The hand break is off and we have nothing to lose”

It maybe music to the ears of Ian Hendon who will feel that his side are better on the break with sides coming at them so that they can exploit the space left behind. In the diamond formation, the width needs to come from the full backs but in recent weeks, Orient have played very narrow.

However Hendon has stated that his side can play more than one formation but is aware that teams are matching them up. Gareth Ainsworth purposely played Marcus Bean in a deeper midfield position to combat Dean Cox’s impact but with space looking to be opened up tomorrow, Orient could have more joy in attack

Team News

Northampton are set to include Marc Richards, Joel Byrom and Rod McDonald who have overcome slight knocks. However Ricky Holmes, Zander Diamond, Evan Horwood and Brendan Molney all remain unavailable.

Orient midfielder Bradley Pritchard is rated touch and go after missing the draw with Wycombe last weekend while Ollie Palmer is pushing for a starting berth after impressing from the bench last week.

Head to Head – Northampton 29, Draw 20, Leyton Orient 28

Last Meeting – 11/11/2014 – Leyton Orient 2-0 Northampton – JPT

• Orient last won at Sixfields in 2012 (3-0 in JPT) and their last league win came in 2006
• Northampton last won at home in 2008 in a 2-0 win

Key Points

• Northampton have scored first in their last 5 games – Winning 3, drawing 1 and losing 1
• Northampton home record this season – P6, W4, D0, L2
• Orient have failed to keep a clean sheet away from home this season
• Without a clean sheet in last 10 away games in all competitions with last clean sheet back in April
• Orient have conceded first in last 4 games in all competitions (Losing 2 and drawing 2)

Prediction – Northampton 1-3 Leyton Orient

With Wilder commenting his side trying to get on the front foot tomorrow, I feel this will play into Orient’s hands with them exploiting the gaps left. Teams have been content in recent weeks to sit back and match Orient up which I feel Wilder will do to a certain extent but will be more attacking. With space left, I think Orient will have too much quality in the end.

Nicky Adams will grab an assist for the Cobblers but Simpson, Palmer and Cox will net for the O’s

Jay Simpson’s sixth goal in 7 games rescued a point for Leyton Orient as they drew 1-1 with Wycombe Wanderers. Matt Bloomfield put the Chairboys ahead 5 minutes before the break and the visitors were the better side for large periods of the contest. Orient struggled to create in the first period but Ollie Palmer’s introduction provided the home side with the impetus to draw level 24 minutes from time through Simpson.

Both sides could have nicked a winner in the final stages with Simpson nearly adding a second but was denied by a fine Matt Ingram save. The point keeps Orient in top spot with Wycombe remaining in 4th after the result.

The O’s who drew 1-1 away at Cambridge last weekend made 1 change, welcoming back Dean Cox to the starting 11 in place of Bradley Pritchard who missed out through injury. Wycombe who lost their unbeaten run to Plymouth last week made 2 changes with captain Matt Bloomfield returning alongside Stephen McGinn in place of Daniel Rowe and Jason Bantom.

Orient’s Starting Formation

Wycombe’s Starting Formation

In a somewhat low key start to the contest, the visitors started the brighter with Garry Thompson firing a shot over after just 4 minutes.

Wycombe who were unbeaten on the road were penning Orient in, in the opening minutes but were failing to trouble home keeper Alex Ciask.

Jay Simpson, who netted Orient’s equaliser at Cambridge last weekend saw a header blocked for a corner as the home side were growing in to the game. Despite having possession, Orient look adrift of ideas in attacking areas with the tempo low once more seeing them struggle to create. Simpson looked Orient’s brightest player and a neat turn and shot was blocked by Marcus Bean as the home side tried to grab the initiative.

Wycombe still remained firmly in the contest and with the O’s giving away cheap free kicks, Joe Jacobson had plenty of opportunities to highlight his dead ball delivery. A free kick caused Alex Ciask problems when the home keeper’s punch went behind him but Connor Essam was there to sweep up.

Orient had kept three clean sheets in their opening 3 home league matches but looked far from convincing in defensive areas. Gozie Ugwu was next to try his luck for the away side but his shot was blocked before Michael Harriman fired the loose ball wide. Then the visitors were nearly gifted an opener when a poor Lloyd James back pass was picked up by Garry Thompson. Alex Ciask was alert to smother the midfielder’s effort and quickly saved Stephen McGinn’s effort; from the resulting corner Pierre saw a header saved by Ciask.

Dean Cox missed last week’s game was struggling to have an impact on proceedings as he was unable to find space in attacking areas much to the fact that Wycombe had changed their system. Marcus Bean was playing deeper to prevent Cox having space to pick up the ball. However 10 minutes before the break, Cox’s neat link up with Simpson saw the midfielder cross for McCallum but the striker was unable to connect with the cross. Sammy Moore followed up at the back post but saw his effort deflected over for a corner.

Wycombe did grab the opener 5 minutes before the break, Jacobson who had been getting his eye in on his crossing was free on the left. With the home side failing to close down the left back he crossed in to the center, the loose ball fell to Bloomfield who tapped in to send the Chairboys ahead.

Despite joy in the opening games of the season playing the midfield diamond, Orient were once again struggling to create in attacking areas in the first half. Wycombe were shepparding the home side well and were prevented space to play in. Hendon reacted at the start of the second half replacing Lloyd James with Ollie Palmer. Jay Simpson moved to the right hand side of midfield with Orient going for a more conventional 4-4-2.

The home side continued to look shaky in defence at the start of the second half and with no change in attacking areas Hendon brought on Blair Turgott for Paul McCallum with Simpson moving back up front.

Orient’s second half formation

Wycombe were continuing to link up well in attacking areas with Pierre forcing Ciask into a smart save on the hour after he controlled a Jacobson free kick and shot at goal. After Orient’s change in formation at the break, Cox moved to a left wing position and he went close but headed over when Jack Payne and Blair Turgott linked up down the right.

Palmer was providing a much needed physical presence in attacking areas for the home side with his energy and work rate encouraging the home side forward. Orient levelled after 66 minutes, persistence from the two substitutes forced Wycombe into an error at the back. The ball fell to Turgott who squared to Simpson who slotted home from inside the penalty area.

After the goal, Orient were straight in the ascendancy with Blair Turgott seeing an effort deflected wide for a corner as Orient’s attacking players began to link up. Palmer flashed an effort wide after neat play between Cox and Simpson. Simpson nearly added a second 11 minutes from time, Cox picked out Simpson who was free in the centre. Orient’s leading marksmen cushioned the ball dead, shifted the ball on to his left foot but his goal bound shot was tipped round the post by Ingram.

Wycombe were on the back foot after being pegged back as they struggled to push out however could on another day been awarded a penalty. With Orient failing to clear a cross, Palmer looked to clear the ball as Matt Bloomfield nipped in, the Wycombe bench were immediately looking for the penalty but their appeals were waved away. Both sides in the end had to settle for a point.

Orient would have been the happier side with the result on the day with Wycombe the better side for long periods in the game. Hendon’s change in the second half provided the impetus to take the draw. Hendon stated post match to leytonorient.com that “it was a battling performance and we are happy with point. Wycombe are a tough side and hard to break down but there is no argument with the result”

It was the third game in a row for the O’s were have struggled to create whilst playing the midfield diamond, something which Hendon sees, “Teams are changing their way of play to stop us playing, we can play different systems, we have a couple up our sleeves”. It could be a worry for Hendon, with teams willing to sit behind the ball and let Orient break them down. Something which Orient have found hard in recent weeks but the lack of tempo and speed in their play could be an issue.

Ollie Palmer is certainly knocking on the door for a starting berth ahead of Paul McCallum who has seemed to go off the boil after a fine start to the season. The former Mansfield striker gave Orient a presence in attack and added energy, which was pivotal to their equaliser. Bradley Pricthard’s energy was missed in midfield but Jack Payne looks a decent addition but it is not certain where the former Peterborough captain’s best position may be.

Despite the draw, Orient still remain top with teams below them also drawing and the battling qualities will please Hendon. However conceding first in the last 4 games will not please the Orient boss but despite not playing well they still sit top. Wycombe played some nice football at times and will be there or there about this season in the promotion race.

Orient face a tough trip to Northampton next weekend with the Cobblers coming off the back of a 4-2 victory away at Morecambe yesterday.

Leyton Orient defender Sean Clohessy is happy to return to Brisbane Road ahead of tomorrow’s League 2 clash with Wycombe Wanderers. The O’s lost their unbeaten record at Exeter whilst picking up a point away at Cambridge last weekend after falling behind.

Clohessy, speaking to leytonorient.com stated “obviously the result against Exeter was poor but Cambridge are a good team, they are going to be up there so a point away from home is good, we played well again and unlucky not to come away with a win but we move on”

Orient won their first 5 league fixtures but have since conceded first in their past 3 games in all competitions and are without a clean sheet on their travels. Clohessy was disappointed with his part in the Cambridge goal last week, “I am disappointed with the goal, I switched off for a little bit, I should have been in a better position to start off with but apart from that have been pleased with my performances this year”

The return home sees Orient defending their record of not conceding a goal at Brisbane Road this season but Orient’s no 2 understands his side is still getting to know each other. Speaking in an interview today, Clohessy stated “we have only been together since the start of the season, we know each other and with more and more games we will be reading each other more. Our home record, we haven’t conceded but to be fair I don’t think we are giving teams many chances”

Alongside Clohessy and ever present since Hendon’s appointment in the summer has been summer signing Connor Essam. The former Dover man has settled right at home in E10, looking at home at a higher level. In an interview with the eastlondonadvertiser this week, Essam revealed that he has to thank “the gaffer for putting faith in me, giving me a run of games, I am still getting better and with more matches I will continue to improve”.

Essam who has build a solid partnership in a settled back 5, playing 6 out of the 7 league games, jumped at the chance to join Orient in the summer. Essam stated “when the opportunity came I just grabbed it because I believe in my ability, I am young with still a lot to learn and I think I am in a good place to do that”. The commanding center half has played every minute of the campaign so far and ended with “I though Orient was the best place for me to learn and improve, it has been a great move so I am very happy”

O’s boss Ian Hendon was happy with how his side responded at Cambridge, “I fully expected them to come back and they did, in the end we should have come away winning the game, we are disappointed not to get 3 points but happy with the character going a goal down and coming back”.

Hendon revealed to leytonorient.com that his side are looking forward to tomorrow’s clash and how they are happy to be back at home. Orient were backed by over 1700 away fans last weekend with Hendon revealing that “it was incredible really, it has been a little like playing at home but the boys are really looking forward to back at home”.

The O’s boss understands the danger that Wycombe pose tomorrow with the Chairboys unbeaten so far on their travel this season and keeping a clean sheet in all 3 away league matches. “They only lost twice on the road last year and made the play off final. They started very well, we know what Gareth’s team are about, working hard, tough, plenty of energy, a bit like us; it should be a good contest”

Wycombe lost their unbeaten start to the league campaign last weekend, suffering a 2-1 home defeat to Plymouth. Boss Gareth Ainsworth was disappointed in the manner of his sides defending “set plays is something that we pride ourselves in, if you defend set plays then you are asking for trouble”. Speaking to wycombewanderers.co.uk post match he stated “we gave them away really rather than them earning them”

Despite going so close to promotion last year, there has been no hangover from Ainsworth side who are looking to go one better this season. Even though the Chairboys lost Ainsworth revealed he though his side were better with the ball and in their general play but the goal eluded them.

With the season 8 games in, Ainsworth looked back at his sides start, “we can’t grumble 6,7,8 games played, it has been apparent we have good players and good quality in the team it just deserted us today”. The Chairboys manager added “look at the table, it’s pleasing, it’s a great start to the season for us”.

Ainsworth described tomorrow’s contest as “David v Goliath”  but stated his side are really looking forward to that. Despite the sides being in the same division Ainsworth highlighted that “sometime people have got to realise where this club is, and 4th we are very proud”.

Wycome midfielder Jason Banton netted his first for his new side last weekend after signing in the summer and is relishing the role he plays in his new side. Speaking to wycombewanderers.co.uk  the midfielder stated “the way the gaffer has got us set up, it allows the forwards and wide plays to press really well, winning the ball high up and create chances”. Banton understands that Brisbane Road is “going to be a tough place to go but we are going into every game thinking we can get 3 points no matter who we play”.

Team News

Orient midfielder Dean Cox only was a named substitute last weekend at Cambridge and Hendon revealed that “Coxy missed with a little bit of fatigue, there a couple like like, we have had the same team and same squad ever week”. Dean Cox is doubt alongside Blair Turgott who has not trained all week.

Wycombe will be hoping to include Paul Hayes in their squad after the striker missed last weekend’s defeat to Plymouth with an ongoing Achilles problem. Sam Wood is set to miss out despite improving with his knee problem while Anthony Stewart remains the only long term absence.

Head to Head – Leyton Orient 4, Draw 0, Wycombe 11

Last Meeting – 06/03/12 – Wycombe 4-2 Leyton Orient

• Orient have lost the past two meetings including a 3-1 defeat in the last meeting between sides at Brisbane Road
• Prior to those losses, Orient did win the previous 3, 2-0 (2010), 1-0 (2009) and 1-0 (2006)

Final thoughts from Clohessy “we haven’t converted chances that have been created but don’t think we have nullified team well enough. Both ends of the pitch we need to shapren up”.

Prediction – Leyton Orient 3-1 Wycombe Wanderers

With Orient’s return to Brisbane Road, I feel their 100% record will continue, Wycombe will provide a stern test with their high pressing and high energy. With Orient looking to return to winning ways, I think Hendon side will have more quality to overcome the Chairboys.

East London Advertiser article http://www.eastlondonadvertiser.co.uk/sport/football/leyton-orient/hendon_s_ever_present_happy_to_prove_doubters_wrong_1_4237458

Jay Simpson’s second half equaliser keeps Orient in pole position at the top of League 2. Orient had fallen behind 7 minutes into the second half when half time substitute Jacob Blyth tapped in at the back post for Cambridge. Orient had created chances in the first half but found U’s keeper Chris Dunn in fine form. The East London side did level when Jay Simpson netted his fifth of the season did give Orient a point and keep their place at the top.

Cambridge who were looking to bounce back from their 3-1 home defeat to Luton last weekend made 5 changes with Elliott Omosuzi, Jordan Slew, Josh Coulson, Connor Nelson and Danny Carr all coming in for the U’s. 3 changes were enforced with Harison Dunk suspended after his red card last week while Ryan Donaldson and Barry Corr were injured.

Ian Hendon made 3 changes to his side that lost their 100% record away at Exeter last week with Fraser Shaw recalled to the starting line up in place of Alan Dunne while Jack Payne made his debut in midfield with Dean Cox missing out. Alex Ciask replaced Charlie Grainger in goal with the Australian back from International duty with his country.

Cambridge Formation

Orient Formation

In a scrappy and dull start neither side were able to gain the initiative in the contest with possession given away rather cheaply. Without Cox in the midfield, Hendon opted for a flat midfield 4 with Bradley Pritchard and Sammy Moore asked to create width for the away side. Cambridge were struggling to create going forward but were trying to use the height of Robbie Simpson in attack with much of their play angled down their right hand side.

The O’s who conceded from a corner last week at Exeter nearly saw the same happen again on 19 minutes. After a concession of corners Josh Coulson glanced just wide from a Luke Berry corner as he beat Alex Ciask to the ball. The O’s were finding it hard to make in roads through Cambridge, searching much of their attacking play in the channels with Jay Simpson looking lively. U’s captain Mark Roberts picked up a caution after a late challenge on Bradley Pricthard.

Jack Payne who was making his debut for Orient after his deadline day switch from Peterborough was alongside Lloyd James, with both keen to dictate play. Both looked comfortable on the ball but lacked the incisiveness in attacking areas with many forward balls over-hit or wayward.

Simpson could have netted the opener on 26 minutes, after a Mathieu Baudry through ball found Simpson, the front man struggled to make space for a shot as Josh Coulson retreated. Simpson touched it around Chris Dunn but his shot from an acute angle could only cannon of the post.

The O’s were beginning to gain the ascendancy pushing men forward and trying to grab the opening goal. Connor Essam was a whisker away of his first goal for the O’s on 29 minutes after he met a James corner. The former Dover man’s header was tipped brilliantly over by Chris Dunn.

With the visitors pushing forward, the game opened up more with Cambridge growing more into the contest. Micky Demetriou fired over before Danny Carr saw a header glance just wide of the post. The U’s formation allowed Omosuzi and Demetriou to offer width in attack while Orient lacked width throughout the first half with Fraser Shaw looking isolated on the left side.

Sean Clohessy was trying to offer an outlet down the right but much of Orient’s play was in central areas which Cambridge found easy to defend. Orient had trouble breaking down Exeter last weekend and were finding Cambridge a stubborn test. As the first half entered the last 10 minutes Orient looked to open the scoring. First Bradley Pritchard fired wide before Paul McCallum twice went close to grabbing his fourth goal of the campaign. The former West Ham man saw his header from another James corner saved down to his left by Dunn before heading inches wide from the following corner.

Despite having the greater chances at the break, Orient still looked limited going forward with a spark lacking once more for the league leaders. Cox’s absence could be seen a mile off with Ian Hendon’s men lacking a tempo to their play with build up play very slow at times. Hendon earlier in the season had changed systems if it was not working but it was the U’s who made 2 changes at the break and not Orient. Jacob Blyth replaced Jordan Slew whilst Liam Hughes came on for Danny Carr.

The second half started much like the first with neither side able to gain a foothold in the contest. But just 7 minutes after the interval the U’s grabbed the opener, Demetriou who was free on the left side for about a minute was found by Hughes. The left wing back beat Sean Clohessy to the ball crossing to the unmarked Blyth to touch home at the far post. A sloppy goal for the O’s to concede which saw them concede first for the 3rd game in a row and concede in every away match so far this season.

Despite falling behind, Hendon did not make a change and nearly paid for that when Demetriou was once again free again on the left to cross. However this time former O’s forward Robbie Simpson could only put the ball in the side netting. Cambridge appeared happy to consolidate on their one goal margin sitting men behind the ball and keeping their shape.

Hendon then brought on Blair Turgott for Lloyd James as Orient pushed for the equaliser. Turgott’s introduction appeared to kick the O’s into action with the tempo and speed of passing upped. But despite having the majority of the ball, the away side were struggling to force Dunn in to action with the U’s defending resolutely.

Simpson who had drifted out of the game in the second half popped up to strike the O’s level. The former Arsenal man had looked to create space in the channels, collected Mathieu Baudry’s through ball and struck home underneath Dunn to bring Orient level. After equalising it was only Ian Hendon’s men who were searching for the winner however were still finding it difficult to create. Sammy Moore went close in added time but his effort from distance was tipped over by Dunn.

A point a piece at the Abbey for both sides but only 1 point from the last 6 available, should their be cause to worry? Well Ian Hendon stated that after last week’s defeat he got the response he was looking forward. Dean Cox missed out after not training in the latter part of the week and Orient did miss the influential play maker in attack.

Based on chances, Orient feel they should have won the game with Dunn by far the busier of the keepers on the day. On another day Orient would have scored 2 or 3 but found Dunn in inspired form between the sticks. After the heavy defeat last weekend, Orient did look more confident in defensive areas but Cambridge rarely troubled the League Leaders.

One concern for Hendon will be his sides inability to break down a well drilled side, his side failed to create in the final third at Exeter and it was somewhat the same story at Cambridge. Barring set pieces, the O’s created little from open play which may concern Hendon after his side scored for fun in the opening 5 games of the season.

It is clear to see that Cox was missed but the O’s lacked width and tempo in their play for the majority of the game which was why it was surprising that Hendon did not bring Turgott on until his side fell behind. McCallum was once again quiet in attack but had very little to feed on but Pricthard, Essam looked solid once more. Payne was quiet on debut but is far from a full match fitness.

Orient have clearly seen in the past 2 weeks what teams will do when preparing to face them, sitting back and making Orient break them down. It is something that Hendon will definitely work on but the main concern today was the lack of spark and tempo. A home match with Wycombe awaits next weekend and with the Chairboys in fourth position it is set to be a key contest.

All Orient fans will know that we should be able to gauge the season after the Wycombe result next week, with all 11 players performing Orient will definitely pose a real threat to Wycombe who suffered defeat at home to Plymouth today. There appears more evidence on today’s showing that Orient are a work in progress side.

Leyton Orient assistant manager Andy Hessenthaler has seen his side take stock after their first defeat in the league last weekend at Exeter. The O’s are the early pace setters in League 2 after relegation last term and are keen to get back to winning ways at Cambridge tomorrow. Hessenthaler spoke to leytonorient.com today stating “we can’t let our last result affect us, we have to get a result that gets us back on track”.

The O’s were the only side with a 100% record  in the football league before their visit to St James Park after winning their first 5 fixtures but Hessenthaler highlighted “the stats showed we had a lot of the ball but in the final 3rd we didn’t show enough quality and defensively made some individual errors at the wrong times”.  The assistant boss added “You have to take stock, if after 6 games someone had given us top spot, we would have certainly taken it”.

O’s skipper Mathieu Baudry insists that if his side knew the defeat was going to come but “we have to react well after a setback and see what we are made off”. Baudry admitted a mistake for the first Exeter penalty at the weekend that his team mates should “take this as a wake up call, in this league if you do a bit less you will get punished”

Ian Hendon was named manager of the month for August prior to defeat at Exeter and stated to leytonorient.com that “the manager of the month curse struck big time, I blame myself for that today but listen we have got to bounce back and show character and what we are about” Hendon praised the whole club after his award but highlights that “it is my job to keep them up, we had a fantastic run of 5 games, we have good players and are a good side but came unstuck today. My job is to pick them up”

The O’s face a tricky trip to the Abbey Stadium tomorrow to face Cambridge United, Baudry illustrates that his team-mates “need to use what happened and come back stronger next week”. Hessenthaler knows that despite Cambridge’s start they are a threat “they are a very strong team and have a very good manager. They will be organised, Richard Money knows the game and been in it a long time, it’s not going to be easy”.

• Orient kept 3 clean sheets at home but failed to keep a clean sheet in their 5  away games

Speaking before tomorrow’s trip he added “There are a strong side, 2 big centre backs, Leon Legge is a real threat from set plays and they will be well organised and hard to break down”. Orient struggled to breakdown an Exeter side who looked to sit back and prevent the O’s from creating chances last weekend but Hessenthaler states that “we have to go there and worry about ourselves, making sure that we start right and get what we are looking for”.

Cambridge sit in 12th place after picking up 8 points from their opening 6 games of the league season. The U’s come into tomorrow’s games on the back of a 3-1 defeat to Luton Town last weekend but that is far from the story of the game. Harison Dunk was dismissed for a second yellow card in the second half which completed changed the game and Money knows that his side “played well, there was a clear interaction when walking off the pitch we deserved a lot more but were let down by one person”

Cambridge picked up 7 points from their first three games but have since seen their form decline losing their next three games at home in all competitions. Money knows the importance of the Abbey “home form is important every season, in every year, we haven’t started great at home and didn’t finish well last season. We need to get it together and get ourselves going pretty quick. We don’t want to full behind the group”

• Cambridge have only won 2 of their previous 14 league matches at home – losing 9 of them

Cambridge have had a problem start to their league campaign with injuries playing a integral role to that. Money spoke to cambridge-united.co.uk stating “we saw we had a tough run of home fixtures and obviously you want to be at full strength after pre -season but we clearly haven’t been”. After defeat to Luton last weekend Money added “I’m not sure how much we can read into these results at the minutes as we are yet to be up to full speed”.

Money insisted that despite defeat there were positive to take from the game but did highlight that “the group feel they are not quite there yet, we are looking for soemthing to give us momentum and certainly a victory would have done that”. But a boost for the U’s could be the return to fitness of Barry Corr, the former Southend striker netted 5 times in his opening 3 games for Cambridge but injury has prevented his continuation. Corr understands the test that awaits his side tomorrow “Orient are a really good side, they have got really good players, we look forward to it, it will be a really difficult game but we will all be up for it”.

Corr spoke to cambridge-united.co.uk earlier in the week speaking on how disappointed he was on his injury but know that when the side is fit they should play well. “We are only going to get better, when everybody is fit and firing we have a very good team”. Corr added “our performances have been maybe a little inconsistent but as time goes by and we get more used to each other we should get better and better”.

Despite tomorrow’s visitors losing their unbeaten record, Money is aware of the back lash that could await them tomorrow “they were always going to get beat, not sure if it is a silver lining for us or not, it will certainly put them on their metal as they won’t want a repeat of last week”. Money added “It makes life more difficult for us, they have started well, they kept enough of group to have quality in the division and added well, they will expect to come here and win”

Team News

Cambridge are without the injured Ryan Donaldson who remains sidelined alongside Keith Keane and Jeff Hughes. Barry Corr could keep his place but still remains a doubt with former O’s defender Elliott Omosuzi who returned to training this week. Harison Dunk is suspended after his red card last week.

Orient could welcome back goalkeeper Alex Ciask who missed Orient’s last 2 fixtures after being away with Austraila on International duty. Fraser Shaw could return at left back in place of Alan Dunne while Blair Turgott will continue to push for a start.

Head to Head – Cambridge 17, Draw 12, Leyton Orient 12

Last Meeting – 12/03/05 – Leyton Orient 1-1 Cambridge United

• Orient are unbeaten on their last 3 visits to the Abbey – 2 wins and a draw
• But prior to those 3 games, Orient did lose the previous 5

Prediction – Cambridge 1-2 Leyton Orient

There will be a reaction from Ian Hendon’s side after a heavy defeat last weekend. With the return of Alex Ciask the defense should look more assured. Cambridge are without key wingers Ryan Donaldson and Harison Dunk who are both unavailable and are a big miss for the home side.

The U’s are dangerous from set pieces with Leon Legge a real threat which Orient should no all about after he scored twice for Gillingham against Orient last season. The O’s should have too much quality Cambridge but it could see a change of formation from Hendon who saw his side struggle to break down Exeter last weekend.

Leyton Orient’s 100% league start came crashing to a halt as Exeter put four past the league 2 leaders. After 5 wins from 5, Orient were the team to beat and the Grecians wasted no time, opening the scoring after just 5 minutes with Tom Nichols slotting home from the spot after being brought down by Charlie Grainger. The O’s started to play but found Tisdale’s City side resolute in front of them with Alex Nicholls doublin the home sides lead 8 minutes before half time

Ian Hendon’s men searched for an early response in the second half but City hit them with a killer third goal. Tom Nichols slotted home his second from the spot after Alan Dunne brought down David Wheeler. The O’s continued to press for a consolation goal but City wrapped up a fine day at St James Park as David Wheeler slotted home with 13 minutes remaining.

City picked up a morale boosting 2-0 victory against Porstmouth in the JPT on Tuesday, setting up a local derby with Plymouth in the next round. Paul Tisdale made 7 changes to his side, with only Bobby Olejnik, Ryan Harley, David Wheeler and Alex Nicholls the only ones to retain their place in the side.

Orient suffered late heartbreak at Luton suffering a 2-1 defeat and manager Ian Hendon made 5 changes from his side. Alan Dunne, Jay Simpson, Mathieu Baudry, Dean Cox and Paul McCallum all returning at St James Park after missing the trip on Tuesday. Charlie Grainger kept his place in goal with Alex Ciask still away with Austraila on International duty.

Exeter Formation

Orient Formation

Both teams started brightly with Orient continuing like most of the season in their midfield diamond. Orient conceded first for the first time on Tuesday night at Luton and Hendon was hoping for a response. But his side made the worse possible start in Exeter, a ball down the left found Tom Nichols, he held off Mathieu Baudry and entered the penalty area. Charlie Grainger rushed out of his goal but Nichols nicked the ball past the Orient keeper and was brought down. Nichols brushed himself down and slotted home from the spot.

After going behind, Hendon’s men began to grow into the contest as City started to sit back. Paul McCallum saw his faint header easily saved by Olejnik but both sides were trying to get the ball down and play. Exeter were looking well organised with the two wide men, David Wheeler and Alex Nicholls getting back into shape to keep their side balanced.

Player of the month for August, Dean Cox flashed a shot wide for the East London side but Hendon’s men continued to push for the equaliser. The O’s were having more joy down the right hand side with Sean Clohessy the main attacking option but his final ball lacked quality. It was down the right where Orient created their next chance, good link up play from Cox and Clohessy set up Bradley Pritchard but the midfielder blazed over.

The O’s looked more comfortable as the half went on and could have levelled just after the half hour mark. In a period of O’s pressure, Dean Cox crossed from the right but Troy Brown headed for a corner with McCallum ready to pounce behind him. From the resulting corner, McCallum headed down to his strike partner Jay Simpson but Simpson’s goal bound header was cleared off the line by Matt Oakley.

Orient had lacked tempo early on but as the half grew, their passing was crisper and sharper but were finding it hard to break through Exeter’s 4-5-1/ 4-3-3 formation. City manager Paul Tisdale had obviously done his homework, packing the midfield and preventing any space for Orient to play in.

The O’s before today had only conceded three league goals but fell two goals behind 8 minutes before the break. Ryan Harley’s corner was not cleared and fell back out to the midfielder, he picked out Alex Nicholls on the edge of the box and he fired low beyond Charlie Grainger to double City’s lead. The O’s needed half time with Hendon needing to rally his troop to produce a comeback in the second half.

Surprisingly Hendon did not make any changes to his personnel but appeared to change to a 4-3-1-2 formation with Cox just ahead of the midfield trio of Moore, Pricthard and James. However, despite having the majority of possession, the league’s highest scorers were struggling to create in the final third. Dean Cox fired a shot over from distance before Exeter grabbed a third and a second from the spot. David Wheeler and Alan Dunne were having an on going battle all afternoon down the Exeter right with the referee keeping a keen eye on the battle.

Formation start of Second half

A ball down the right saw Dunne and Wheeler clash with the Exeter man going down under a clumsy challenge from Dunne. A soft decision from the linesman but after the O’s receive a soft penalty last weekend, it seems to have evened itself out. Tom Nichols slotted home for his second of the day as Orient had the worse possible start to the second half. However it was evident of Tisdale’s tactics with his side sitting deep looking to use their pace on the counter to exploit the space left by Orient going forward.

With Orient falling 3 behind, Blair Turgott replaced Sammy Moore with Hendon going for a more conventional 4-4-2 system with Turgott and Cox on either wing. Cox struck wide for the visitors but Exeter nearly added a 4th. Ryan Harley who was picking up space in the midfield saw his left foot shot deflect onto the bar with the rebound falling to Tom Nichols. Nichols looked to complete his hat trick but Grainger saved brilliantly with his legs to keep the score at 3-0.

Change in Second Half

Alan Dunne had struggled to contain David Wheeler all afternoon and was replaced by Scott Kashket with the O’s going 3-4-1-2 but knew it wasn’t going to be their day. First Turgott saw his goalbound shot blocked before heading over at the back post. Orient were still pushing men forward leaving huge spaces behind them and Exeter wrapped up the game with a fourth. Harley drove into the Orient box, his left foot shot was saved excellently by Grainger but Connor Essam only headed the ball to Wheeler. He shifted the ball onto his right foot and curled home off the post to complete the scoring.

A bad day at the office for Orient who had seen manager Ian Hendon and midfielder Dean Cox pick up the manager and player of the month awards yesterday. But Orient lacked a  “spark” according O’s skipper Mathieu Baudry who stated to leytonorient.com that his “side are working hard and we will learn from this defeat”.

Orient struggled to test Olejnik in the Exeter goal, something which has not been a problem this season. However a change of personnel came too late with side already 3-0 down, on another day Hendon might have changed earlier with the diamond not working. I think we have seen a glimpse of what awaits Orient in a lot of games this year.

Tisdale was tactically on point today, squeeze the ball when Orient are in possession. Prevent the space Orient have to work with in between the lines and hit the them on the break. Exeter were organised and limited Orient to few chances, when they had their own chances they took them which is key in any game of football.

Young O’s keeper Charlie Grainger will learn from his mistake for the penalty and realize that he didn’t need to make the challenge. It will come with games which brings experience however he did make 2 great saves in the second half. Baudry stated to leytonorient.com that he “felt for Charlie but he will learn from this”. Grainger has a lot of potential and will make mistakes, he is young.

The O’s were not 4 goals worse than City but were punished for their mistakes, something which Orient have done to teams this season. Today was a blip but highlights that Orient are still  work in progress. The key for boss Ian Hendon is the reaction from his team at Cambridge next week. Hendon has a full week to build on the training pitch and with Cambridge another test, it will not be an easy game.

It is clear that Orient will need to better in the final third to produce a result at the Abbey next weekend. We will know we will still be there, no need to worry, Hendon and Hessenthaler know what the are doing. I mean I would have taken 5 wins from 6 before the season started and it is a lot better than last season.

Leyton Orient boss Ian Hendon played down his sides winning run at the start of the season with the former West Ham coach highlighting the importance of the next game. Orient who are the only side in the Football League with a 100% record travel to face Exeter City tomorrow afternoon after exiting the JPT in a 2-1 defeat to Luton in midweek.

Hendon spoke to leytonorient.com today stating that “the longer the run goes the tougher it is going to get. We are taking it 1 game at a time and we are not worried about the undefeated run. All about the next game, beating our opponents”. The O’s are hoping to bounce back from their defeat in midweek but face no distractions with cup competitions after losing in the first round of the Carling Cup earlier in August.

Hendon and O’s midfielder Dean Cox were named Manager and Player of the months for August but the O’s manager was quick to praise the whole club. Speaking to leytonorient.com “It is more of a team award than a personal one. There has been a lot of work gone in pre season from everybody at the football club not just me, everybody behind the scenes, of course the players and the magnificent support from supporters, all in all a team award”.

Despite the defeat to Luton, Hendon stated to leytonorient.com “you are always disappointed when you lose a game but very encouraged”. Orient included 5 debutants in the match with on loan defender Joe Maguire playing his first match after joining on loan from Liverpool. Maguire had an impressive debut at centre half and stated to leytonorient.com “I was made up to get my debut but the win is more important”

Orient were active on deadline adding midfielder Jack Payne from Peterborough, a man Hendon had been chasing all summer. Hendon stated “it has been a long old chase, Jack all along said he wanted to come to the club, just been about getting a agreement with Peterborough but finally done on Tuesday and pleased to have him on board”.

Payne who signed too late to be involved at Luton knows that he faces a task to force his way into the O’s side. Speaking to leytonorient.com “it is a very good squad, saw it in the summer and look how they have started”. The former Posh midfielder added “you can tell squad are all together, injuries aside we will absolutely fine this year”  but Payne knows that when his chance comes he has to take it.

Exeter go into tomorrow’s clash on the back of a 2-0 victory over Portsmouth in the JPT on Tuesday thanks to goals from Ryan Harley and Alex Nicholls. Paul Tisdale was happy with his sides progression to the next round and stated to exetercityfc.com that “we prepared with a view to winning the game, just like any other game. We had a really good half an hour”. Tisdale added “we played a very considered, pragmatic style of football but there were some good performances out there”.

Tisdale is hoping for his side to improve their league form with only 7 points from 5 games. 2 victories, at home to Yeovil on the opening day and a 2-1 victory at Dagenham & Redbridge was followed up with a home 0-0 draw with York. The Greicians went down 2-1 at AFC Wimbledon last week but Tisdale is hoping for some improvement tomorrow.

Exeter are the prime example of keeping faith with a manager, in a climate of increasing managerial appointments. Tisdale is the second longest serving manager in the football league but stated to BBC Sport that “we’ve not been in this situation for five years”. Tisdale extended Clinton Morrison’s contract on deadline day and stated “we have a really good front line here, a number of options. I can make substitutions and we can ride injuries as we have a number of bodies to able to continue the same way”.

Tisdale is aware of the threat that Orient possess tomorrow speaking to exeterexpressandecho.com he stated “they have a good group of talented players that appear to be well organised”. He added “I’m sure they’ll be confident, any team that has won 5 out of 5 will be, it will be a test for us, which we are looking forward to”. Despite facing Sunderland and Swindon, Tisdale stated “they’re all different challenges and this is another challenge, but any team that has won 5 out of 5 must be treated with a little more respect”.

Hendon spoke to leytonorient.com about Exeter and stated that “they are a good football side and he (Tisdale) likes to shuffle the pack so you are never sure what you are going to come up against team wise”. The O’s boss knows his side have the ability to bounce back after defeat in cup competitions beating Dagenham 3-1 away after a 2-1 defeat to MK Dons. But Hendon added “they are all tough games in this league and we will see how we go on Saturday but we have focused since Tuesday on Exeter and that is all that matters”

Team News

Joel Grant is missing for the home side as he is away on International duty whilst Will Hoskins is out with a knock. The Grecians could have Aaron Davies, Christian Ribeiro and Tom Nichols back fit for tomorrow clash.

The O’s rested Jay Simpson, Paul McCallum and Dean Cox on Tuesday and all 3 are set o return to the starting 11. Hendon has named the same starting 11 in all 5 league matches but Alex Ciask is away with Austraila while Mathieu Baudry is touch and go. Hendon did reveal that Sean Clohessy, Fraiser Shaw, Bradley Pritchard and Sammy Moore have been ill this week but he hopes they are over the worst. Alan Dunne also missed the trip to Luton in midweek.

Head to Head – Exeter 27, Draw 25, Orient 33

Last Meeting – 09/04/2012 – Exeter 3-0 Leyton Orient

• Orient have lost their last 2 trips to Exeter
• The O’s have not won in the last 5 meetings at St James Park
• Their last win was back in 2001, in a 3-2 win

Prediction – Exeter 1-3 Leyton Orient

Despite defeat in midweek, with Simpson, Cox and McCallum returning to the starting line up it will Orient impetus in attack. With Charlie Grainger set to continue in goal in Ciask’ absence, I think Exeter will try and exploit the inexperienced man. The Grecians will make it difficult for the O’s but think Hendon men will have enough to overcome the obstacle.

Tisdale article http://www.exeterexpressandecho.co.uk/Exeter-City-v-Leyton-Orient-Match-preview/story-27724537-detail/story.html

BBC Sport: http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/34151794

Maguire: http://www.leytonorient.com/news/article/liverpool-loanee-maguire-on-os-debut-2666593.aspx