“No Pressure for Players just me” says Liverani

Posted on March 27, 2015 by mattbristow271993

Leyton Orient manager Fabio Liverani states that there is no pressure on his players only himself ahead of his sides clash with Port Vale tomorrow. Liverani  spoke to London 94.9 yesterday hinted at the lack of a cutting edge from the O’s who have failed to score in their last 2 matches despite dominating. “It was a encouraging performance against Barnsley and Crawley but we need to score“. Liverani added “I always look forward to the game and our last game was a good performance and had many attempts on goal”

  • Orient failed to score in 14 of their 38 matches
  • Failed to score in 8 of their 19 home matches

Orient’s problem this year has been consistency but Orient defender Scott Cuthbert admitted that Crawley were “hungrier than us, we gave them something to hold on to” . The O’s sit 3 points from safety at the bottom of league 1 and face 4 huge matches in the next coming weeks. Home games against Vale and Gillingham while vital trips to relegation rivals Coventry and Crewe. Cuthbert has urged the Orient fans to get behind the team “we need the fans support, we will need you on Saturday”

With all the experience in the Orient squad it was somewhat of a surprise that they have fallen down so much from last season “it has been a frustrating season, from last season to this season, very depressing” Orient loaned out Kevin Lisbie last week to Stevenage but Cuthbert insists that “there is so much talent in the side that has played at a higher level, we will remain positive and fight till the end”.

Orient’s defeat at Crawley last week didn’t come to much cost as only Crawley picked up points at the bottom of the league. Liverani interviewed after last week’s defeat stated “the game was very important but other results don’t change the league table too much, 3 points still separates many teams”

Vale travel to Orient on the back of three consecutive defeats and are not mathematically safe themselves. Vale lost 1-0 away at Sheffield United last weekend but Rob Page was pleased with how his team responded in the game, “Second half performance was better but aspects of the game could have been better, we made a couple of changes at half time and we were better for it”. Vale have a very slim chance of a play off spot but a win at Brisbane Road on Saturday would clinch safety for another season.

  • Vale collected 21 of their 48 points away – W6,D3,L10 but won 3 of their last 4 on their travels
  • Taken 6 points from last 18 available – W2, L4

Vale added Francisco Junior from Everton, Neil Collins from Sheffield United and Mohamed Couilibaly from Bournemouth to boost their squad for the end of season run in. Page stated in an interview today that “I don’t want the season to fizzle out, I want to have a right good go and by adding quality we have given ourselves the best chance to do it” 

Page wants them to start tomorrow against Orient but understands that they “will be tough opponents, they are scrapping for survival and points themselves, we need to match them in every department in a very physical game”. He added “we know we are good away from home and need to play our way. While they are points to play for, while they are available try and get the most we can”.

  • Orient and Vale have scored and conceded the same amount of goals this season
  • Scored 47 and conceded 53

Orient lost 3-0 at Vale Park earlier in the season and Liverani knows that they will provide a threat going forward “Vale are a difficult team but all teams are dangerous”. Orient have competed well at home in recent weeks but have struggled to put chances away which have cost them this season. The O’s have relied heavily on the strikers to provide the goals for them with Chris Dagnall top scoring with 10.

  • 33 of the 47 league goals for Orient scored by strikers
  • 11 by midfielders with 9 by wingers and only 2 from central midfield
  • In 13/14 season – 28 of 85 goals were scored by midfielders but just 6 from central midfield
  • And 12/13 season – 19 of 55 goals scored by midfielders  with just 8 from central midfield

Orient haven’t been known in recent years for their goal scoring central midfielders but a team can only last so long relying solely on the strikers for the goals. Liverani added Jake Taylor from Reading this week who will go straight in to the squad for tomorrow clash. Taylor will play a major role in the coming weeks with Orient losing both Ryan Hedges and Jobi McAnuff to international duty next week. Liverani on Taylor

“He is a very good player and good option for us both wide and centrally. We have have watched him play a number of games and we are happy to bring him in. He will add something different to what we have”.

Confidence in the Orient camp will be low after last week’s result but Cuthbert stated that “confidence is low, we could have been 19th with a win but there are 9 games to go and focus taking every game as it comes”. Orient’s final 5 fixtures are not favorable but results are a must at this stage of the season (Rochdale, Swindon, MK Dons AWAY, Sheffield United and Doncaster HOME)

  • Only Notts County (15) have picked up less points at home than Orient 16 – W4,D4,L11
  • Only Yeovil (13) and Notts County (11) have picked up less points since turn of the year than Orient (14)
  • Orient have 4 clean sheets in 8 games – conceding only 7 but silly errors have cost them results
  • Conceded first in 20 games – only picking up 8 points from possible 60
  • 4 out of 5 home wins have been when O’s opened the scoring

Vale will be missing Byron Moore for tomorrow’s clash after picking up an injury in last couple of games. Orient will be without Jobi McAnuff but Lloyd James could be available after returning from his broken leg suffered in September. James played 60 minutes in a reserve match in midweek and Orient have been missing his presence since his injury.

  • Vale won 3-0 at Vale Park earlier in the season but Orient have won 4 of the last 6 meetings
  • O’s won last 3 at Brisbane Road – 3-2 victory last season
  • Mark Marshall and Tom Pope top scorer for Vale but Marshall netted 4 in his last 9 and Pope 1 in last 7
  • Dagnall netted 3 in his last 6 matches

Prediction Leyton Orient 2-1 Port Vale

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Nothing has Really Changed

Posted on March 22, 2015 by mattbristow271993

Leyton Orient succumbed to the first defeat in three matches after Izale McLeod netted his 17th league goal of the season from the penalty spot. The former MK Dons striker was brought down by Orient full back Luke O’Neil in the 33rd minute, McLeod stepped up and converted to move the Red Devils to 19th; 1 point above the relegation zone. The defeat for the O’s leaves their safety hopes in  the same position as  pre- match as every side apart from Crawley lost. Orient sit 3 points from safety but sides up to 16th are involved with the relegation shakeup.

Crawley came in to the game on the back of two consecutive 3-2 away wins and Dean Saunders named an unchanged side. Fabio Liverani hinted at changes after Tuesday’s 0-0 draw with Barnsley and made two with Marvin Bartley and Dean Cox returning for Bradley Pricthard and Jobi McAnuff.

Orient knew what to expect at Crawley having not won on either trip to the Checkatrade stadium. Josh Wright popped a shot wide in the opening exchanges as neither side had got to grips with the windy conditions. Despite the environment, both teams were attempting aerial balls to their front men with the home side having more joy but McLeod dragged his shot wide after a neat one two with Mathias Pogba.

Orient began to go onto the front foot with both Dossena and O’Neil attacking as they had done in their past performances. First Dagnall had a fierce shot saved by Lewis Price after being played through O’Neil before the follow up was put behind for a corner. The O’s had obviously worked on short corners in midweek, trying to use O’Neil on the corner of the box for a different angle for a cross but were not having much joy.

The away side could have gone ahead in the 19th minute when a goalmouth scramble involved Dagnall and Henderson but neither could grab the imporant touch to put Orient ahead. Lewis Price picked up an injury in the scramble and was tested just 3 minutes later, Cox picked up the ball on the edge of the area but his dipping shot was tipped over for a corner. Dagnall again went close on 26 minutes with his shot saved but Orient knew that chances could not go begging in such an important encounter.

Crawley highlighted their danger with both Gavin Tomlin and McLeod heading wide before the half hour mark. The home side grabbed the advantage in  the 32nd minute, Wordsworth played a diagonal ball to McLeod. His chest control took him inside Luke O’Neil and the on loan Burnley defender brought the striker down. There were no complaints from the O’s player before McLeod dusted himself down to slot Crawley ahead.

The home side pushed for a second and the influential Wordsworth went inches away of a second for Crawley. After good build up play on the O’s area, the ball was laid off to the on loan Ipswich midfielder, his curling shot was brilliantly tipped over by Alex Ciask in the O’s goal.

Brian Jensen replaced Lewis Price at half time as the Crawley keeper had failed to run off the knock suffered in the first half. But it was Crawley who nearly caught Orient cold seconds after the restart. Crawley kicked off with a ball played up to McLeod who won the initial header. Tomlin had gambled on the second ball with his first time shot going narrowly wide for the home side.

Orient could and should have leveled on 50 minutes, Ryan Hedges had gone central after the ball was played to O’Neil on the right. The full back whipped in a lovely ball but an unmarked Hedges headed over the bar from 7 yards, a guilt edge chance for the away side. Marvin Bartley was next to test the Crawley goal but his curling shot from outside the area was beaten away by Jensen.

Marvin Elliott was introduced for Mathias Pogba on the hour mark as the home side went more to a 4-5-1 shape with Wordsworth and Tomlin supporting McLeod. David Mooney, Jay Simpson and Jobi McAnuff were all thrown on for the away side as they struggled to make in roads on the Crawley goal.

Orient continued with possession football looking to break down and wear down Crawley but the home side maintained a good defensive shape. Dossena took aim for distance but Jensen saved easily. Scott Cuthbert was pushed forward for the O’s but that didn’t seem to work for Orient who knew the importance of the result. Wordsworth, Elliott and McLeod ran the clock down when they could, running the ball deep into the O’s half.

As the minutes ticked over Jensen saved well from a Ryan Hedges deflected effort before good saves from David Mooney and Hedges once more. Crawley managed to hang on for  precious points which sees them move out of the bottom 4 in the battle for League 1 survival. Orient sit no worse off than pre match with all of their relegation losing apart from Crawley.

The next 4 games are do or die for the O’s who have trips to 18th placed Coventry and 21st placed Crewe in amongst home games with Port Vale and Gillingham. Orient will need to pick up a least 2 victories if they are to have an chance of surviving relegation to the fourth tier of English football. The O’s had chances at 0-0 to grab the vital opening goal but failed, Crawley took one of two opportunities they had and held on for the victory.

Liverani likes his teams to wear down the opposition, moving them out of position to create chances which seems to frustrate some O’s fans. Playing pretty football is nice but at this stage of the season, I think every O’s fan would take a scrappy 1-0 victory. Teams are fighting for their lives down the bottom but Cox and Henderson failed to live up the importance of the game.

Orient still have a chance of survival but it is imperative that wins are picked up in the next four games, if not then I feel it could spell the end of Orient’s stay in League 1.

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League 1 Preview – 21st March

Posted on March 20, 2015 by mattbristow271993

Barnsley vs Preston – 6th vs 2nd

Two of the most in form sides in the division go head to head at Oakwell as both look for promotion to the Championship. Barnsley dropped points for the first time in seven matches after a 0-0 at Leyton Orient on Tuesday. Before Tuesday’s goalless draw, the Tykes had picked up 6 straight wins and moved themselves into the play offs. The home side are only 1 point behind 5th placed Sheffield United but also only 1 point ahead of Peterborough. The next three games could define the end of the season as they face three of the top 5 in those games.

  • 19 point from possible 21 – 6 wins and a draw
  • Conceded 1 goal in 7 matches
  • Record against top 5 – P7 – W1 D1 L5.     4 points from possible 21, only win came away at Sheffield United (1-0)
  • 32 of their 54 points have come at Oakwell
  • Only Bristol City (35) have picked up more points since turn of year than Barnsley (28)

Preston arrive after picking up 16 points from last 18, the same as the Tykes and have a 2 point lead over 3rd place Swindon with a game in hand. Preston will find it tough to catch Bristol City who are 11 points ahead but with MK Dons and Swindon beginning to find their form, the Lily whites need to continue run of form till end of the season.

  • Unbeaten in last 9 league games (8 wins and 1 draw) stretching back to January
  • 25 points from last 30 available – winning last three on the road including 2-0 victory at MK Dons
  • Best defense in the division, only conceding 31 goals in 36 matches – with just 3 in last 9 matches
  • Kept 18 clean sheets – including 7 in their last 9
  • Joe Garner scored 5 in last 3 games including 4 in 5-1 win over Crewe last Saturday
  • Picked up 31 out of possible 33 points in games where they have scored first
  • Record against top 6 – P7, W3, D2, L2 picked up 11 points out of 21

Prediction – Barnsley 0-1 Preston

Bradford vs Fleetwood – 11th vs 9th

2 of play off chasers face off in an important encounter at Valley Parade on Saturday. The Bantams famous F.A cup run came to end after a 3-0 defeat at Reading on Monda and will be oping to bounce back tomorrow. They only sit 4 points off the play offs, with a good run at the end of the season they could push for the last play off spot. Bradford face 3 home games in 8 days, they will need results in all three if they are to put pressure on the teams above them.

  • 23 of 50 points have come at home
  • 1 league win in 6 games with home victory over Crawley
  • 6 points out of last 18
  • Won all 13 of their games by 1 or 2 goal margin
  • James Hanson top scorer with 11 goals but hasn’t netted in last 6
  • Bradford unbeaten in last 3 meetings – including a 2-0 win at Fleetwood on boxing day

Fleetwood suffered their first defeat in 4 matches after a 2-0 home loss to Coventry on Tuesday but face two tough trips to Bradford and Preston in the next week. The Cod Army have a slim chance of reaching the play off as they only sit 3 points off Barnsley. The last 4 away games has seen victories at Sheffield United and Barnsley, with the Cod Army winning 7 away from Highbury.

  • 10 points from last 18 available – W3, D1, L2
  • Only scored 37 goals in 37 games – only 4 sides have netted fewer in the league
  • 22 of 51 points come away from home
  • Josh Morris top scorer with only 7 goals
  • Won 11 out of their 14 league games by a 1 goal margin

Prediction – Bradford 1-1 Fleetwood

Coventry vs Doncaster – 18th vs 12th

Coventry pulled themselves away from the relegation zone with 2 consecutive away victories at Fleetwood and Chesterfield. Tony Mowbray was recently appointed and the Sky Blues look to have picked up form to beat the drop. Coventry’s 2 wins moved them 3 points above the relegation zone and has pulled a bunch of teams into the relegation mix.

  • 1 home win in 10 – victory over MK Dons
  • 23 of 43 points picked up at the Rioch
  • Scored in 7 of their last 8 league matches
  • Play 5 of the relegation threatened teams in their last 7
  • Won 9 of their 10 league win when scored first

Doncaster have fallen off the pace in recent weeks with only 1 win in seven losing their last 2 at home to Swindon and Peterborough. Donny moved to the outskirts of the play offs but recent form has seen them drop to 12th. Donny have only lost 4 away games all season and will hoping for a late rush to the play offs in the coming weeks.

  • 28 of their 50 points away from home – 1 win in last 4 away, drawing their last 2
  • 5 points from last 18 available with just 1 win – all play off chasers have picked up more points
  • Scored 4 goals in last 4 with Harry Forrester and Curtis Main scoring them
  • Pair have been involved in 18 of their 45 league goals this season
  • Donny won 2-0 on boxing day – their first win in 3 against Coventry

Prediction – Coventry 2-1 Doncaster

Crawley vs Leyton Orient – 21st vs 22nd

A relegation six pointer in no uncertain terms as Crawley and Orient face each other knowing a win for either side could move them out of the bottom 4. Crawley have climbed to just 2 points from safety after 2 consecutive 3-2 away wins at Port Vale and Colchester. Dean Saunders is confident is side can beat the drop but a negative result could dash recent momentum gained. Crawley have their own fate in their hands with several games against their nearest rivals and are best faced to beat the drop.

  • Only Crewe (67) have conceded more goals than Crawley (64)
  • 24 of 40 points picked up at home – W6, D6, L6
  • Only picked up 8 points from last 6 home matches
  • Conceded first in 22 of their 37 games

Orient have picked up 4 points from the last 6 available and come to Crawley off the back of a 0-0 draw with in form Barnsley. O’s boss Fabio Liverani was disappointed his side could not pick up all 3 points but face 2 of their nearest rivals in their next 3 games. Positive results in both could help Orient to beat the drop. The O’s lie 3 points from safety but recent form suggests that they could beat the drop.

  • 23 of their 39 points picked up away from home – W6, D5, L6
  • 4 clean sheets in last 6 – conceding just 4 in those games
  • 10 points from last 18 available – 3 wins, 1 draw and 2 defeats
  • 2 wins out of their last 3 away from home
  • Picked up their first win against Crawley (4-1) on Boxing day,
  • 1 win in 5 meetings – lost both trips to Crawley (1-0 and 2-1)

Prediction – Crawley 1-1 Orient

Crewe vs Oldham – 20th vs 16th

Back to back defeats for Crewe against the top 2 has sucked them right back into relegation danger. After’s Tuesday’s results, the Alex only sit 2 points above danger and their form will need to pick up quickly if they are to stay up. Teams at the bottom have been picking up points unlike the Alex who will hoping to build on their fine home form. Crewe do face 3 of their relegation rivals in their final 7 games so their fate is in their own hands.

  • 1 win in 7 games – home victory over Scunthorpe
  • Worst defense in the league – conceding 67 goals in 37 matches – including 12 in their last 4 matches
  • 9th best home record in the league – 28 of 42 points picked up at Gresty Road
  • Only lost 6 at home but have beaten Bristol City and drew with Preston and Swindon
  • Won 3 of their last 4 at home – 10 points from last 12
  • Only picked up 4 points from last 18 available in the league

Oldham are not safe themselves as they only lie 6 points above the relegation zone. Dean Holden has been named caretaker until the end of the season and will hoping for stability after Lee Johnson’s departure. The Latics’s have lost 4 of the 5 games Holden has been in charge for but will need to pick up with teams below them winning.

  • Lost 6 out of their last 7 games – scoring just 4 and conceding 16
  • No team has picked up less points than Oldham in last 6 – 3 out of possible 18
  • 21 of their 46 points picked up away from home
  • 2 wins and 2 losses in last 4 away matches
  • Jonathon Forte needs to find early season form – netted 14 league goals but without a goal in 9 and only 1 goal in 14 matches
  • Oldham lost 2-1 at home on Boxing day to Crewe and have not won in 4 meetings with Crewe – drawing 2 and losing 2

Prediction – Crewe 1-0 Oldham

Gillingham vs Colchester – 4th vs 23rd

The Gills will be looking for their first win in three matches when they face the U’s tomorrow. They lost 3-0 away at Chesterfield in midweek and are perched in mid table – 7 points from playoffs and 7 points from relegation. The Gills have picked up form since Justin Edinburgh was appointed and a good run till end of season could keep them in good stead for the following campaign.

  • 1 win in 6 matches – 3-0 win away at Swindon – 6 out of possible 18 points
  • 1 win in last 3 home matches
  • Only netted once in last 5 league matches
  • 29 of their 47 league points collected at Priestfield
  • 11 points from possible 15 against bottom 4 sides – 3 wins and 2 draws
  • Cody McDonald been involved in 17 of Gills 50 league goals – scored 14 (2 in his last 6), assisted 3
  • Gillingham have won last 2 meetings but Colchester did the double over the Gills last season

Colchester picked up their first win in 4 with a 2-0 home victory over Yeovil in midweek after they lost a vital relegation clash against Crawley last Saturday. The U’s are 5 points from safety at the bottom of league 1 and will need something short of a miracle to survive relegation. In their run in to the end of the season, the U’s face a mixture of teams from top, middle and bottom of the division with nearly every side having something to play for.

  • 20 of their 37 points come away from home – W5, D5, L8
  • Only Yeovil and Notts County picked up less points in last 10 games than Colchester (9 from last 30 available)
  • 1 win in last 4 away matches – losing the other 3
  • Only Crawley (64) and Crewe (67) have conceded more goals than the U’s (61)

Prediction – Gillingham 2-0 Colchester

MK Dons vs Notts County – 4th vs 19th

The Dons picked up only their 2nd win in 6 games in midweek with victory at Oldham. Karl Robinson’s men have faded away from Swindon and Preston who are vying for the second automatic promotion, the Dons sit 4 points behind Swindon and 6 behind Preston. In their run to the end of the season, the Dons only face Swindon in the top 8 with every other team below them. Sheffield United sit 11 points behind them so the Dons have practically wrapped up fourth spot.

  • 3rd best home record in the division – 36 out of their 66 points picked up at home
  • Only lost 4 games at home but lost their last 2 to Preston and Chesterfield
  • Only Bristol City (73) have scored more than the Dons (72)
  • Only picked up 11 out of last 30 points while promotion rivals Preston (25), Bristol City (22) and Swindon (16) have picked up more

Notts County travel to stadium MK on a wretched run of form seeing only 2 wins in their last 12 league matches. County sit 19th just 2 points above the relegation zone, Shaun Derry’s men will need to pick up their form quick otherwise they will be sucked into the bottom 4. With teams at the bottom winning, County have fallen into danger. They face three of the bottom 6 in last 8 games but also face 3 of the top 6.

  • Picked up 27 of their 42 points away from Meadow Lane
  • Lost 2 and won 2 in their last 4 away matches
  • Only picked up 1 point from 18 against top 4 – 1-1 draw with Preston
  • Picked up the fewest amount of points since New Year in the league
  • County only won 1 of their last 13 meetings with the Dons
  • Lost 6 out of last 8 against MK

Prediction – MK 3-0 Notts County

Peterborough vs Chesterfield – 7th vs 8th

Peterborough suffered their first defeat in 5 matches against Preston in midweek after a run of 4 straight wins. The Posh’s recent form has put them just 1 point outside the playoffs with a relatively easier run in than the other teams around them. Posh only play Swindon from the top 5 till the end of the season and will hoping for another play off campaign. David Robertson has buoyed the Peterborough players after Darren Ferguson’s departure and has given his chairman a decision to make at the end of the season.

  • 27 of their 53 points picked up at home – W8, D3, L7
  • Won their last 3 games at London Road
  • 12 points from last 18 available with only 4 teams picking up more points in last 6 matches
  • Won all 7 home games when they have scored first
  • Struggled for goals this season with only 45 scored compared to previous years – 13/14 (72), 12/13 (66), 11/12(67)
  • 12 of their 16 defeats been by just 1 goal
  • Posh won 3 of the last 5 meetings with both teams scoring in last 6 matches

Chesterfield picked up their 3rd win in 4 matches with a 3-0 victory over Gillingham in midweek. They sit just 3 points from the play offs and just 2 behind tomorrow’s opponents, a win could see them put pressure on teams above them. The win in midweek pulled them closer to teams above them as Peterborough  and Barnsley both dropped points

  • Won 2 and lost 2 in their last 4 away matches – winning last away game 2-1 at MK
  • Only picked up 20 of their 50 points away from home
  • Picked up 9 points from last 18 available
  • Only lost 2 of 15 games when they have scored first

Prediction – Peterborough 2-1 Chesterfield

Rochdale vs Scunthorpe – 10th vs 17th

Dale picked up their 3rd win in 4 games in midweek as their search for a play off place continues. Dale sit 4 points off of the play off places but have at least one game in hand on their nearest rivals. Rochdale win on Tuesday at Notts County moved them closer to teams above them as some of theme drop points but face a tough run in facing 4 of the top 6.

  • 24 of 50 points collected at home – won 5 out of last 7 including 3 wins in their last 4 at Spotland
  • Ian Henderson netted 17 goals in the league and has 4 in his last 4
  • Striker been involved in 23 of 60 league goals – including 11 of their 25 goals scored at Spotland
  • Only lost 1 of 14 games when they have scored first
  • 22 of their 24 points collected in games where they have scored first

Scunthorpe find themselves just three points above the relegation zone as they have been dragged into the battle for survival. The Iron face 3 trips in next 8 days which could help them pull away from danger or drag them deep into relegation trouble. Scunthorpe drew with Sheffield United in midweek but haven’t won in their last 6. Their form will need to improve with teams below them fighting for their lives.

  • Won 4 of 14 games since New Year
  • Not won in last 4 away games – 2 points from 12
  • Only Oldham have picked up same points as them in last 6 matches – 3 from possible 18
  • Picked up 21 of 43 points away from home
  • Padden Madden top scorer with 14 goals but no goal in last 6 and just 2 in his last 14 games
  • Scunthorpe won the last 4 meetings and have just 2 defeats in last 5 meetings – winning 9 of them

Prediction – Rochdale 2-0 Scunthorpe

Sheffield United vs Port Vale – 5th vs 13th

The Blade look for their first win in 6 games as Port Vale travel to Brammall Lane tomorrow. United have 3 home games in the next 8 days which could cement their place in the play offs. The Blades only sit 2 points ahead of 7th placed Peterborough as their form has dipped whilst teams below them have bunched up. United picked up a draw at Scunthorpe in midweek having fallen behind but their home form could be key in run to keep play off place.

  • 6 points from last 18 available
  • Lost their last 3 home games
  • 26 of their 55 points picked up at home – W7, D5, L5
  • Scored in 22 of their last 23 matches but conceded in their last 11 games
  • Scored 38 of their 50 goals in the second half – 20 goals scored in last 15 minutes of matches
  • Sheff Utd won 5 of last 7 meetings

Port Vale sit in mid table, 8 points off relegation and 6 off of the play offs. A late charge to the play offs remains unlikely and have just 1 win in their last 4. Vale surrendered a 2-1 half time lead to Crawley in midweek and their season could fizzle out if they are not careful.

  • Vale won last 3 trips away – Coventry (1-0), Notts County (1-0) and Walsall (1-0)
  • 9 points from last 18 available – 3 wins and 3 defeats
  • 12 out of their 14 wins happened when they have scored the first goal
  • Have not lost the 8 away games where they have netted first
  • 40 out of their 48 points picked up when scored first
  • 10 of their 14 wins been by a 1 goal margin

Prediction – Sheff Utd 2-1 Port Vale

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“You Shouldn’t get Relegated on 50 Points”

Posted on March 19, 2015 by mattbristow271993

Crawley boss Dean Saunders is putting 50 points as the safety benchmark in the quest for his side to beat the drop. The Reds picked up their second 3-2 away victory at Port Vale on Tuesday and now lie just 2 points from safety. Crawley host relegation rivals Leyton Orient on Saturday in another 6 pointer where either side could lift their selves to safety with a win.

Saunders spoke after the victory at Vale “it was good to get 3 goals away from home, we played well, right through the middle of them time and time again”. His side conceded the first goal once more on Tuesday the 22nd time this season and Saunders was a frustrated man. “Sometimes it is a frustrating job as a football manager, it is sole destroying, we even talked about it for half an hour going through every little bit of detail on the goal”.

Goals from Izale Mcleod and Richard Wood gave Crawley the victory after the break, “we started the game badly and conceded the worst goal ever but I had a go at them at half time” Saunders stated. With Coventry winning away at Fleetwood, Saunders understands how important every game is “it is a tough game Saturday, I have watched them several times thinking they will pick up but they haven’t. We need to make sure it is not on Saturday”.

In one of the closest relegation battles in recent years, Saunders has named 50 points as the safety benchmark.”Everyone is playing everyone, 3 wins and a result, you shouldn’t get relegated on 50 points“ Statistics seem to back up the 50 points benchmark but with 10 games remaining only 14 points separates Crawley in 21st and Barnsley in 6th.

. Points needed for Surival

Orient picked up what could be a valuable point against Barnsley on Tuesday night but could have won the game but found Tykes keeper Aaron Davies in fine form. Fabio Liverani spoke after the draw “It was a good match, I was happy with my team but not lucky tonight. We should have scored but weren’t clinical enough in front of goal”. The draw came with another clean sheet for Orient and Liverani was happy “with the professional nature of the team; attacking and defending with all 11 players”.

Midfielder Bradley Pricthard spoke after the game commenting on the defense “Clean sheets bring confidence especially at this time of the year. Every point counts”

  • Orient 4 clean sheets in last 6 games
  • Conceded only 4 goals in those games – 3 against league leaders Bristol City
  • Orient’s goal difference is better other sides in the relegation which could be key at the end of the season

Orient will travel to Crawley with the Red Devils 7th in the form table over the last 10 games with Liverani aware of the importance of the game. “Total importance on game, all games are important, we go in confident. Some teams win, some lose and some are being caught”. After wins for the bottom sides in recent weeks Scunthorpe, Crewe, Notts County have been dragged back into the mix with 3 points separating Scunthorpe in 17th and Crawley in 21st.

Pricthard and Liverani both spoke about the amount of chances the O’s created “we tried to create as much as possible, it was frustrating not to put the ball in the back of the net. Positive that we are creating chances and looking threatening”.

Pricthard spoke about the level experience the O’s have in the side and it could be pivotal right till the end of the season. “We have had pressure on us all season in different sorts, the experience will help in the long run”. Orient face bad memories of their trips to Crawley losing both trips they have made their. Orient picked up their first win against the Red Devils with a 4-1 victory on Boxing Day and “will need to go again, it is a massive game” stated Prichard.

  • O’s record against bottom 8 – P10 – W4, D2, L4. Picked up 14 from possible 30 points
  • Crawely’s record against bottom 8 – P9 – W2, D4, L3. Picked up 10 from possible 27 points

Crawley will look for goals through Izale Mcleod who has netted 15 this term including 2 in his last 2. Anthony Wordsworth will be the man to watch after scoring one and creating the other two goals at Vale “we are creating chances, disappointed not to score more but we have to take our momentum into Orient” speaking after the Port Vale win. Crawley have struggled defensively with defender Richard Wood hailing the character his side showed after coming from behind in their last 2 wins.

“Conceded 2 bad goals but we rallied showing the character in the dressing room and played some good stuff in the end. If we do stuff right and don’t concede stupid goals we will be fine”

  • Only Crewe (67) have conceded more goals than Crawley (64)
  • Home record P18 – W6, D6, L6 F23 A29 – 24 points
  • In the 6 losses at home conceded 21 goals – conceding 2 or more in each of the games
  • Gained 16 points before Christmas at home
  • But only picked up 8 points from last 6 games at home

The game could have a big impact on the relegation battle but Orient will be without Kevin Lisbie who recently joined Stevenage on a one month loan deal. Bradley Pricthard says the veteran striker will be missed “he is a massive character and is a shame he is not in the dressing room”. Liverani also spoke about changes could be made despite positive results “we will see how players have recovered but likely to be changes with third game in 8 days, changes are needed”.

Orient are made favorites ahead of the clash being 21/20 at William Hill, Crawley are 9/4 and draw is 12/5. Both teams will not want to lose the game with how tight it is down the bottom of league 1. Both teams to score and a draw remain 16/5 at William Hill.

Prediction – Crawley 1-1 Orient – 6/1 at William Hill

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1 Point Gained or 2 Point Dropped?

Posted on March 18, 2015 by mattbristow271993

Leyton Orient picked up what could be a vital point at the end of the season after a 0-0 draw with in form Barnsley last night. The home side were the dominant side in the first half but couldn’t net the vital goal to give them all 3 points. Tykes boss Johnson hinted at the tough nature of the game before kick off and is point was justified as his side looked off the pace in much of the first half.

Barnsley stay in the play off places after Peterborough lost at Preston while Orient drop a place to 22nd and now lie 3 points from safety. After wins for Crawley at Port Vale and Coventry at Fleetwood both have moved clear of the O’s who face a relegation 6 pointer against Crawley on Saturday.

Orient were forced into 2 changes from their win over Yeovil on Saturday with Bradley Pricthard and Nathan Clarke returning to the side after Marvin Bartley and Mathieu Baudry missed out through injury. Barnsley who were coming off the back of 6 straight wins brought in Sam Winnall for Milan Lalkovic in their only change.

Orient started brightly as they have in all of their recent home matches with Jobi McAnuff and Ryan Hedges dangerous on both flanks. After early goals on Saturday, the home side were hoping for the same outcome but struggled to create clear cut chances on the Barnsley goal. Nathan Clarke who was partnering Scott Cuthbert at the back remained strong and sniffed out much of the early danger on the O’s goal.

The O’s were passing well trying to move Barnsley around with both Luke O’Neil and Andrea Dossena overlapping on the flanks to try and create danger. The Tykes defense looked shaky at times with Dagnall and Henderson putting pressure on them whilst in possession. It took until the 25th minute for the first real chance, a quick free kick from Dossena found Henderson at the back post. The frontman headed across goal to his strike partner Dagnall but Orient’s top scorer was unable to find the target.

Dagnall and Henderson continued to link up well with Henderson having the best chance of the half for Orient. Just a minute after Dagnall’s chance, Dossena found the former Forest man from a free kick but he headed wide after losing his marker. McAnuff and Hedges were continually asking questions of their full backs as the home side searched for the opener. Dagnall and Henderson combined once more but Dagnall’s volley was easily saved from 25 yards.

McAnuff forced Andrew Davies into his first big save after a good O’s move. Henderson brought the ball down laying to Dagnall, he laid off to the unmarked McAnuff on the left hand side but Davies saved well from McAnuff”s near post shot. Barnsley’s only real sight of goal came on 35 minutes but Josh Scowen screwed his shot wide from outside the box. Orient would have been disappointed not to be in front after their dominance in the first half.

Orient could have taken the lead 2 minute after the restart but Barnsley had their keeper to thank once more. After a Dosssena cross, Dagnall headed back to Hedges who had come off his right flank but his goal bound shot was brilliantly saved by Davies. The Tykes responded with Connor Hourihane forcing Alex Ciask into a fine save from a dipping 25 yard free kick was destined for the top corner.

Hedges continued to be the most influential player on the night and volleyed wide after creating space for himself. As time faded the game opened up more with Barnsley looking to hit Orient on the break. Bradley Pricthard was next to find Davies in fine form in the away side’s goal after neat work from Hedges and McAnuff. Hedges broke in from the right finding McAnuff, the former Reading man picked out Pritchard’s run and knocked the ball around the corner to him. Pricthard’s goal bound shot was pushed around the corner by Davies.

Lee Johnson responded bringing on Luke Berry as the away side went to a 4-1-4-1 system with Ben Pearson sitting in front of the back 4 with George Waring leading the line. Dossena was next to try his luck with a free kick but it flew wide of the target. As the game reached injury time substitute Milan Lalkovic saw red after a late two footed lunge on Nathan Clarke. Orient last chance to grab the precious three points came after a cross entered the Barnsley box but neither substitutes David Mooney or Jay Simpson could bring the ball down.

Orient would have settled for a point before the game but could see it as two points dropped as the battle for League 1 safety hots up. Orient face a must win challenge away at Crawley on Saturday if they are to seek League 1 status next season. Positive remain for Orient as Fabio Liverani is beginning to find a consistent team which helps in all aspects of their play. It is now 4 clean sheets in 6 games for the O’s who will need to keep this up for the rest of the season.

Barnsley face 3 of the top 5 in their next three including tests against the top 2. Tykes boss Johnson knows that his side will need to pick up points against the top sides if they are to remain in the play off places. The Tykes still have only conceded  1 goal in seven games but lacked a cutting edge at Orient which will need to improve in their next few games.

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Orient will be the “Real Marker”

Posted on March 16, 2015 by mattbristow271993

Barnsley boss Lee Johnson takes his side to East London hoping for a seventh consecutive win . The Tykes have been in superb form since Danny Wilson’s sacking in February but Johnson described the trip to Orient as “the toughest game yet, it will be the real marker“. Johnson returned to former club Oldham on Saturday picking up three precious points in the race for a play off spot but “it wasn’t a great game but we were professional”.

  • Barnsley have 6 straight wins – Scoring 11 and conceding 1.
  • Only Bayern Munich (scored 27, conceded 2)  have a better record in last 6 games across top 6 European Leagues (England, France, Spain, Italy, Germany and Holland)
  • Conceded first goal in 499 minutes at Oldham

Barnsley travel to Orient knowing that their fixtures don’t get any easier, with games against Bristol City, Preston and Sheffield United following. “There is work to be done, this isn’t a Johnson side yet. It was a tough game and it was good to come away with the win” said Johnson after the Oldham match. The Tykes have risen in recent weeks with key victories and after results went for them on Saturday, they sit in the last play off spot on 53 points, 1 behind 5th placed Sheffield United.

Defender Lewis Nytanga netted twice on Saturday in their victory but understands that “it is the beauty of football, things can change in a short space of time but we all know it can go the other way”. Barnsley were 17th at the turn of the year but have finally found some consistency which had been missing in the early part of the season. The defender was “annoyed that we let a goal in but we won the game. The recent clean sheets have come from the whole team, we defend as a team with everyone working off the ball to do their jobs”

  • Barnsley have kept 5 clean sheets in their last 6 – prior to that had only kept 6 in first 30 games of season
  • Conceded 1 goal in last 6 – conceded 48 in first 30 games

Orient bounced back from consecutive defeats to register only their fourth home win of the season at home to Yeovil on Saturday. Johnson stated that “they are an excellent team who are in false position, just look at who they have on their books. We need to keep the hammer down with complacency being the factor that could let us down”. Orient scored 2 goals in the first 7 minutes on Saturday but Johnson was “happy how his side played the atmosphere” on Saturday in his first trip back to Boundary Park after leaving last month.

  • Orient have scored 6 goals in first 15 minutes of home matches – 4 of them have come in last 3
  • Orient have won 3 of their last 5 when scoring first
  • But the Tykes have netted first in 8 of their last 11 games – winning 8 and losing 3
  • All 4 of Orient’s home win have been by 3 goal margins

Jobi McAnuff netted his third goal for Orient on Saturday and pointed down to the fact that “the first goal helped to open the game up”. “We were really focused and wanted to start the game well, we looked a real threat and had numerous chances to score more”. The O’s form has improved as players have regained fitness and form in the team with McAnuff describing everyone as “chomping at the bit to get a bit of the action”. Liverani spoke after the win describing it “as very difficult to choose 11 players from the 23 man squad”.

  • Orient have only lost 1 of 5 games they have scored first at home – 3-1 loss at home to Bristol City
  • Barnsley have picked up 16 of their 21 away points when they have netted first – Won 5, Drew 1, Lost 2
  • Only 1 win when conceded first away which came in their first away match of the season – 2-1 victory at Crewe
  • Lost the last 7 away matches they have conceded first

O’s will need to be weary of forward Conor Houirhane who netted his 12th of the season at Oldham for the Tykes with Johnson keen to praise the front man “he was assured and the calm head; he had the perfect balance: fire in the belly and ice in the head”. Hourihane netted his 1st goal in 13 games but George Waring has stepped in brilliantly to keep the Tykes form going. Waring has scored 4 in his last 4 with everyone ready to play their part with the Tykes already having 14 different scorers this season. Nytanga aludded to the fact that Peter Rammage remains the only absentee for Barnsley.

“Their will be competition for places until the end of the season and we hope to get better as we go on”

Nytanga says his side go into tomorrow’s clash with confidence “they are a good team towards the bottom of the league and we know it is not going to be an easy game”. The Tykes coasted past the O’s in December at Oakwell but Johnson is key to point out that at Oldham “we didn’t have much going forward apart from the set pieces”.

Nytanga grabbed his 2 goals from set pieces and was thankful to Hourihane, “he has a great delivery, it is something we have been working on, attacking set pieces on the training ground and seems to be paying off”. The Tykes could provide a threat from dead ball situations in E10 with all Orient fans knowing how poorly their side have defended from set pieces this season.

  • 4 out of Barnsley’s last 6 goals have come from set pieces – all 3 at Oldham started from a set piece
  • 7 out of their 11 goals in their six match winning run have been from set pieces
  • Orient have struggled all season from defending set pieces
  • Hourihane has scored 12 and assisted 9 of Barnsley 50 league goals – 42% of their goals involved the Striker

McAnuff stated that “we want games coming thick and fast, if we repeat Saturday’s performance, we will give any team in this league a game”. Orient face 2 of the sides in and around them in their next four matches (Crawley away and Coventry away) and understand that every game is crucial in battle for survival.

Chris Dagnall grabbed his 10th league goal of the season and third in four games with Fabio Liverani high of praise for the front man. “Dagnall is an important man for the team, he play more than others”. Dagnall faces one of his old teams tomorrow and “is really looking forward to the game, all we can do is concentrate on ourselves”. Orient haven’t fared too well against sides in top 6 compared to Barnsley against the bottom 6.

  • Orient played 8 – picked up 4 out of possible 24 points (4 draws and 4 defeats)
  • Barnsley picked up 20 out of possible 30 points against bottom 6 – Won 6, drew 2, lost 2
  • The Tykes have won last 3 meetings between sides with Orient’s last win coming in 1970
  • But the games this season are the first time the two sides have met in 30 years

Orient could be without Mathieu Baudry who had to go off on Saturday with a hamstring with Ryan Hedges (thigh), Marvin Bartley (knee) and Darius Henderson (ankle) set to run off slight knocks picked up on Saturday. Barnsley have a fully fit squad apart from Peter Rammage who remains absent for the Tykes.

An early goal seems inevitable looking at recent games, but Orient have reduced their down fall for most of the season in late goals. The O’s haven’t conceded a goal past 80 minutes in their last 8 games and the East London club would sit 19th, 2 points above the relegation zone if games ended at 80 minutes.

Despite Barnsley’s recent defensive record and Orient’s 3 clean sheets in last 5 games, both teams will certainly have chances to score and wouldn’t be surprised if they do.

Prediction either side to win 2-1. Head says Barnsley may just nick the game but heart says Dagnall to net the winner in the second half.

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O’s Survival Prospects Given A Boost

Posted on March 15, 2015 by mattbristow271993

Leyton Orient enhanced their League 1 survival hopes with a comprehensive win over Yeovil but still remain in the relegation zone. Chris Dagnall and on loan Swansea winger Ryan Hedges netted in the first 7 minutes to put Orient on their way. The O’s who had only won 3 home games prior to the game were pushing for more but Scott Loach kept his side in the game. Orient did wrap the game up just before the hour as Jobi McAnuff slotted home to give Orient the victory. Despite the win, Orient still remain 2 points from safety as Coventry picked up a vital win away at Chesterfield. Yeovil now lie 7 points safety as they prop up League 1.

Orient who were looking to bounce back from 2 straight defeats made 4 changes: Andrea Dossena, Marvin Bartley, Ryan Hedges and Darius Henderson all came in for Gary Sawyer, Bradley Pritchard, David Mooney and the injured Romain Vincelot. Yeovil, who needed a win to give their hope of survival a chance, made 2 changes Joe Edwards and Stephen Kingsley  returned for Kieffer Moore and Stephen Arthurworrey who dropped out.

The O’s started on the front foot, pressurizing Yeovil’s back line and took the lead after just 2 minutes. Jobi McAnuff peristance in midfield paid off as his ball fell to Chris Dagnall, the forward shifted the ball on to his right foot, firing into the far corner for his 10th league goal. The third home game in a row Orient had scored before the 5th minute. Yeovil were shell shocked all over the pitch as Orient pressed again looking for an important second. The front 6 were pushing forward to force Yeovil onto the back foot as they struggled to keep possession.

The O’s grabbed the vital second on 7 minutes, Marvin Bartley who had impressed since his return from injury made a break in the inside left channel. He turned back to play Dossena in, the left back’s cross shot was blocked out to Ryan Hedges on the edge of the area. The on loan Swansea winger slotted home for his 2nd for the club and Orient’s second on the day.

Orient thrived on the frailties at the back from Yeovil, becoming even more dominant with both O’Neil and Dossena supporting well down the flanks.  Hedges and McAnuff were causing their full backs no end of problems with Scott Loach in the Yeovil goal keeping his side in  the game. Lovely play between McAnuff and Dossena caused panic in the Glovers’s back line, Dagnall worked the ball to Henderson but the former Forest’s man low shot was brilliantly tipped onto the post. The best move came on 22 where the away side were thankful to the post once more. It came through the lively Hedges, a procession of one two’s down the right led to McAnuff getting in behind, his shot was parried by Loach to Dagnall but Orient’s top scorer could only hit the post with the rebound.

Yeovil boss Terry Skiverton was left on the touchline wondering what had happened in the first 30 minutes as he replaced Adam Morgan for James Hayter. Skipper Joe Edwards had described pre match as “the perfect game for us” it seemed like he was speaking from the wrong team. Orient had been on the front foot since the off but would be disappointed to take more of their chances. Both O’s wingers had license to move in off the flanks to link up play as Hedges did for his goal and could have added to his tally but shot over after good work from McAnuff and Dossena.

McAnuff tried his luck just before the break but Loach saved well down to his left; Alex Ciask remained a spectator in the O’s goal as Yeovil struggled to create much going forward before the break.

It was obvious from the start of the second period that Skiverton had read his side the riot act as Yeovil started on the front foot. But Orient seemed contend to defend behind the ball and look to counter when the opportunity arose. Henderson broke for the O’s played in Dagnall who overlapped the ball to Hedges on the right but neither of the O’s forward’s made it into box to tap in the cross. Skiverton shuffled his pack again adding James Berrett for Josh Sheenhan as Yeovil force Alex Ciask into a couple of saves.

Joel Grant had the Glovers best chance as he found space in the inside left channel, Edwards found him but his shot was saved well down at his near post by Ciask. Orient responded 2 minutes later as they wrapped the game up. Dagnall and Henderson linked up from a throw in as Henderson rode three challenges, laid the ball over to McAnuff who was left unmarked on the left side and he slotted home. Henderson was replaced by David Mooney and his first contribution was to play in Dagnall who had a fierce near post shot turned round for a corner by Loach.

Bradley Pricthard and Jay Simpson were introduced for Marvin Bartley and Ryan Hedges who continues to grow in confidence in his loan spell from Swansea. Orient who had made all 3 subs had to finish the game with 10 men as Mathieu Baudry limped off with a hamstring injury. In fact all 3 changes could have been enforced as they received ice treatment on the bench: Bartley (Knee), Henderson (ankle) and Hedges (thigh). The O’s had to reshuffle with Luke O’Neil moving to centre half and Bradley Pricthard slotting in at right back. Both did well in the remaining stages as Orient capped a fine win with a clean sheet in their target of beating the drop.

Orient face an inform Barnsley on Tuesday who have who 6 straight games in the league but will need a result as they still sit 2 points from safety. With Coventry’s win at Chesterfield, the league match between the Sky Blues and Orient on the 1st April could be the most important fixture of the season. Yeovil still have a possibility of survival as they face Colchester on Tuesday night but no less than a win could signal their ominous relegation to League 2. Orient were rarely troubled at the back as Yeovil failed to create clear cut chances but the confidence built from the win should help them in the game n Tuesday.

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League 1 Preview – 14th March

Posted on March 13, 2015 by mattbristow271993

Bristol City vs Gillingham – 1st vs 14th

After victory at Yeovil in midweek, table toppers Bristol City welcome Gillingham to Ashton Gate in search of their 6th straight win in a row. City extended their lead over Preston to 13 points but the Lilywhites do have 2 games in hand. The Robins will be looking for maximum points in their next two home matches before they face Walsall in the final of the JPT at Wembley. Gillingham come into the game gaining a point off playoff chasers Doncaster at home last week and will be looking for Cody McDonald to add to his 14 goals in the league with 3 in his last 5. The Gills sit securely in mid table just 4 points of the playoffs.

  • Bristol City best home record in the division – winning 13 out of 17 and only losing 2
  • Tomorrow’s clash will be City’s 11th game in 5 weeks with no midweek break since start of February
  • Gillingham unbeaten in last 4 on the road – winning 2 and drawing 2
  • Gills only won 4 out of 17 away from home
  • Gillingham failed to win last 7 meetings between sides with only 2 wins in 12 against City
  • Luke Freeman has most league assists with 12

Prediction – Bristol City 3-1 Gillingham

Chesterfield vs Coventry – 10th vs 20th

Chesterfield are in search of their 3rd straight win as they face Coventry on Saturday after bouncing back from 4 consecutive defeats. The Spirities picked up a valuable away win at MK Dons last weekend as they push for a play off place, sitting just 4 points of 6th placed Doncaster. Coventry sit just 1 point above the relegation zone and had to settle with a draw at home to Bradford in midweek. Tony Mowbray has recently been appointed to try and save the Midlands club from potential relegation. The Sky Blues will be pushing for a result as the bottom 4 clubs face each other tomorrow but they do play 5 of the bottom 7 in their last 7 games.

  • 8 of Chesterfield’s league wins have come at home
  • Lost 2 of last 3 at home
  • 6 points from last 18 available with 2 wins
  • Coventry 1 win in 11 but 2 wins in last 8 away from home
  • 14 of 37 points come away from Rioch Arena
  • Chesterfield have 1 win in 9 against Coventry but this season was the first time the sides had met in 53 years

Prediction – Chesterfield 2-1 Coventry

Colchester vs Crawley – 22nd vs 23rd

A relegation six pointer awaits in Colchester as two of the bottom four meet with a win for either side possibly moving them to a point of safety. The U’s are hoping to bounce back from 3 consecutive defeats and face 2 of the bottom 4 in their next two games.  With Orient facing Yeovil, the game provides an opportunity for either side to give them chance of survival. Crawley come into the game with back to back defeats against Bristol City and Bradford. The Red Devils face two away trips this week, getting a result is imperative to gain momentum in last 9 games of the season.

  • Only Leyton Orient have worst home record than Colchester – U’s only picked up 14 points at home this season
  • Only picked up 10 points from 36 since Christmas
  • 2 wins in 8 at home including a 3-2 victory over Bristol City
  • Crawley have 2 wins in 7 and only 3 wins in last 25 in the league
  • Have worst away record in the league with just 2 win from 17 matches
  • Colchester have never beaten Crawley – 3 draws and 2 defeats

Prediction – Colchester 1-0 Crawley

Doncaster vs Peterborough – 6th vs 8th

2 play off hopefuls battle it out at the Keepmoat as Posh travel to face Doncaster. Both teams sit on 50 points, with Doncaster occupying last play off spot on goal difference. Doncaster have drew their last 2 games, giving the chasing pack a chance to catch them up. Donny face a tough run of games with 3 games against teams around them and 2 against the top 4. Harry Forrester could be key as he has netted 2 in his last 2 for Donny but they need wins to maintain place in top 6.

Posh arrive at Donny with 3 straight wins since Dave Robertson took over as Caretaker after Darren Ferguson left. Peterborough face two away trips to Donny and Preston, if they are to gain a play off place come the end of the season then they will need to pick up results away. Robertson has given team freedom in their play and could continue form at Donny to give them a chance of third consecutive play off finish.

  • Donny 3 wins out of last 4 at home
  • Only 1 win in last 5 home and away
  • Only picked 8 points from last 18 available
  • Posh picked up 12 points from last 18
  • But only 1 win in last 4 on the road
  • Peterborough have not won in last 8 meetings between sides with Donny winning 6 of them
  • Last two games have been draws

Prediction – Doncaster 0-1 Peterborough

Fleetwood vs Rochdale – 12th vs 13th

Rochdale travel to face Fleetwood as both teams find themselves just a win outside the playoffs. Fleetwood will be looking to build on a fine 2-1 victory away at Sheffield United last week but will need to continue form if the are to challenge for a play off place. The Cod Army have only lost 3 games at home and have drew against MK, Bristol City, Swindon and Sheff Utd.

Dale come in to game after back to back wins after a poor run of form seeing just 1 win in 7 in all competitions. Fleetwood beat Rochdale 2-0 at Spotland earlier in the season but Dale will be hoping their early season away form can see a win. Ian Henderson will be hoping to continue scoring rate with 4 in his last 5 and 3 in his last 2 Dale appearances.

  • 3 wins in 6 for Fleetwood
  • Unbeaten in their last 4 at home
  • 10 point from last 18 available
  • Dale won 7 away from home but only 2 wins in last 8 after winning 5 of their first 7 on the road
  • 8 points from last 24 away from Spotland
  • Dale’s only game against a top half side in next 5
  • Fleetwood have won 2 of last 3 meetings

Prediction – Fleetwood 1-1 Rochdale

Leyton Orient vs Yeovil –21st vs 24th

Orient host bottom side Yeovil on the back of 2 straight defeats against Peterborough and Bristol City. The O’s can jump out of the bottom 4 with a win as they only sit one point behind 20th placed Coventry. Orient will be without Romain Vincelot who was ruled out for the rest of the season with a knee injury in midweek. Orient face 2 of the bottom 4 in their next 3 games and will be needing results if they are to stay up.

Yeovil travel to East London on the back of a 3-1 defeat in midweek to Bristol City but will be buoyed by their last minute win at home to Oldham last week. If the Glovers are to prevent back to back relegation’s the next two game are pivotal as they travel to Colchester in midweek. Orient brushed Yeovil aside 3-0 at Christmas but will find a tougher outfit under caretaker boss, Terry Skiverton.

  • Orient worst home record in the league – winning just 3 games
  • 1 win in last 6 at home – losing the other 5
  • Yeovil 2 wins from last 11 games
  • No win in last 7 on the road
  • Yeovil failed to score in half of their matches – 18 out of 36
  • Yeovil 2 wins in 9 at Brisbane Road

Prediction – Leyton Orient 2-1 Yeovil

Notts County vs Bradford – 19th vs 9th

County look to bounce back from a 3-0 loss away at Swindon as they sit just 6 points above the relegation zone. Notts have two home game against top half sides this week but will need to put performance together to keep gap between themselves and bottom 4. Bradford travel to Meadow Lane with one eye on their quarter final replay against Reading in the F.A. Cup on Monday night. The Bantams drew away at Coventry in midweek but have only scored 6 goals in their last 7 as they push for a play off place, sitting just 1 point behind places.

  • Notts have 2 wins in 10 – picking up just 7 points from 30
  • 1 home win in 9 and have lost the last 4 by the odd goal
  • Only Orient and Colchester have worst home record than County
  •  Bradford 1 win in 6 in all competitions
  • 2 wins in 6 on the road – including a 4-2 win away at Chelsea
  • 13 points from last 30 available
  • Bradford have won 2 of last 4 meetings

Prediction – Notts County 0-1 Bradford

Oldham vs Barnsley – 15th vs 7th

Oldham welcome former boss Lee Johnson back to Boundary Park as they hope to bounce back from a last minute defeat at Yeovil after taking the lead. The Lactics still have appointed a manager since Johnson left and have only 1 win in last 5, away at Port Vale. Oldham only sit 4 points outside the playoffs but will need a run of results if the are to challenge the play off places.

Barnsley travel to Oldham looking for their 6th straight win as Johnson has started his managerial career well at Oakwell. Barnsley themselves only sit outside the playoffs on goal difference and are one of the form sides in the division. The Tykes travel away to Leyton Orient in midweek and face teams who will be battling for every single point available. The sides only played each other on 3rd February with Barnsley winning 1-0.

  • Oldham 2 home wins in 9 in all competitions – last home win 2-1 victory over Swindon
  • Only 6 points from last 18 available
  • 5 goals scored in last 8 games and face a run of 5 games in 14 days
  • Barnsley won last 2 away games but before without a win in 7
  • Only 18 of 50 points come away from home
  • George Waring netted 4 in his last 3
  • Tykes 5 straight wins – scoring 8 and conceding 0.
  • Only top 2 have better record over last 6 games
  • Barnsley have won 3 of last 4 meetings with Oldham failing to score in those defeats

Prediction – Oldham 0-2 Barnsley

Port Vale vs Swindon – 11th vs 3rd

Vale host Swindon at Vale Park as the host look for their 5th win in 6 games. Vale beat Coventry 3-2 last time out but face a tough test in coming games, facing 2 of the top 5 in next 3 fixtures. Vale only sit 2 points outside the play off places and have recently beaten Sheffield United to show they can compete with top sides.

Swindon are hoping to keep upward momentum from their 3-0 home win over Notts County with that being only their 2nd win in 7. The Robins poor form in recent weeks has seen Bristol City and Preston gain a lead but Swindon will be hoping to close the gap with a win. Swindon still have to face their promotion rivals so still have a strong chance of promotion to the Championship.

  • Vale won 1 in 4 at home with 4 points from 12
  • 4th in form table with 12 points from last 18 available
  • Mark Marshall scored 4 in his last 6 for Vale
  • Swindon 3rd in away table with only top 2 gaining more points on the road
  • Only lost 5 away all season but 3 of those defeats have come in last 4 away games
  • 1 point from last 12 available on the road
  • Swindon have won the last 6 meetings between sides – Vale last won in 2007

Prediction – Port Vale 1-2 Swindon

Preston vs Crewe – 2nd vs 18th

Promotion chasers Preston welcome Crewe to Deepdale looking for their 6th win in 7 games as they hope to keep lead over 3rd placed Swindon. Preston will be buoyed with their 2-0 win at MK Dons last week and will be looking for maximum points from their 2 home matches this week. Joe Garner has netted 2 in his last 3 games and could add to his league tally of 15 on Saturday.

Crewe picked up their 1st win in 5 after victory at home to Scunthorpe last week but face the top 2 away from home this week. Alex sit 7 points above relegation, but will need to put a storng performance in as 3 of the top 5 play Alex in their next 4. The sides drew 1-1 at Gresty Road earlier but Preston are in the in form side in the division as they look to secure the 2nd automatic spot.

  • No team has picked up more points in last 6 than Preston – 16 from last 18
  • Only 1 defeat at home in league – unbeaten since November
  • Have best defensive record in the league and have not lost when they have scored
  • Picked up 55 points from 63 when scored the first goal
  • Only conceded 5 in last 9 games
  • Crewe have 2nd worst away record in league with 14 points from 17 games
  • 7 points from last 18 available
  • Scored 34 goals in 35 league matches – only Yeovil have scored less
  • Crewe have won 4 of the last 5 meetings

Prediction – Preston 2-0 Crewe

Scunthorpe vs Sheff Utd – 17th vs 5th

Scunthorpe host Sheffield United as they look for their first win in 6 after defeat away at Crewe last week. They face the Blades twice in 10 days due to United’s cup involvement earlier in the season. The Iron only sit 7 points above the relegation zone, with sides around them playing each other, the gap could be closed if they fail to pick a result up.

United travel to Glanford Park after back to back home defeats to Fleetwood and Peterborough. The Blade sit 5th on 53 point but only have a 3 point lead over chasing pack and will need to be weary if their form does not improve. United have played the top 4 home and away with all of their remaining games against sides below them in the league. With MK stuttering just above them, if the Blades put a run together they could catch the Dons.

  • Scunny have 2 wins in last 4 home matches – including victory over 3rd placed Swindon
  • 5 points from last 18 available – only Yeovil and Walsall have picked up less in same period
  • Sheffield have 1 win in 5 and without a win in 3
  • Have won 3 of their last 4 on the road – including a victory at Bristol City coming from behind
  • Scored in 21 of their last 22 games but conceded in their last 10
  • Only picked up 8 points from last 18 available
  • Scunthorpe failed to win in last 5 meetings with last win back in 2011

Prediction – Scunthorpe 1-2 Sheffield United

Walsall vs MK Dons – 16th vs 4th

Two out of form teams battle it out at the Banks Stadium on Saturday as the home side look for only their 2nd win in 7 games. The Saddlers face three of the top four in next 3 matches including the JPT final against Bristol City at Wembley. The Birmingham based side have only won 2 of their 9 games since reaching Wembley and certainly have one eye on the trip in 9 days time.

Mk travel to Birmingham with 5 defeats in their last 7 games including a 2-0 home defeat to promotion rivals Preston last week. The Dons sit 4 points behind second placed Preston and dropped down to fourth after Swindon’s victory. It is set to be a three horse race for 2nd automatic spot as Bristol City have a 13 point lead over Preston. Karl Robinson’s men will need to pick up form quickly otherwise they might be left behind in the search of promotion to the Championship.

  • Walsall have 1 in last 7 home games – only scoring 6 goals
  • Have only won 5 games at home but have beaten Preston and drew with Sheff Utd
  • No team has collected less points over last 6 games – 4 point from 18
  • Mk have only won 1 of last 4 away games picking up 26 of their 62 away – 41%
  • Only Bristol City (70) have scored more goals than the Dons (68) in the league
  • Walsall won 3-0 at MK earlier in the season and have won 2 of last 3 meetings

Prediction – Walsall 1-1 MK Dons

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“Perfect Game For Us”

Posted on March 12, 2015 by mattbristow271993

Returning Yeovil captain Joe Edwards has described Saturday’s 6 pointer away at Leyton Orient as the “perfect game for us”. Edwards, who has missed the last month through injury is thrilled to back in the fold ahead of two must win games for his side ahead of trips to Orient and Colchester. The Glovers come off the back from a 3-1 home defeat to local neighbors Bristol City after a last gasp win on Saturday against Oldham.

  • Yeovil Away Record = Played 17, Won 4, Drew 3, Lost 10
  • 2 wins in 11 on the road with 5 losses and 4 draws
  • 4th worst away record in the league
  • No win in 7 away from home – 2 points from last 21 available

Despite defeat against Bristol City, recently appointed manager, Terry Skiverton remained upbeat with “commitment, work rate and energy clear to see from the boys”. Skiverton alluded  to small margins in football with a big chance a 2-0 to get them back in the game but “we were not clinical enough which has been the story of our season”. The Glovers were caught by the quality possessed by City but “the belief is still there, we are grafting and digging in”. “We created clear cut chances and opened up a side at the top of the table”.

  • Average less than one goal a game – scored 28 goals in 36 matches
  • Failed to score in half of their matches – 18 out of 36 and 8 of 17 away matches
  • Only scored 9 goals in 13 matches since Christmas
  • Top scorer Gozie Ugwu only has 4 league goals this season

Skiverton is weary of the threat that the O’s possess having brushed them aside 3-0 just before the New Year. “It is a must win game, aiming to get as many points on the board; we truly believe we can get out of it”. With two games against teams around them both Skiverton and Edwards are aware that “it is our own hands, we can make it really really tight at the bottom”. But the Glovers boss is aware his side need to out of the traps quickly with Orient this Saturday, after conceding early goals in the second half on Tuesday.

  • 2 wins in 9 for Yeovil against bottom 7 – 8 points from 27 points
  • Orient 3 wins in 8 against bottom 7 – 11 points from 24 points
  • Glovers conceded 15 goals in the 15 minutes at start of both halves
  • O’s scored 14 of their 44 goals in these periods but conceded 18 of their 52 goals in same period

Orient are hoping to bounce back from back to back defeats against Peterborough and Bristol City looking to leapfrog Coventry to safety with a win. The O’s lost influential midfielder Romain Vincelot for the rest of the season in midweek with a knee injury. Orient failed to score at Peterborough which was the 12th league game they had not scored in which could be a worry for O’s boss Liverani. The first goal will be crucial on Saturday with both teams looking for the vital upper hand in the game.

  • 11 points from 15 when Yeovil scored first in away matches
  • 1 win from 11 when conceded first for Glovers on the road
  • O’s failed to score in 7 of 17 home matches this season
  • Orient have worst home record in League 1 with 12 points from 17 matches with just 3 wins

Both teams need a result in what is named the augral six pointer with Skiverton aware that he needs to get it tactically right, we will be “looking at their strengths and weaknesses, with clean sheets part of that”. Orient face 2 of their nearest rivals in the next 3 and a win will give them momentum in their challenge to avoid relegation. Orient are favourites with the bookmakers at EVS with Yeovil out at 29/10. Orient and Yeovil won 2 a piece in the last 4 meetings between the teams.

  • Yeovil failed to keep a clean sheet in last 9 games
  • Yeovil 2 wins in 9 at Brisbane Road
  • Orient won all three of their home games by 3 goal margin

Orient will be without Vincelot with Shane Lowry and Ryan Hedges slight doubts having missed last weeks defeat to Peterborough. While Joe Edwards and Stephen Kingsley both making it through Thursday’s training and look set to be included in the squad. Joel Grant is set ton continue after a recent return from injury

Prediction – Leyton Orient 2-1 Yeovil

Closely fought game with Orient grabbing an early goal but conceding midway through the first half. A substitute will score from the bench in the closing stages to give Orient an very important victory at the bottom of League 1.

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Posh’s Third Win in a Row Leaves O’s still in Bottom 4

Posted on March 8, 2015 by mattbristow271993

Jon Taylor’s 3rd league goal of the season gave caretaker boss, David Robertson his third win as Peterborough boss. In a scrappy game neither side looked comfortable with difficult conditions but Taylor’s wind assisted cross deceived Alex Ciask in the Orient goal to give Peterborough their third straight win. The home side had to play stoppage time with 10 men after second half substitute Marcus Maddison was sent off for a challenge on Luke O’Neil. Posh’s win moves them to 8th, outside the play off places on goal difference while Orient remain in 21st, a point a drift of safety.

Dave Robertson made two changes from his sides 2-1 win at Sheffield Unite with Luke James and Kyle Vassell dropping out for Aaron Mclean and Connor Washington who scored the winner on Tuesday night. Fabio Liverani made three changes with Ryan Hedges, Shane Lowry and Andrea Dossena dropping out from their 3-1 defeat to Bristol City. Gary Sawyer returned at left back while Scott Cuthbert started alongside Mathieu Baudry at heart of defence while Bradley Pritchard came in on the right of midfield.

Both teams struggled to cope with the windy conditions and the terrible pitch which had been cut up severely in the warm ups. The ball spent the majority of the early stages in the air much to do with the state of the pitch. Miss placed passes were a constant theme throughout with Orient looking to hit Posh on the break when they could. Dagnall and Pritchard tried to link up on the break after 22 but a interception at the back for Posh prevented the opportunity. The opening goal came in very fortunate circumstances, Jon Taylor received the ball on the right touchline and approached the 18 yard box. Taylor crossed to the center but the ball caught the wind, sailing over Ciask and into the far corner of the net. A surprise to everyone inside the ground but Posh had the lead.

Orient looked to create down the right and in their best passage of play in the first half, Dagnall laid off to Vincelot on the edge of the box but the Frenchman hit his shot high over the bar. Jobi McAnuff who had been in decent form after recent good performances was having a bad day at the office with passes missing his teammates. The Orient faithful were not happy with the former Reading captain especially after for the third time he didn’t release the ball to a teammate when he had the opportunity. Posh nipped in, going on the counter attack much to his and the away crowd’s frustration. Referee Michael Brown was not giving Orient anything going forward especially after numerous fouls not given on David Mooney.

Aaron Mcclean had the last chance of the half, heading over a Joe Newell cross but in a poor game Posh had the lucky break at half time. Newell was replaced at half time by Marcus Maddison who was returning from injury after missing trip the to Sheffield United in midweek. Posh could have netted a second but Zakuani was unable to turn a in-swinging Maddison corner in at the back post. Orient pressed for the equalizer with Luke O’Neil pushing forward from right back and his cross fell to Mooney but the  striker could only toe poke at Alnwick. Alnwick kept the Posh lead in tact on 54 when Pricthard’s right wing crossed was helped towards goal by McAnuff but Alnwick tipped over when at full stretch.

Liverani threw Henderson and Cox on for Orient as they hoped to create a chance to level proceedings. Peterborough looked to absorb the so called Orient pressure, playing on the break through the long ball. It was working for the home side as Orient looked very nervous and were unable to deal with the threat especially with Ciask vulnerable from crosses. Communication was lacking for the away side at the back with several mix ups, but Orient were creating problems for themselves when trying to play out from the back rather than clearing the ball.

Luke James was introduced for Mcclean and could have added a second after a long ball wasn’t dealt with by Orient. James shifted onto his left foot but Ciask saved well at his near post from the substitute. The away side were starting to get more of the ball in attacking areas with Wright and Cox shooting wide from outside the area but were not creating clear cut chances at the Boro goal. Kyle Vassell was introduced for goal scorer Taylor as Posh went 4-3-3 looking for the killer second.

Play was stop for a substantial period of time as Romain Vincelot went down under a challenge from Michael Boswtick with the Frenchman being stretched off. Bostwick and captain Jack Payne had won the midfield battle against Vincelot and Wright winning the majority of the second ball. Wright was trying to push the O’s forward but struggled throughout with the testing conditions. As Orient pushed for a leveler, 10 minutes of time was added on in which Maddison was sent off for a late challenge on Luke O’Neil.

Bostwick could have grabbed a second but his volley from distance landed on the roof of the net. Bartley headed straight at Alnwick as Orient were unable to grab an equalizer against the 10 men. Peterborough gained all three points in a game where in footballing terms no team really deserved to win with the poor quality on show from both teams. A wind assisted goal keeps Posh’s run going of three straight wins under caretaker boss Dave Robertson going who continues to given his chairman ideas about given him the job on a permanent basis.

After back to back wins, Orient now have back to back defeats against leaders Bristol City and Peterborough. With a good performance on Tuesday despite losing, Orient played far from the standard in recent weeks, failing to string passes together and tempo lacking. The away side struggled to create chances in testing conditions but the luck that has been missing all season deserted them after a fluke goal won the game for Posh. Romain Vincelot looks set to miss all if not most of the remaining game with potential ligament damage but has a scan today to determine the extent of injury.

Orient have two massive games coming up in the next couple of weeks with Yeovil at home and Crawley away. The inaugural 6 pointer comes to mind but if Orient fail to win both of those games relegation could be rather imminent  for the East London club. Every game is vital for the O’s who let’s not forget only lie 1 point from safety but face 4 of the current top 6 in their last 5 games so will need to try and get safe before those games.

Peterborough have picked up after Darren Ferguson’s departure and only lie outside the play off places on goal difference but look far from the side that finished in the play offs last season. But under Robertson, the pressure is off a side who are playing with freedom since he was appointed and after three consecutive wins the run can continue. Posh two tough games next up with Doncaster and Preston on the road, but come through them with 3 or 4 points they could be a good position to finish in the top 6.

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