Football Analyst

Leyton Orient goalkeeper Dean Brill is relishing his sides trip to Macclesfield on Saturday. The 33 year old was forced off with a head injury against Cheltenham on the opening day but is raring to go again. The O’s head to Plymouth on Tuesday in the EFL Cup and Brill stated to the O’s Show “it’s a couple of long ones, we’re used to that, we enjoyed and embraced them. We enjoyed being together and it’s our first opportunity to do that this season”.

Orient’s Next Six Games

Orient head North after a 1-0 opening day victory over Cheltenham Town . After an emotional tribute to former head coach Justin Edinburgh the O’s grabbed their first win back in the Football League with interim Head Coach Ross Embleton pleased to get off the mark. Speaking to the O’s Show “once we got to the game and the game kicked off we were totally focused on going out and putting on a good performance. After a shaky start we achieved that and it puts everyone at ease to get the first win”.

Midfielder Josh Wright grabbed the only goal of the game after his summer return to E10. The midfielder dedicated the goal to Edinburgh was just happy his side returned to competitive action. Speaking to leytonorient.com “we needed that today, we needed the emotion to get out of us. He is always going to be with us, winning football matches is what he would have wanted us to do. To get today out of the way was nice especially with the three points, ready to move on for a successful season”.

Orient’s First Away Result of Last Six Seasons (league only)

A win at Macclesfield would see Orient win their opening two league games of a season for the first time since 2015. Keeper Brill feels the league will not take shape until October but highlights there will be some shocks along the way. Speaking to the O’s Show “the first ten games maybe of the season will be a bit like last year. A little bit wild and a free hit for some people. Once we come out of these a lot, we will know a lot more about everyone including ourselves”.

The O’s enjoyed huge success on their travels last season and with the prospect of travelling in excess of 900 miles, Embleton is aware of the task of ensuring his side will be prepared correctly. Speaking ahead of their trip to O’s show “it’s another opportunity to spend extra time with each other, not idea having been drawn to Plymouth but it adds something to the Macclesfield game with the distance we’re covering. We’ve got to deal with two long trips, the lads are professional and will look after themselves”.

• 2nd Best Away Record in National League – winning 11/23
• Orient have only lost one of their last ten away games
• Orient have only lost twice away from home in 2019 – 12 games

Team News

Dean Brill has been given the all clear by the doctors following his head injury on Saturday. Defender Joe Widdowson is a major doubt with a groin injury while James Dayton, Jobi McAnuff and Jamie Turley are already out.

Head to Head  – Leyton Orient 6, Draw 4, Macclesfield 8

Last Meeting  – 14/04/2018 – Macclesfield 1-1 Leyton Orient

The Last Seven Meetings Between Sides

• Orient have only won one of last seven meetings – W1  D2  L4
• Orient are without a win at Moss Rose since 2001 – D2  L4

Last Time Out – 1-0 vs Cheltenham, 03/08/2019

Orient Starting 11 vs Cheltenham

Prediction – Macclesfield 1-2 Leyton Orient

Leyton Orient midfielder Josh Wright is urging his side to make a positive start to their League Two campaign against Cheltenham Town on Saturday. The O’s play their first game back in the Football League after two seasons away on Saturday.

Orient’s First Six Games

Following a difficult summer in E10 after the passing of head coach Justin Edinburgh, the O’s play their first competitive fixture back at the Breyer Group Stadium. Tributes and remembrance events will take place pre match and Interim Head Coach Ross Embleton insist his players are ready for the occasion. Speaking to East London Advertiser “it will be an incredibly emotional day, but it has been an emotional period for this group and they are ready to embrace that emotion and take it on”. He added “not only to get a result against Cheltenham, but for the season beyond because it is not only about one game”.

After capturing the National League Title in April, there has only been a few changes in personnel with Louis Dennis becoming the latest addition from Portsmouth. Wright returned to the O’s as Justin Edinburgh’s last signing and highlights the need for a hungry squad in the season. Speaking to leytonorient.com “competition is healthy, if you haven’t got people pushing and driving you on every day, you go into a comfort zone. You have to have depth, you can’t do it with 11 or 12, you need 20 + and we have that”.

Orient’s Summer Signings

Despite the step up in levels, Embleton is confident his side will hold their own in League Two and has urged the fans to get behind the side at home. Speaking to East London Advertiser “I think there is an element of knowhow in this group whether it is actually League One or League Two experience. Hopefully the excitement and energy we create here at home and being back in the division we can turn games onto our terms”.

Despite having an unbeaten pre season ending with a 2-1 victory over an Norwich XI last weekend, Wright feels it can be slightly false. The 29 year old is set to make his debut tomorrow and stated to leytonorient.com “I am not a lover of pre season, the anticipation and waiting for the season is too much. The real stuff starts next week, we know that. We have got one week to prepare for a gruelling, big season and feels like it is going be one. We can’t wait, it’s going to be an emotional day, we want to hit the ground running with three points”.

Team News

Orient will be without the injured trio of James Dayton, Jamie Turley and Jobi McAnuff. Striker Lee Angol should be available after overcoming an illness while Dean Brill is expected to start in goal. Connor Wilkinson and Josh Wright should make their debuts at the Breyer Group Stadium.

Head to Head – Leyton Orient 6, Draw 5, Cheltenham 10

Last Meeting – 25/02/2017 – Leyton Orient 0-1 Cheltenham

The Last Seven Meetings Between Sides

• Orient have only won one of the last five meetings – W1  D1  L3
• Orient have lost their last two home meetings with the Robins
• Both teams have scored in only three of last nine meetings

Prediction – Leyton Orient 1-1 Cheltenham

Cheltenham Town manager Michael Duff is relishing his first full season in charge of the Robins. The 41 year old takes his side to newly promoted Leyton Orient for their season opener on Saturday and is raring to get the season started. Speaking to gloucestershirelive.co.uk “everybody at the club is ready for it now. Pre Season is a long hard slog so I think everyone in the league is ready for it now”.

Cheltenham’s Pre Season Results

Duff guided the Robins to a 16th place finish last season and is looking to continue their momentum this season. The former Burnley U23 manager took over last September after Gary Johnson’s departure and has slowly stamped his mark on his side. Speaking to gloucestershirelive.co.uk after his first pre season in charge “this is my team now, there is no hiding, not that I was last year, saying they are not my players. But this is down to me now. We need to win games of football for us to do well in the league and for me to keep my job”. 

• Duff’s Record as manager  – P46  W17  D12  L17  F72  A77

Tomorrow’s clash with Orient has added significance for both sides due to the passing of O’s head Coach Justin Edinburgh in the summer. With remembrance events planned pre match, Duff acknowledges it will be an emotional afternoon but focus will turn to football when the whistle blows. Speaking to Gloucestershirelive.co.uk “we need to pay our respects and the supporters have made a fantastic gesture with the flag. We’ll go there, conduct ourselves respectfully before and after the game. The players will know and Orient will be the same, once the whistle blows it’s just a game of football”.

The Robins have struggled on the opening day and are without a win since 2014/2015 season. Duff acknowledges that travelling to the National League Champions will not be an easy task. Speaking to CTFC.co.uk “it’s probably as difficult a game as what we could have had. They will be riding the crest of the wave but the added emotion and probably pressure because of what happened to Justin”.

Opening Day Results in last Seven Seasons

Ahead of the trip to Orient, Duff added three loan signings this week to bolster the ranks. Jake Doyle-Hayes was the last to arrive on loan from Aston Villa and the 19 year old is keen start the season strong. Speaking to CTFC.co.uk “the form last season was unbelievable towards end of season since Christmas. When I was at Cambridge, just watching the league Cheltenham had a really good end of season so hopefully we can keep momentum going”.

• Cheltenham only lost two of their last eight league fixtures – W3  D3  L2

Cheltenham’s Summer Signings

With three of their opening four games away from home, the Robins will be looking for a positive start on Saturday. Although the want to look ahead at the fixtures, Duff is keen to only look at the test in front of his side. Speaking to CTFC.co.uk “if you win enough games you’ll do alright in this league. There’s no point in looking at 45 or 46 games time where you’re going to finish; you’ve got to win the one in front of you. And then keep winning the one in front of you and you never know where it may take you”.

Cheltenham’s First Six Games

Team News

Strikers Reuben Reid (knee) George Lloyd (knee) are both out through injury while Chris Hussey is set to miss out. Josh Debayo should be involved after training all week. Duff could hand debuts to Max Sheaf, Charlie Raglan, Rohan Ince, Tahvon Campbell and Daniel Bowry.

Head to Head – Leyton Orient 6, Draw 5, Cheltenham 10

Last Meeting – 25/02/2017 – Leyton Orient 0-1 Cheltenham 

The Previous Seven Meetings

• Cheltenham have only lost one of the last five meetings – winning three
• Cheltenham have won their last two trips to Breyer Group Stadium
• Only three of the last nine meetings have seen both teams score

Prediction

Leyton Orient 1-1 Cheltenham Town

Braintree Town manager Danny Searle is not afraid of spoiling a potential Orient Promotion Party. The Iron travel to E10 knowing the O’s only need a point to confirm their return back to the Football League but Searle wants his side to continue their recent good form.

• Sit 23rd on 40 points
• Last won four games in a row April 2018

Despite relegation back to National League South, Searle’s men have won their last three games and the 41 year old stated to Braintree and Witham Times ” we will go there and look to put in a performance to get a result. If that is to the detriment of Leyton Orient winning the league then that is not our problem”.

• League Record – P45  W11  D7  L27  F48  A78

The Iron made it four wins from their last five games with a 2-0 home victory over Dagenham & Redbridge on Easter Monday. Goals from Alfie Cerullli and Mohammed Sagaf sealed the win. Searle was pleased with his sides application and performance in the second half, stating to braintreetownfc.org “we were poor in the first half but I told them at the interval to get playing the pressing game we have in recent weeks, work together as a unit and force them deep into their own half. They did just that”.

Braintree’s Last Six Results

After promotion through the playoffs last season, it has been a challenging season for the Iron. Searle took over after Hakan Hayrettin departure to Maidstone back in January and the former West Ham Coach faced a up hill task. Despite their relegation confirmed at the end of March, Searle’s side could finish 21st with victory on Saturday. Speaking to Braintree and Witham Times “my first goal was for us not to finish bottom and we’ve ensured we won’t do that now. If we were to going to go down, we did not want to go down in bottom position and now we’ve taken care of that, we want to finish as high as we can”.

• Kept nine league clean sheets (five away)
• Back to back clean sheets, first time since May 2018
• Three in last five games
• Two in last four away games

Searle was brought in alongside as Hayrettin’s assistant earlier in the season and is calling on the fans support as they venture back into the sixth tier. The 41 year old is glad is side were able to sign off at Cressing Road with a win stating to Braintree and Witham Times “it’s six games that we’ve won since we came in as a management team and the first time that the team has won three games in a row this season. Hopefully it is putting us in a position where everyone at the club can take pride from it” He added “it was lovely to see everyone there and hopefully plenty of them will be coming back next season”.

• Failed to score in 16 league games
• Scored in last eight games – netting 15 goals
• Scored two or more goals in last three games and five of their last six games
• Scored in las four away games and seven of their last eight away games

With a rebuilding process ahead of them in the summer, Searle is keen for the players to show him if they are up for the challenge to bounce back next season. The Iron are fighting for league position and Searle highlighted that all of his players must keep focused before their summer break. Speaking to Braintree and Witham Times “if there is any players whose minds are on the beach and they think there is nothing to play for, then they won’t be playing for me. Winning is a habit and we want to take as much of a winning mentality into next season. It’s not something you can switch on and off. This is a test of character, who is up for the fight next season regardless of what we are fighting for”.

Braintree’s Last Six Seasons

Braintree have already shown they can upset the top seven this season, taking four points from Salford and recently beating AFC Fylde. With Orient only needing a point to confirm promotion, Searle knows that his side will be up for the challenging of upsetting the O’s and finishing as high as they can. Speaking to Braintree and Witham Times “after beating Dagenham we know that if we can get something against Leyton Orient then we could potentially overtake Havant and Aldershot. We have shown great integrity in every game so far and that will be the same at Orient on Saturday”

• Away League Record – P22  W5  D4  L13  F23  A34
• Only Aldershot (14) and Havant & Waterlooville (13) have taken less points away
• Two wins in last four games
• Only two wins in last nine
• Lost five of their six away games against current top 7 – F8  A19

Last Meeting 

25/09/2018 – Braintree 1-5 Leyton Orient

Last Time Out – 22/04/2019 – Braintree 2-0 Dagenham & Redbridge

Starting 11 vs Dagenham

Prediction – Leyton Orient 3-1 Braintree

Leyton Orient assistant coach Ross Embleton is solely concentrating on the visit of Harrogate Town on Good Friday. The O’s sit two points clear at the top of the National League and face title rivals Solihull Moors on Easter Monday but Embleton only concern is Harrogate. Speaking to O’s Show “we need to get the Harrogate game done first, we need to get the next three points, that’s all the matters. We aim to get nine points from nine, and we start with the first one”.

• Sit 1st in National League on 84 points
• Seven points from last nine
• Only one defeat in last 13 games – W10  D2  L1
• League Record – P43  W24  D12  L7  F71  A35

The O’s made it back to back wins last weekend with a 2-1 victory at Sutton United. Orient had to fight back after Jonah Ayunga strike put the U’s ahead, Dan Happe headed the equaliser before substitute James Dayton was sent off. MacAuley Bonne struck from the spot in the 89th minute to earn victory. Head coach Justin Ednburgh praised Bonne for the winner it what he described as a “bizarre game”. Speaking to leytonorient.com “when we needed someone with nerves of steel, Maculey produced that. It is probably not our best performance at this stage of the season, it’s all about the result and we got three valuable points today”.

Orient Last Six Results

It was the third game in succession, Orient fell behind but once again responded earning victory. The O’s struggled to create the opening period at Sutton with Bonne revealing his side got a rocketing at half time from Edinburgh and it paid off. Speaking to leytonorient.com “we needed to step it up, we weren’t at the races in the first half. We needed a rifling at half time, every team does when they perform like that, it wasn’t good enough. It paid off what he said in there and seemed to work for us in second half”.

• Scored 42/71 league goals in the second half (24/37 home)
• Only Harrogate (48) have scored more in that period
• Four of their last seven goals have been in second half
• Netted 31/71 league goals (43%) after the 60th minute of games

The O’s have now taken 15 points from losing positions in league games after the win at Sutton. Striker Matt Harrold highlighted the whole squad is together and are only concerned about one objective. With injuries continuing to hit Orient hard, Harrold knows that the competition for places in the squad is ensuring everyone remains in form. Speaking to East London Advertiser “everyone has had an impact from the bench because there has been no passengers this season. We have pushed each other every day in training and the result is late goals and it showed spirit”.

• Failed to score in nine league games – 
• Scored in last four games – netting eight goals
• Scored in 12 of their last 13 games in all competitions
• Scored in las five home games and seven of their last eight at Breyer Group Stadium

Top Three in National League

With just three games to go, the job remains simple for Orient, win their last three games and they are promoted. The O’s hold a two point lead over Salford ahead of the Good Friday fixtures and goalkeeper Dean Brill is aware of what is at stake. Speaking to Nationalleague.org “it’s a mini league now and we know what we have got to do. There’s a massive desire here to get the job done. We’ve been top for so long this season and now we’re desperate to get over the line”.

Top Three Last Three Games

Brill has played every minute since Justin Edinburgh’s arrival at the Orient back in November 2017. The 33 year old is embracing his sides position at the top of the league and highlights that these are the moments you are in football for. Speaking to Nationalleague.org “it’s a good place to be in, you’ve got to try and enjoy it, this is the fun bit. It’s not nerves, it’s excitement. As you get older you tend to be a bit more measured about this type of situation, It’s a really big and exciting Easter weekend”.

• Best defensive record in National League – conceded just 35 goals
• Kept 17 league clean sheets – (11 at home)
• No clean sheet in last four – conceded seven goals
• Kept two clean sheets in last seven games
• Kept five clean sheets in last eight home games

Harrogate arrive in E10 still needing four points to guarantee their play off place. Orient beat Town back in September when the sides were in the top two. Embleton revealed he is surprised at Harrogate’s position in the table and knows that they will be a test for Orient. Speaking to O’s Show “they have still got bundles to play for. They will come and make it difficult for us, everyone seems to want to stop us winning the league. They will be an incredible atmosphere and we know it’s going to be a massive game”.

• Home League Record – P21  W13  D5  L3  F37  A15
• Only Wrexham (48), Salford (47) and Fylde (46) have taken more points at home
• Unbeaten in last five games – W4  D1
• Only lost one of their last eight home games – W6   D1  L1
• Won four of their five home games against the current top seven

Team News

Captain Jobi McAnuff and Jamie Turley should  be back available after missing the past few weeks with injury. Myles Judd remains out while James Dayton is starting his rehab for his broken ankle. Matt Harrold is pushing for a start after another impressive substitute appearance at Sutton last week.

Head to Head

Last Meeting – 22/09/2019 – Harrogate 0-3 Leyton Orient

Last Time Out – 13/04/2019 – Sutton United 1-2 Leyton Orient

Starting 11 vs Sutton 

Prediction – Leyton Orient 3-2 Harrogate

Harrogate Town goalkeeper James Belshaw wants a strong finish to their season to ensure their play offs spot. Town need four points from their last three games to guarantee their top seven spot. Belshaw’s side travel to league leaders Leyton Orient on Good Friday and hope to take a big step to the playoffs. Speaking to Harrogate Advertiser “it’s not a given that we will finish in the playoff places. We’ll go at these games all guns blazing”.

• Sit 6th on 71 points – five point gap to 8th position
• Only won one of their last six games – W1  D2  L3
• Not lost back to back games since December
• League Record – P43  W20  D11  L12  F75  A53

Town travel to the Captial looking to bounce back from last weekend’s1-0 home defeat to Boreham Wood. Tom Champion’s ninth minute header was the only difference between the sides. Manager Simon Weaver was left disappointed by his sides performance, stating to Harrogatetownafc.com “I don’t think we did enough today. They performed to their game plan with strong physical athletes. We didn’t make the overload work down the sides against a three man defence. Those were the areas we need to exploit and we didn’t show enough capability today”.

Harrogate’s Last Six results

Harrogate are somewhat a surprise package in the top seven after their promotion last season from National League North. The Yorkshire side have been in contention for the majority of the season and Belshaw wants his side to end the season with some form. Despite their disappointing performance last week, the 28 year old is upbeat for the last couple of games. Speaking to Harrogate Advertiser “we don’t just want to  finish in the top seven by default, we want to be there on merit by getting some results from our last three games. We need that momentum as well. Just making the play offs isn’t enough. We want to go on from there and get promoted”.

Play off Battle

Remaining Games for Play off Contenders

Town drew a blank for only the seventh time this season against Boreham Wood and Weaver felt his side didn’t react from falling behind. Weaver’s side have the best attack in the National League but failed to create an opening to draw level. Speaking to harrogatetownafc.com “they earned the right to be in a lead, I don’t think we responded well enough on the ball. We were blunt today and didn’t hold the ball up today when we had to”.

• Top Scorers in National League with 75 goals
• Scored in two of their last four games
• Failed to score in three of their last six games
• Scored two or more goals in 23/43 league games 
• Scored in nine of their last ten away games – three of last seven

With three games over eight days to end the season, Weaver was looking to reflect with his side and bounce back at Orient on Friday. The O’s beat Harrogate in the reverse fixture back in September and the 41 year old feels there is no better place to get back to winning ways. Speaking to harrogatetownafc.com “100% we will dust ourselves down, it is disappointing to lose any game. Today it wasn’t to be, we have to reflect on all the good days and we have to squeeze every last drop out of what we have got in there. We go again next week, great surroundings at Leyton Orient”.

• Kept 11 league clean sheets (six away)
• Without a clean sheet in last six games – Conceded eight goals
• Three clean sheets in last nine games 
• No clean sheet in last three away games 
• Kept two in last five away games – two in last 14 away games
• Conceded two or more in 19/43 league games

Despite just one win in their last five games, Belshaw highlighted the mood is upbeat in the dressing room and they are all excited of their visit to the O’s. The 28 year old has played in every league game this season and stated to Harrogate Advertiser “this is the sort of game you want to be involved in, going to a place like Leyton Orient with their stadium and set up. If you’re not excited as a player at the prospect of a fixture like this then you’re in the wrong business”.

• Scored 48/75 league goals in second half – most in National League
• Scored 20 league goals between 46-60 minutes – most in league
• Five of their last seven goals have been in second half

Town have only won two of their ten games against the current top seven but will hoping that changes on Friday. Belshaw hints his side relish the underdog tag and feels his side could upset the league leaders. Speaking to Harrogate Advertiser “they need the three points so we know they will attack us but we need the points just as badly. It should make for a really good game. The bookies make Orient favourites but we don’t mind being underdogs. Either way, we are still going there with a game and to try and win the game”.

• Away League Record – P21  W10  D5  L6  F36  A26
• Only Orient (40) and Solihull (38) have taken more points away
• Unbeaten in last two away 
• Only lost one of their last seven away games – W5  D1  L1
• Taken just four points from possible 18 in away games against top nine teams

Team News

Lloyd Kerry and Jack Emett look set to return after missing last weekend’s defeat to Boreham Wood. Center back pairing Callum Howe and Kelvin Langmead will be looking to add to their 12 goals between them. Jack Muldoon should lead the line in attack.

Head to Head

Last Meeting – 22/09/2018 – Harrogate 0-3 Leyton Orient

Last Time Out – 13/04/2019 Harrogate 0-1 Boreham Wood

Starting 11 vs Boreham Wood

Prediction – Leyton Orient 3-2 Harrogate

Sutton United assistant coach Micky Stephens is relishing his side battle for the play offs. The U’s sit three points from the play offs and host league leaders Leyton Orient tomorrow but will be looking to upset them. Sutton became the first team to beat orient this season back in September and Stephens is “looking forward to the test” (SUFCTV)

• Sit 9th on 64 points – three points off playoffs
• Two wins in last four games – W2  D1  L1
• Only two wins in last 11 games – W2  D3  L6
• League Record – P42  W17  D13  L12  F52  A52

The U’s head into the clash on the back of a stoppage time win at Boreham Wood last weekend. Midfielder Harry Beautymen stroked them ahead before Ricky Shakes levelled the scores. But Craig Eastmond headed home in added time to keep their play off fight going. Assistant coach Micky Stephens stated to SUFCTV “we have all got a smile on our face today. It’s always good to win with a last minute winner and I thought if anyone deserved it might have been us”.

Sutton’s Last Six Results

• Failed to score in 11 league games (six at home)
• Scored in last two games
• Netted in three of their last four games – scoring eight goals
• Scored 30/52 league goals in second half
• Six of their last eight goals have been scored in second period

Sutton got off to a great start against the Wood with Harry Beautymen’s early strike and Stephens praised his sides fast start but admits his side ground out victory in the end. Speaking to SUFCTV “I thought we played well in the opening 20-25 minutes, we were solid. There wasn’t as many clear cut chances as we would have liked.”. Ricky Shakes levelled just before the half hour mark with Stephens far from impressed in how his side ended the half but grabbed the important winner, “ it looked like it was going to end in a stalemate but we ended up taking the points”. 

• Kept 13 league clean sheets (seven at home)
• No Clean sheet in last nine games
• One clean sheet in last 11 games
• No clean sheet in last four home games – Two in last nine home games
• Conceded 32/52 league goals in second half

It has been a testing period for Sutton after Paul Doswell’s decision to take a break from football until August. However after their victory Micky Stephens feels his side are back in the mix and anything can happen in the final few fixtures. Speaking to SUFCTV “we said in their, it’s never over. There’s four to go, we’ve had a difficult two or three weeks for a number of reasons but we have got that smile back on our face today. It was needed and the players deserved a little bit aswell. We haven’t played particularly well, we hold our hands up, but we were solid today”.

• Home League Record – P21  W9  D8  L4  F27  A24
• Unbeaten in their last two games – W1  D1
• Only won one of their last six – W1  D3  L2
• Won six of their eight home games against current top 10

Sutton are definitely an outside to reach the end of season shoot out with their run in but with several of their rivals playing each other, they should be twists and turns. After finishing 3rd last season, Stephens is hoping for the lottery of the play offs. Speaking to SUFCTV “we’ve got two easy games coming up, Orient and Wrexham. With a make shift back four and just about fielding five subs. We look forward though”.

Team News

Captain Jamie Collins is out for the season while Aswad Thomas remain suspended. Jon Barden looks set to continue in defence with Tom Bolarinwa with the U’s struggling for fit defenders. Harry Beautymen should continue in midfield and face his former club.

Head to Head – Sutton United 2, Draw 0, Leyton Orient 1

The Previous  Three Meetings Between Sides

Last Time Out – 06/04/2019 – Boreham Wood 1-2 Sutton United

Starting 11 vs Boreham Wood

Prediction – Sutton United 1-2 Leyton Orient

Leyton Orient head coach Justin Edinburgh is raring to go in the Championship race. The O’s sit two points above Salford ahead of the final four games of the season. Orient travel to Sutton United tomorrow, the first side to beat them this season and Edinburgh highlights what will be needed. Speaking to leytonorient.com “there’s no easy games, they got a good result at the weekend, we know what it will require to go and get a result. It’s what we will be trying to do”.

• Sit 1st on 81 points – two point lead over cushion
• One win in last four games – W1  D2  L1
• One defeat in last 12 games all competitions – W9  D2  L1
• League Record – P42  W23  D12  L7  F69  A34

The O’s regained top spot on Tuesday night with a come from behind victory against Eastleigh. Paul McCallum twice put the Spitfires ahead with Josh Koroma briefly levelling for Orient. However second half strikes from Macauley Bonne and James Brophy moved them back top. Edinburgh stated to leytonorient.com “again, thoroughly deserved, thought barring the two disappointing goals, I thought we were excellent. It was a good three points and we go back top”.

Orient’s Last Six Results

Midfielder James Brophy grabbed the decisive winner and highlighted the character the side showed. After earning a point with a stoppage time equaliser on Saturday, two goals in four points ensured Orient left with the point. Speaking to leytonorient.com “we had to dig deep again tonight. Falling behind, two goals that were avoidable again. But I felt we done enough to come back and win the game”.

• Failed to score in nine league games (four away)
• Scored in last three games – netting six goals
• Scored in 11 of their last 12 games
• Scored in seven of their last eight away games
• Scored 40/69 league goals in second half (three of their last five)

A worry for Justin Edinburgh and his side is their defence instability in recent games, having to come from behind to earn the points. The O’s have now conceded two goals in each of their last three games and the 49 year old is keen to keep the door shut from now on. Speaking to leytonorient.com “the clean sheets had been coming frequently and regularly but over the last three to four games, they have lost knowledge of how to defend our own box. I guess that comes with the magnitude of games and what it means. But we need to get back to basics on that front”.

• Kept 17 league clean sheets – (six away)
• No clean sheet in last three
• Two clean sheets in last six games
• One clean sheet in last nine away games in all competitions
• Best Defensive Record in Division – conceded just 34 goals

After eight wins from nine, Orient’s win on Tuesday was their first in four matches but Edinburgh was certain his side would bounce back after a recent dip in results. Speaking to leytonorient.com “I said in my notes, I back these players. I had no doubts when they are called upon, they delivered”. Edinburgh also praised the influence of Brophy and Josh Koroma, “they were a real menace again, continuing from Saturday. Josh is getting back to where he was before is injury and Brophy is up there too”.

• Away League Record – P21  W10  D7  L4  F32  A19
• Only Solihull (38) have taken more points away than Orient
• Winless in last two – D1  L1
• Only lost one of their last eight in all competitions – W5  D2  L1

With one of the tightest promotion battles in recent history, the O’s victory gives them a two point cushion after playing their final game in hand. Heading into the final fortnight of the season, Brophy highlighted the importance of his side returning to the top of the table. Speaking to leytonorient.com “this was our last game in hand, we wanted to stay in control of our own destiny which is what we have done. Four Games to go”.

Tight at the Top

It looks set to be a fight between three for top spot as just three points separates Orient, Salford and Solihull Moors. All will be keeping an eye on their rivals to see whether they can take advantage but Edinburgh continued his stance of his side. Speaking to East London Advertiser “we can’t affect that and they can’t affect it. There are four games where we can affect the result. What I’ll always say to the players in these next four games, it’s about controlling the performances and that’s all we can do”.

Remaining Fixtures for Top Three

Team News

Alex Lawless will be assessed after being substituted in their win on Tuesday night. Sam Ling is set to continue at right wing back while Jamie Turley and Jobi McAnuff could return to the side after injury.

Edinburgh to East London Advertiser “if we go into it like we expect, we should then hopefully have a fully fit squad to pick from”.

Head to Head – Leyton Orient 1, Draw 0, Sutton United 2

The Previous Three Meetings Between Sides

• Sutton were the first side to beat Orient this season back in September

Last Time Out – 09/04/2019 – Leyton Orient 3-2 Eastleigh

Starting 11 vs Eastleigh

Prediction – Sutton United 1-2 Leyton Orient

FC Halifax Town captain Matty Brown wants his side to have a strong finish to their season. The Shaymen sit comfortably in mid table ahead of their trip to league leaders Leyton Orient on Saturday. The 29 year old defender is keen to take some momentum into next season’s campaign. Speaking to halifaxcourier “we want to finish as high as we can, we don’t want it to just fizzle out”.

• Sit 16th on 51 points
• One win in last five games – W1  D2  L2
• Only lost two of their last ten games – W4  D4  L2
• League Record – P41  W11  D18  L12  F35  A36

Jamie Fullarton’s men arrive in E10 on the back of a 1-0 home defeat to Maidenhead last weekend. A Ayo Obileye penalty 18 minutes from time inflicted their second defeat in their last four games. Fullarton bemoaned his sides performance and felt it was a game too far for his squad. Speaking to FChalifax.com “we’re bitterly disappointed. I think the performance also showed a level of apathy. Individually and collectively we let ourselves down. The performance, the events of last week, having two games and the impact of a limited squad”.

Last Six Results

Following two positive results against promotion contenders, their performance against Maidenhead was of stark contrast. With their National League status almost confirmed for another season, Brown emphasised the importance returning to their level of performance at Orient on Saturday. Speaking to halifaxcourier “people are playing for contracts whether it’s here or elsewhere. There is no comfy slippers on in our dressing room. We reiterate this all the time. Good teams bounce back so hopefully we can. It wasn’t good enough all round last week, it wasn’t like us”.

• Failed to score in 16 league games (seven away)
• Only Aldershot and Maidstone have scored fewer goals
• Failed to score in last two games
• Scored in five of their last seven games
• Scored in last four away games

After promotion back to the National League in 2017, The Shaymen should beat last seasons tally in the remaining games. With just five games left of the season, Brown is keen for his side to end the season on a positive note to take into the start of next season. Speaking to halifaxcourier “we’ve been on a good run of late and we don’t forget what we’ve done well in past few weeks. We’ve put ourselves in a good position, it would be a shame to see season out in casual fashion. We need to keep applying ourselves and finish strong because it goes into next season”.

• Kept 18 league clean sheets (six away)
• Only Wrexham (20) have kept more in the National League
• Only Leyton Orient, Wrexham and AFC Fylde have conceded fewer league goals
• Kept two in last three games
• Conceded just one goal in last 270 minutes of football
• Kept ten clean sheets in 15 league games in 2019

The Shaymen have competed well against the promotion contenders, losing just two of their 11 games against the current top seven. After beating Solihull Moors just two weeks ago, Jamie Fullarton wouldn’t be surprised if his side pick up a result in the Capital. Speaking to halifaxcourier “I don’t think it would be a shock result for us to get something, they’re flying high and they’ve been consistent throughout the season. So we’re not deluded in thinking how difficult it could be. We’ve shown over a reasonable period of time that we’re capable of winning any game against any team in league”.

• Only scored two or more goals in two of their last 16 league games
• Scored 25/35 league goals in second half – including 14/16 away goals
• Have netted 20 goals in final 30 minutes of matches
• Seven of their last nine goals have been in second half

With a large crowd expected at the Breyer Group Stadium on Saturday, midfielder Cameron King is keen for his side to match Orient. Halifax have only lost to Salford away from home in the top seven and King wants his side to continue that form. Speaking to Halifaxtown.com “it’ll be a tough one, they’re flying and need a win. We had momentum before the last game, so we need to go there and really pic it back up. I feel we do pick ourselves up for big teams and match them, so that’s what we’ll be looking to do”.

• Away League Record – P20  W4  D8  L8  F16  A26
• Only three teams have taken fewer points on their travels (Aldershot, Havant and Braintree)
• No win in last two
• Won two of their last eight away games – W2  D3  L3
• Not lost back to back away games since August

Team News

Winger Ben Tomlinson remains out with a quad injury while Michael Duckworth and Niall Maher are also out with muscle injury. Ryan Sellers is set to be out for the rest of the season after seeing a specialist.

Fullarton to Halifaxcourier “we’re down to 16 players but other people’s misfortune gives others an opportunity. It’s up to the players to show they merit it in last five games and moving into next season”.

Head to Head – FC Halifax 5, Draw 5, Leyton Orient 11

Includes record before their reformation back in 2008

The Last Eight Meetings Between Sides

• FC Halifax have only won one of the last 13 meetings – W1  D4  L8
• FC Halifax have only won one of their last seven meetings to Brisbane Road – W1  L6
• Both teams have scored in last four games

Last Time Out – 30/03/2019 – FC Halifax 0-1 Maidenhead

Starting 11 vs Maidenhead

Prediction – Leyton Orient 2-0 FC Halifax

Leyton Orient head coach Justin Edinburgh acknowledges there will be no easy games as his side eye up promotion back to the Football League. The O’s travel to Bromley on Tuesday night and need no reminders of what the Ravens are capable of after their 6-1 hammering there last season. Speaking to leytonorient.com “it’s another tough game, their all difficult in their own way. No one is going to roll over and let us take the points”.

• Sit 1st on 77 points
• Eight wins in last nine games
• Only lost one of their last 13 games – W10  D2  L1
• League Record – P39  W22  D11  L6  F63  A28

Orient saw their lead cut to just one point on Saturday after a 0-0 draw at Barnet. Despite their winning run ending, Edinburgh was pleased his side earned another point towards their end goal. Speaking to leytonorient.com “any point you gain is a valuable one, certainly away from home against a team in form. We are not disappointed, we are very, very pleased with a point today”.

Orient’s Last 6 Result

The O’s were on the back foot throughout the first half and had to be thankful to keeper Dean Brill for some key saves. Orient looked more secure in the second half preserving their fantastic defensive record. Edinburgh stated to leytonorient.com “Dean earned his money today, teams are not going to roll over and let us win game after game. This team is in good form and they will cause a lot of teams problems. We had to see out the storm and we did that. We were a lot better in the second half”.

• Kept 17 league clean sheets (six away)
• Back to back clean sheets
• Three clean sheets in last four games
• Four clean sheets in last six games
• One clean sheet in last eight away games

Midfielder Alex Lawless made his first start since February at right wing back in the absence of the injured Jamie Turley. The 34 year was delighted to be back on the pitch after finding his chances limited this season “it was great to be back playing, helping the lads out. I have been chomping at the bit to do so and a thoroughly enjoyed it. It’s what every player wants to do, play. I enjoyed it”.

• Failed to score in nine league games (four away)
• Scored in eight of their last nine games
• Scored in five of their last six league game
• First away games in six failed to score against Barnet

Saturday’s fixture at Barnet was Orient’s 8th game in 29 days after their FA Trophy run and Edinburgh highlights the heavy workload for his players. Jobi McAnuff was taken off as a precaution on Saturday the former Newport man knows all of his squad will be needed till the end of the season. Speaking to leytonorient.com “I don’t think we were at our best, a lot to be asked of the players in a short period of time. We’ve got more to come, but I’m pleased we ground out a clean sheet and a point. The quality of squad we’ve got knows what it is going to take between now and end of season, everyone is going to be counted upon”.

Orient’s remaining fixtures

The O’s were backed by 1800 away fans at Barnet on Saturday with a large following expected at Hayes Lane on Tuesday. Edinburgh hailed the away following and highlights the extra boost it will give to his side in their run in. Speaking to leytonorient.com “it was absolutely incredible, the best it’s been. Vocally and the numbers. If we can maintain that till the end of the season, it will be a huge positive, they are like an extra man”.

• Away League Record – P20  W10  D7  L3  F31  A17
• No team in National League taken more points away
• Unbeaten in last six – W5  D1
• Unbeaten in last five away league games – W3  D2
• Only one defeat in last 10 games – W7  D2  L1

Team News

Captain Jobi McAnuff is a doubt after being substituted at half time with a groin injury. Sam Ling resumed training on Monday but won’t be available while Jamie Turley, Jordan Maguire-Drew and Myles Judd all remain out. Matt Harrold will serve the last match of his three game ban. Alex Lawless should keep his place at right wing back.

Head to Head – Leyton Orient 2, Draw 0, Bromley 2

The Four Meetings Between Sides

Last Time Out – 30/03/2019 – Barnet 0-0 Leyton Orient

Starting 11 vs Barnet

Prediction – Bromley 1-2 Leyton Orient