Football Analyst

Wrexham manager Bryan Hughes has urged his side to take their momentum into Saturday’s top of the table clash at Leyton Orient. The Dragons sit two points above the O’s ahead of the meeting and with Hughes unbeaten in the Wrexham hot seat, he will be looking to continue that on Saturday. Speaking to leaderlive.co.uk “we will be prepared, we will plan and we will go there full of confidence”.

• Sit 1st on 69 points
• Taken 16 points from last 18 available
• League Record – P36  W20  D9  L7

The Dragons made it six unbeaten last weekend with a 1-0 home victory over Chesterfield thanks to Akil Wright’s second goal in four games. Hughes was delighted his side overcame another challenge stating to wrexhamafc.co.uk “it was always going to be a test for us, it wasn’t the most entertaining of games but it was workmanlike from us today and we did what we had to do. When that moment of quality came in the game, we took it”.

Wrexham’s Last Six Results

Hughes took over at the Racecourse back in February after Graham Barrow stepped down and his side haven’t looked back since. The 42 year old has taken 13 points from a possible 15 and with just ten games to go acknowledges his side have to stay in the moment. Speaking to wrexhamafc.co.uk “I couldn’t have dreamt of a better start, it’s not about me, it’s about trying to make the club successful. It’s all about the players, their the ones that cross the line and have to put all the energy, desire and have to try and get the result. It’s about taking every game as it comes”.

• Away League Record – P18  W7  D6  L5  F17  A17
• Only 39% points picked up on travels
• Unbeaten in last three – W2  D1
• Only won two away games since November – W2  D4  L4
• Taken eight points from last 24 available on travels in league

In one of the tightest promotion battles in recent years, captain Shaun Pearson could lead his side back to the Football League for the first time since 2008. The 29 year old returned from injury against Chesterfield and is ready for the title run in. Speaking to wrexhamafc.co.uk “it was a wonderful result, that’s the main thing. We’ve got ten games to go and we have got to pick up as many points as we can. Hopefully lead us where we all want to go. It was pleasing to keep another clean sheet but the main thing was the three points and all we are worried about at the moment”.

• Kept 19 league clean sheets (most in National league)
• Best defensive record in league – conceding just 25 goals
• Kept two clean sheets in last three games
• Kept four in last six games – conceding just three goals
• Conceded 16/25 in the second half – including eight in final 15 minutes of games

Saturday’s clash is live on BT Sport and the early kick off but despite the attention surrounding the fixture, Wrexham midfielder Luke Young has urged his side to prepare as any other game. The 26 year old is excited for the clash stating to wrexhamafc.co.uk “I don’t think we’ll see it as pressure, away from our dressing room, all the fans and media are going to hype it up, it’s the right thing to do. It’s two teams fighting for the title going toe to toe, it’s builds for a fantastic game, but us as players it’s just another game”. He added “there games you want to play in, we go well drilled on how we can exploit them and how to have a game plan to bring back a positive result”.

• Failed to score in 12 league games (eight away)
• Scored in last six games – netting nine goals
• Lowest scorers inside the top seven
• Scored in last three away games

The sides will be meeting for the third time this season and after losing the previous two, The Dragons are looking for revenge. Defender James Jennings has never beaten the O’s in a league meeting and highlights his side must stay focused at the Breyer Group Stadium tomorrow. Speaking to wrexhamafc.co.uk “I think we dominated both games, we were unlucky to lose them. The league one we were in full control and we should have taken advantage when we had the chances. The cup game we made a few changes, it was a good performance. We do owe them one but it’s a normal game and we can’t let anything take over that”.

• Scored 24/45 goals in second half (10/17 away)
• Wrexham’s last ten goals including all goals under Hughes have been in second period
• 33% of goals have been scored in opening 30 minutes of matches

A win for either side would see them lead the table and it could be a pivotal weekend in the race for the National League Title. Salford host Solihull later in the day and will have eyes on the early kick off in E10. With both Orient and Wrexham heading into the game after victories, Hughes is expecting a good game. Speaking to leaderlive.co.uk “it is going to be an interesting battle. Orient got a good result at Barrow and they will be full of confidence like we are so it will be an entertaining game. We have got to take our momentum forward into our next games”.

Top Seven in National League

Team News

Manny Smith, Mark Carrington and Luke Summerfield are out through injury while Bobby Grant could return. Jermaine McGlashan could be involved after joining on loan from Swindon Town in midweek subject to International Clearance.

Head to Head – Wrexham 11, Draw 11, Leyton Orient 14

• Wrexham are winless in last six meetings – D2  L4
• Wrexham have failed to score in the last three meetings
• Wrexham have not kept a clean sheet in last six meetings
• Wrexham have only won one of the last nine meetings – W1  D4  L4

The Last Ten Meetings Between Sides

Last Time Out – 02/03/2019 – Wrexham 1-0 Chesterfield

Starting 11 vs Chesterfield

Prediction – Leyton Orient 1-1 Wrexham

Barrow striker Jacob Blyth is relishing the visit of promotion contenders Leyton Orient tonight. The Bluebirds are unbeaten in their last three home games against the top five and Blyth is excited about the challenge of Orient. Speaking to nwemail.co.uk “we fancy ourselves against anyone in this league – we feel we can beat everyone so it’s one we are looing forward to”.

• Sit 12th on 46 points 
• One win in last eight games – W1  D5  L2
• League Record – P35  W12  D10  L13  F35  A38

Barrow’s Last Three Home Games against Top Five

Barrow will be looking to bounce back from their firs defeat in six games after a 3-1 away loss at Barnet on Saturday. Goals from Elliot Johnson, Shaquile Coulthirst and a Dan Jones own goal gave the Bees the points before Kyle Jameson grabbed a consolation goal late on. Manager Ian Evatt was left disappointed by his sides start at Barnet stating to barrowafc.co.uk “anyone can play when you’re 3-0 nil down, it’s easy to step up to the plate then with nothing to lose, it has to be from minute one. It wasn’t acceptable”.

Barrow’s Last Six Results

The Bluebirds scored only their third goal of 2019 on Saturday and Blyth highlights that the side will hope to build on the ending of the game on Saturday. Blyth who has not found the net since December 29th stated to nwemail.co.uk “we’ve just got to start making better decisions in the final third, myself included and hopefully it will click soon. We’ll dust ourselves off and get ready for Tuesday”.

• Scored 21/35 league goals in second half
• Scored 19 in final 30 minutes of matches
• Seven of their last nine goals have been in second period
• Conceded 25/38 in second period
• Ten have been conceded between 46-60 minutes

Evatt’s side have prided themselves on their recent defensive record conceding just seven goals in 2019. Saturday’s defeat to Barnet was the first time since early January they conceded more than once but Evatt was quick not to be too harsh o his side. Speaking to barrowafc.co.uk “we didn’t defend well enough today, the three goals were sloppy and were poor goals to concede. It’s hard for me to have a go at them when they’ve kept 11 clean sheets in 14 games so today is so unlike us” He added “sometimes when the defenders are having a bad time the strikers need to step up to the plate and bail them out”. 

• Kept 15 league clean sheets (seven at home)
• Only Solihull (16) and Wrexham (19) have kept more
• Kept two in last three games
• Kept five in their last eight games

Barrow’s major problem has been the lack of goals by the side with only five teams scoring few than them in the league. Evatt feels his side should be higher than their position suggests but understands that will start to come when his side starts to find the back of the net. Speaking to nwemail.co.uk “I see the other teams in the league and we’ve beaten most of the teams in the top six. We have to be more ruthless in both boxes. We have to start putting teams to the sword, it’s not through the lack of creating chances or opportunities. It’s just our final decision isn’t good enough at the moment”.

• Failed to score in 13 league games (six at home)
• Scored in three of their last four games
• Had three 0-0 draws in their last six games

Despite only their second defeat in the their last 11 games on Saturday, Evatt knows his side have the perfect opportunity to respond tonight against the O’s. The 37 year old has only lost one of his five meetings against Orient stated to nwemail.co.uk “The best part about it is that we’ve got another game, a difficult game against Leyton Orient, a game to get the firing again. Hopefully we can take our chances”.

• Home League Record – P17  W7  D5  L5  F19  A17
• Unbeaten in last five games – W1  D4
• Only lost one of their last eight – W2  D5  L1 
• Unbeaten in last seven league games – W2  D5
• Five of their seven home wins have been by one goal

Team News

Defender Jack Barthram is a doubt with concussion while Jason Taylor and Sam Hird remain suspended. Brian Wilson, Josh Granite and Rhys Norrington-Davies are out injured. On loan midfielder Lewis Hardcastle should continue in the starting 11.

Head to Head – Barrow 3, Draw 3, Leyton Orient 4

• Both sides have scored in all three National League games
• Barrow are winless in the last seven meetings between sides – D3  L4
• Barrow are winless in the last three home games -D2  L1
• Barrow have conceded at least twice in the past five meetings

The Last Eight Meetings

Last Time Out – 02/03/2019 – Barnet 3-1 Barrow

Starting 11 vs Barrow

Prediction – Barrow 1-2 Leyton Orient

Leyton Orient head coach Justin Edinburgh is relishing the promotion battle at the top of the National League. The O’s head to Barrow tonight looking to take advantage of their game in hand on their promotion rivals ahead of their crunch clash with leaders Wrexham on Saturday.

• Sit 3rd on 64 points – five behind leaders Wrexham
• League Record – P34  W18  D10  L6  F55  A25
• Lost just one of their last six games – W4  D1  L1

Edinburgh is in his second season at the Breyer Group Stadium and at this time last year the season has ended after defeat away at Gateshead in the FA Trophy. With both the league and trophy in their grasps the 43 year old wants his side to enjoy their journey. Speaking ahead of their trip to Barrow to leytonorient.com “let’s enjoy the ride, I’d rather be in the position we are in now than waiting for the season to finish. There is so much to play for, we’re really excited for the next two months of the season”.

Tight at the Top

The O’s made it back to back wins after a 2-1 victory at Havant & Waterlooville on Saturday. Josh Coulson’s header sealed their first away league victory since November after Jordan Maguire-Drew’s strike was cancelled out by Alfie Rutherford. Edinburgh was relieved to see three points again, speaking to leytonorient.com “it was needed to get back to winning ways in the league. It was a tough place to come and a hard fought victory. It was a valuable three points today and one we’re delighted for”.

Orient’s Last Six Results

Edinburgh started with a back three for only the second time this season at Havant & Waterlooville with the return for Marvin Ekpiteta and Josh Coulson. The O’s struggled with a back three earlier in the season but the former Newport manager like the change of system. Speaking to leytonorient.com “we needed to get our best players in the team, three center backs are all back, Josh and Marv are now fit while Dan Happe’s been immense since he’s come in, there was no chance I was leaving him out. I thought we looked good for periods today, I liked the shape we won the game and I liked what I saw”

• Kept 14 league clean sheets (five away)
• Joint best defensive record in league – conceded just 25 goals
• No clean sheet in last four
• Two in last six games – last (2/2/19 – Orient 1-0 Blyth Spartans)
• Kept just on in last six league games

Midfielder Jordan Maguire-Drew continued his recent good from grabbing his second goal for the club. The 21 year old was played in a more central role at Havant and is starting to have an impact on games. Speaking to leytonorient.com “I am just starting to find my feet and show the fans what I can do. I want to keep this spot and we want to start a winning run now and hopefully we can take that into Tuesday against Barrow and go from there”.

• Maguire-Drew has been involved in two of Orient last three goals
• Maguire -Drew been involved in 3 of Orient’s ten goals since his debut

The O’s had to battle to grab the three points on Saturday and Maguire-Drew highlights his side will have to do the ugly side of the game to maintain their challenge at the top of the table. Speaking to leytonorient.com “at times we do have to scrap and we do have to fight because it’s not always going to be pretty football. We just wanted to get three points and get back on the road on Tuesday and do the same”.

• Away League Record – P17  W8  D6  L3  F26  A14
• Best Defensive Record
• Back to back away wins first time since November
• Unbeaten in last three games
• Only lost one in last six games – W3  D2  L1

It is a crucial week for Orient who with a win tonight can go within two points of leaders Wrexham ahead of their televised clash on Saturday. After leading the league for three months of the season, the O’s are now the chasers but Edinburgh explains they can only affect what they do. Speaking to leytonorient.com “I have always said, as long as it is our own hands that’s all we can do. What anyone else does, we can’t affect. All we can affect is us, today was the most important one, we won that, the attention on focus goes to Barrow”.

• Failed to score in eight league games – (three away)
• Scored in five of their last six games
• Scored in last three away games and four of their last five games
• Scored two or more in consecutive games for first time since December

Tuesday’s trip to Barrow is the first of five midweek fixtures before the end of the season but with consecutive victories, Maguire-Drew is hoping having a busy fixture list can help his side. Speaking to leytonorient.com “when games come thick and fast and we’re notching up the wins, it becomes a habit and that’s what we want”. He added “we have a lot of games in a short space of time so if we can keep that winning mentality and keep being positive with each other and getting positive outcomes, everyone is going to be happy”.

Orient’s March Fixtures

Team News

Defender Myles Judd is out with a hamstring injury while Josh Koroma is still returning from injury. Edinburgh could name an unchanged side for the trip to Barrow but Matt Harrold is pushing for a start. Winger James Dayton could return to the squad after recovering from injury.

Head to Head – Leyton Orient 4, Draw 3, Barrow

Last Meeting – 11/08/2018 – Leyton Orient 2-2 Barrow

• Orient have scored in the past eight meetings between sides
• Orient are unbeaten in the last six meetings – W3  D3
• Both teams have scored in all three National League meetings

The Last Eight Meetings Between Sides

Last Time Out – 2/3/2019 – Havant & Waterlooville 1-2 Leyton Orient

Orient Starting 11 vs Havant & Waterlooville

Prediction – Barrow 1-2 Leyton Orient

Leyton Orient head coach Justin Edinburgh has urged his side to start quickly when they visit Havant & Waterlooville on Saturday. The O’s travel South to face the relegation threatened Hawks with Edinburgh keen for his side to start on the front foot. Speaking to the O’s Show “we need to go there and have a better mindset. We need to start the game by imposing ourselves and start winning football matches”.

• Sit 3rd on 61 points – five behind league leaders Wrexham
• One win in last three games – W1  D1  L1
• League Record – P33  W17  D10  L6  F53  A24

The O’s head to Westleigh Park after making the FA Trophy Semi Finals with a 2-1 win at Brackley Town last weekend. Second half goals from substitute Matt Harrold and Daniel Happe sent the O’s through after Lee Ndlovu had put Brackley ahead in the first half.

Orient’s Last Six Results

Orient were second best in the first half and could have found themselves more than one behind. Edinburgh was disappointed by the performance but praised his side on getting the result. Speaking to leytonorient.com “probably worse performance in any 45 since I’ve been manager. Only positive at half time was only one down and still in the game. Credit to the players and their response second half”.

• Kept 14 league clean sheets (five away)
• Best defensive record in league conceding just 24 goals
• No clean sheet in last three games
• Two clean sheets in last five games
• No clean sheet in last three away games

Defender Daniel Happe grabbed his first Orient goal at Brackley and praised the impact of the substitutes. Josh Coulson, Matt Harrold and Jordan Maguire-Drew all made a difference which helped Orient push onto victory. Speaking to leytonorient.com “Josh Coulson come on and made a big difference, that’s the sort of player he is. Whoever came on was positive, Jordan done his bits and tricks. Matty popped up with the goal. You’ve always got to be ready on the bench, the lads did that today”.

• Scored 33/53 league goals in second half (13/24 away)
• Scored six of their last eight goals have been in second half

The O’s sit five points behind leaders Wrexham but have two games in hand on the Welsh Side. Heading into the crunch time of the season, Edinburgh is hoping to use their come from behind victory at Brackley as a boost for their upcoming fixtures. Speaking to the O’s Show “to end the way we did and get the win means we are looking to use that to kick on from here”.

• Away League Record – P16  W7  D6  L3  F24  A13
• One win in last three games – W1  D1  L1
• Last two wins have been in the FA Trophy
• Taken just two points from last 15 available in league  – no team has taken fewer points in league in that period

Orient’s inconsistent form has coincided with a number of injuries to key players. With Josh Coulson and Marvin Ekpiteta returning at Brackley, the O’s are only waiting on Josh Koroma and James Dayton to return. Edinburgh feels this could be pivotal for the end of season run in,  speaking to the O’s Show “it’s very encouraging, slowly but surely we are starting to get a full squad to become available. It will increase competition for places, I certainly feel it give us a boost to the end of the season”.

• Failed to score in eight league games (three away)
• Scored in four of their last five games
• Scored in their last two away games and three of their last four

In a serious competitive title race, the O’s haven’t won back to back league games since November. Edinburgh highlights his side will have to regain their winning feeling if they are to maintain their challenge at the top of the league. Speaking to East London Advertiser “it will be about which team holds their nerve, we have to find that consistency in our performances to give us a chance”.

• Orient have only won back to back games twice since November (all competitions)

Orient’s trip to Havant is their first of a hectic March which sees them play eight games which includes a two legged Trophy Semi Final against AFC Telford. Both Orient and Havant will be looking for maximum points on Saturday at differing ends of the table with Edinburgh surprised with how tight the league is this season. Speaking to O’s Show “it is a bizarre season for me, normally there are one or two adrift at the top but there are five, six or seven who feel they have an outside chance. Then there is no one cut adrift at the bottom. Havant will be fighting for points as much as we will”.

Orient’s March Fixtures

Team News

Striker Josh Koroma and James Dayton are nearing a return to action but are set to miss out the trip to Havant. Marvin Ekpiteta is a doubt after suffering a broken nose last week but defender Josh Coulson could start after making his return off the bench. Joe Widdowson should return to the starting 11 after being rested at Brackley.

Jordan Maguire-Drew and Matt Harrold are both pushing for starts after being involved the come from behind goals at Brackley.

Head to Head – One Previous Meeting

27/10/2018 – Leyton Orient 4-0 Havant & Waterlooville 

(Coulson 13, Lewis OG 18, Lee 39, Bonne 59)

Last Time Out – 23/02/2019 – Brackley Town 1-2 Leyton Orient

Starting 11 vs Brackley

Prediction – Brackley 1-3 Leyton Orient

Havant & Waterloooville  manager Lee Bradbury has called for his side to be fearless against Leyton Orient on Saturday. The Hawks welcome promotion chasing Orient to Westleigh Park and Bradbury knows his side are against the odds. Speaking to portmouth.co.uk “it is a game where we have nothing to lose. Leyton Orient are a massive club and the best we have faced this season.  I am expecting us to fight tooth and nail to get something from the game. We go into the game as big underdogs”.

• Sit 21st on 35 points – one point from safety
• No win in last five games – D3  L2
• Only two wins in last 11 league games – W2  D5  L4
• League Record – P17  W6  D5  L6  F28  A21

The Hawks head into the clash with Orient on the back of a 0-0 draw at FC Halifax last weekend. Despite playing against ten men for an hour, Havant were unable to force a winner and settled for a point. Bradbury spoke to Portsmouth.co.uk about the mixed emotions after the draw “we have come away from the game with mixed feelings. A point away from home is always a good one, under the circumstances though we should really have picked up all three”.

Last Six Results

It was their third 0-0 draw in their last five games against Halifax with Bradbury ruing the lack of creativity from his side. Only five teams have netted more than the Hawks in the league but the lack of the goals could be a concern at this stage of the season. Speaking to Portsmouth.co.uk “we didn’t create enough chances, that final ball and our decision making around the edge of the area was lacking. They were stubborn and hard to break down, it was a frustrating afternoon”.

• Failed to score in 13 league games (five at home)
• Scored in two of their last three games
• Failed in three of their last five home games
• Scored in seven of their last nine home league games

After back to back promotions, Havant found it hard at the start of the season winning just two of their opening 17 league games. Midfielder Theo Lewis revealed it took time to adjust to the new league but his side are ready to battle to stay in the division. Speaking to havantandwaterloovillefc.co.uk “I think it was a big eye opener for everyone. It took a while to adapt to this league but now we have, we will give everything in these last 11 games and hopefully it will be enough to stay up”.

Havant’s Last Six Seasons and Finishing Position

• Kept seven league clean sheets (four at home)
• One in their last three
• Kept three in their last five
• Kept two in their last four home games
• Worse defensive record in league conceding 62 goals

Bradbury described the clash with Orient as a “free hit” with his eyes focused on the games following against their relegation rivals. The Hawks have taken 77% of their points against bottom half sides and Bradbury knows how important that could be at the end of the season. Speaking to Portsmouth.co.uk “it is all very tight at the bottom. We have a crucial run of games against teams around us in the league. It is important we keep picking up points in these games”.

Havant’s Next Six Fixtures

• Home League Record – P17  W6  D5  L6  F28  A21
• Only Aldershot 69% have taken a higher percentage of their points at home 66%
• Winless in last three – W1  L2
• One win in last six games – W1  D2  L3 
• Last win – 5/1/2019 – Havant 2-0 Barrow

Havant have only picked up one win against a top half side and despite their horrendous record, Bradbury is hoping his sides luck can change. Speaking to Portsmouth.co.uk “our record against the top teams isn’t great but that has to change at some point, hopefully this will be the game when it happens”. He added “if we are to cause a surprise then we will have to be fearless against a team like Orient. Chances are likely to be few and far between that means when they do come along we have to make sure we take them”.

• Taken just eight of their 35 points against top half
• No team has taken a lower percentage of points against top half than – 23%
• Conceded 27/62 league goals against the top seven – 43%
• Taken 3/24 points available against the top seven

Lewis has suffered relegation and promotion in his short spell with the Hawks but he is confident his side will beat the drop. The 27 year old has started their last two games and stated to havantandwaterloovillefc.co.uk “the morale’s good, it’s always good in the camp. The chemistry of the boys is brilliant, easily the best group of lads I’ve ever played with at a club. We all get on, we all work for each other and we just go out and try and win every match”.

• Scored 66% of their goals (32/48) in the second half (20/28 home)
• Netted 16 in the final 15 minutes of matches – joint most with Orient
• 12 of their last 15 been netted in second period

Team News

Rory Williams is a doubt with a bruised foot while both Paul Robinson and Bradley Tarbuck are out through injury. Mike Carter returned from his loan spell but is unavailable through suspension.

Head to Head – One Previous Meeting

27/10/2018 – Leyton Orient 4-0 Havant & Waterlooville 

(Coulson 13, Lewis OG 18, Lee 39, Bonne 59)

Last Time Out – 23/10/2019 – FC Halifax 0-0 Havant & Waterlooville

Starting 11 vs FC Halifax

Prediction – Havant & Waterlooville 1-3 Leyton Orient

Leyton Orient head coach Justin Edinburgh is fully aware of the threat reigning Champions Brackley will be when they visit the Saints in the FA Trophy Quarter Final on Saturday. The O’s travel to St James Park looking to knock the current holders out but Edinburgh highlights they won’t let their defence go easy. Speaking to East London Advertiser “they’ll be keen to retain their trophy. Now they are in the quarter finals of the competition again, make no bones about it, this will be a tough game for us”.

• Sit 3rd in National League
• Winless in last two games
• Four wins in last eight games – W4  D1  L3

FA Trophy Run 2018/2019 Season

The O’s head to Brackley on the back of 1-0 home defeat to Maidenhead last Saturday. Adrian Clifton’s second half effort was enough to see Orient drop to third in the division leaving Edinburgh disappointed with his sides performance. Speaking to leytonorient.com “we can’t look at anybody else than ourselves, we came up short. We haven’t gone and imposed ourselves in the second half like we should have done”.

Orient’s Last 6 Results

After a productive first half of the season, Orient have struggled for form in 2019, picking up just four wins; two in the FA Trophy. Following the defeat to Maidenhead, midfielder Charlie Lee was quick to look ahead and concentrate on his side regaining their consistency for the end of season push. Speaking to leytonorient.com “we’ve got to look forward to next week now. It’s happened, we’ve got to see how we bounce back, we have done it well this year. Now it’s time to try and get a bit more consistent”.

• Failed to score in nine games this season
• Scored in three of their last four
• Only scored seven goals in 2019
• Failed to score in two of their last four away games

It has been a tough two weeks for the Orient who have gone from top of the National League to third, four points behind the lead. Expectation was high against Maidenhead with the return of Jay Simpson but after falling behind, they were unable to find a route back in. Edinburgh highlights it is about staying in the moment and stated to East London Advertiser “it is about not losing focus or looking ahead. I have quickly pick the group up and we need to reflect on it and understand it”.

• Kept 17 clean sheets this season
• No clean sheet in last two
• Kept clean sheet in all three trophy games this season
• No clean sheet in last two away games but two in their last four

Orient exited the trophy at this stage last season and being just three games from a potential Wembley date, Lee is keen for his side to take their opportunity. Lee who started in the 1-0 win at Wrexham in Round Two stated to leytonorient.com “we are excited about the FA Trophy, we all know what comes at the end if you get to the final. It is a massive opportunity for the boys that probably not luck enough to play in finals. We are excited for the next one and the boys are hungry to put the result behind us”.

• 26 league places between sides
• Only one of Orient’s eight trophy games have gone to a replay

Brackley are the third team Orient have faced from a lower division in this seasons FA Trophy and go into the clash at St James Park as favourites. Assistant coach Ross Embleton is keen for his side to produce a performance but knows it won’t be easy. Speaking to the O’s Show “they won it last year, they are on a good run this season in terms of their league status and what they are aiming to achieve. They have a number of real good player who we are fully aware about. It’s not going to be easy but we need to go there very focused on getting further and at the same stage put a level of performance we are accustomed to”

• Away Record This Season – P18  W8  D6  L4  F25  A15
• No win in last two – D1  L1
• Only won one of their last six – W1 D2  L3
• Won four of their five away FA Trophy games

Team News

Orient look set to rest first team regulars Macauley Bonne, Craig Clay and Jobi McAnuff. Marvin Ekpiteta, Josh Coulson and James Dayton could be involved after returning from injury. Striker Jay Simpson should start at Brackley alongside Matt Harrold while Jordan Maquire-Drew, Dale Gorman and Myles Judd are set to be involved.

Last Time Out – 16/02/2019 – Leyton Orient 0-1 Maidenhead

Starting 11 vs Maidenhead

Prediction – Brackley Town 2-1 Leyton Orient

Brackley manager Kevin Wilkin is hoping to use home advantage as his side host Leyton Orient in the quarter finals of the FA Trophy on Saturday. Brackley are looking to retain the Trophy they won back in May and take on the O’s who are 26 places above them. Despite the league gap Wilkin understands playing at home levels the playing field. Speaking to Non-League Paper “it makes it interesting that it’s at ours, we’re going to have to be right at the top of our game”.

• Sit 4th in National League North
• Only lost one of their last 12 matches – W9  D2  L1

Brackley’s Trophy Run This Season

The Saints head into the clash with Orient on the back of their eighth win in their last nine games. A 2-0 victory away at Darlington came courtesy of a Will Smith own goal and Daniel Nti’s sixth goal of the season. Back to back league wins has helped moved Brackley back into the playoffs and giving them plenty of confidence heading into the Trophy.

Brackley’s Last Six Results

The Saints have been in terrific form in 2019 after a disappointing December and Wilkin feels his side are right back on track. Speaking to Non-League Paper “we had a little bit of  flat period before Christmas where we lost three on the bounce and they were tough games for different reasons and it just didn’t quite happen for us. We’ve picked up since Christmas and been on a reasonable run. We’re back in the playoff mix I think but it’s so competitive”.

• Kept 11 clean sheets this season (seven at home)
• Back to back clean sheets
• Kept five in their last seven games – conceding just three goals
• Kept two clean sheets in their last three home games 

Brackley won their first FA Trophy beating Bromley on penalties last May after missing out on promotion through the playoffs. Now back in the promotion hunt in the league, Wilkin hopes his side can use the experiences of last season to help them in their push towards the end of the season. Speaking to Non-League Paper “it’s the experiences you face and the majority of this side have been together and experienced it last season. When you’ve had a taste of it and all the trappings, naturally people will talk about it and want it a bit more. That’s great people have got the hunger and desire to go and have another bash at it”.

• Failed to score in only five games this season
• Scored in their last two games and eight of their last nine
• Scored two or more goals in their last seven home games (scoring 20 goals)
• Scored two or more in all four trophy games this season
• Scored in last five home trophy matches

Brackley’s win at Darlington was one of their many rearranged midweek games due to their FA trophy participation this season. Wilkin is keen to stay in the mix in both competition but was keen to highlight that it is another productive season for his side with this being their third consecutive season reaching the FA Trophy quarter finals. Speaking to banburyguardian “it’s a challenge but I wouldn’t have it any other way because it means we’re having another good season. We knew what a good run in the competition brings but the fixtures could have been a bit kinder”.

Brackley’s Last Seven Seasons in FA Trophy

The Saints beat National League Chesterfield in the third round and will be hoping to replicate that performance at St James Park on Saturday. Wilkin will be hoping Orient have one eye on their league intentions but highlights how tough the test is. Speaking to Non-League Paper “obviously Orient is an incredibly tough game. They’re going fantastically in the league and Justin’s doing a fantastic job there. Their probably like ourselves where they want to be successful in everything they can be. We’re under no illusion as to what it takes but it’s nice to have that opportunity”.

• Home Record this Season – P20  W12  D5  L3  F46  A23
• Joint best home record in National League North
• Won their last five home games – F14  A3
• Unbeaten in their last seven – W6  D1
• Last defeat – 1/12/2019 – Brackley 1-2 Altrincham

Team News

Carl Baker is unavailable as he is cup tied for the visit of Orient.

Last Time Out  – 19/02/2019 – Darlington 0-2 Brackley Town

Starting 11 vs Darlington

Prediction – Brackley 2-1 Leyton Orient

Leyton Orient defender Daniel Happe feels today’s clash with Maidenhead could be very important. The O’s were knocked off top spot by Solihull Moors on Tuesday for the first time since November and can reassert themselves with a victory over the Magpies . Speaking to the O’s Show Happe stated “it will be a massive three points if we win, as you know Solihull went above us but we have a game hand but it will be a big three points if we get it”

• Sit 2nd on 61 points – two behind Solihull Moors
• Unbeaten in last three – W2  D1
• Lost two of their last eight games  – W4  D2  L2
•  League Record – P32  W17  D10  L5  F53  A23

The O’s head into Saturday’s clash with Maidenhead on the back of a 1-1 draw at Hartlepool last weekend. Captain Jobi McAnuff’s deflected effort put them ahead before Nicke Kabamba levelled right on half time. Dean Brill saved a second half penalty save from Liam Noble to preserve a point. Head Coach Justin Edinburgh stated to leytonorient.com “I always think on the road any point is valuable, it was a tough encounter, very scrappy and the conditions weren’t great but we definitely look at it as a point gained”

Orient’s Last Six Results

The O’s took the lead at Hartlepool but just before the break and had to be thankful for goalkeeper Dean Brill for his penalty save. After taking the lead, Edinburgh was disappointed in how his side failed to protect their lead heading into the break. Speaking to leytonorient.com “the disappointment today is our game management, at times where we were in good positions with the back four in our half we never seemed to manage the play behind that. We got caught on the counter attack today which is very unlike us and the goal was a bit like that”.

• Failed to score in seven league games (four at home)
• Scored in last three games and four of the last five
• Scored in six of their last seven home games
• Only scored six goals in their last seven league games

Goalkeeper Brill has been an every present under Justin Edinburgh, playing every minute. The 33 year old made his second consecutive penalty save at Hartlepool preserving Orient’s fantastic defensive record. Only Wrexham have conceded fewer goals this season and Brill stated to leytonorient.com “we pride ourselves on still have one of the best defensive records in the league, it is a hard league and we dealt with what they put to us quite well but once you let people inside your box, there is always a danger”.

• Kept 14 clean sheets – (nine at home)
• Kept two clean sheets in last three games
• Kept three in last five games
• Kept six in last eight home games

With just six points separating the top six, the battle for promotion will continue to hot up in the last few months of the season. The O’s face a hectic March with at least eight fixtures but defender Happe highlights his side need to embrace the challenge and enjoy the ride. Speaking to the O’s Show “it is a massive couple of months, all the boys have got to push hard and look forward. We need to enjoy it and take it in our step”.

Orient’s Next Seven Fixtures

• Home League Record – P16  W10  D4  L2  F29  A10
• Won their last two
• Won six of their last seven, 12 points from last 15 in league
• Only lost one of their last 11 home games – W8  D2  L1

Jay Simpson returned to the O’s in midweek on a short term deal till the end of the season after a spell in the MLS. The 30 year old could make his 100th appearance against Maidenhead and finally made his decision to return to the O’s after training with the club. Speaking to leytonorient.com “I want to get promoted, I believe we can do it. Justin thinks that I can come in and be the missing piece which can finally get us over the line. The pressure is on me to come in and help out the boys and produce but it’s a challenge I’m looking forward to”.

• 33/53 goals have been scored in the second half- (20/29 at home)
• Only Harrogate (39) have netted more in the second half
• Scored 16 goals in the finals 15 minutes of games (10 have come at home)
• Seven of their last 11 goals have been scored in second period

Team News

New signing Jay Simpson could make his debut after receiving his International Clearance in midweek. Jordan Maguire-Drew and Sam Ling should return after missing the trip to Hartlepool last weekend. James Dayton, Marvin Ekpiteta, Josh Coulson and Josh Koroma all remain sidelined through injury.

Head to Head – Leyton Orient 2, Draw 0, Maidenhead 1

The Three Meeting Between Sides

• All three wins have been by the away side
• Only the away side has scored in the fixture
• All four goals in the fixture have been before 30 minutes, three in the opening 15 minutes
• All three Orient goals have been scored by strikers

Last Time Out – Hartlepool 1-1 Leyton Orient

Starting 11 vs Hartlepool

Prediction – Leyton Orient 3-1 Maidenhead

Maidenhead United manager Alan Devonshire is hoping his side can pull off a shock as they travel to promotion hopefuls Leyton Orient on Saturday. The O’s are aiming for a return to the Football League and are firm favourites but the 62 year old feels the underdog tag could help his side. Speaking to maidenhead-advertiser “everyone will be expecting us to lose apart from us, we’ll be up for it” .

• Sit 19th on 34 points – one point above the relegation zone
• Only lost two of their last seven – W3  D2  L2
• League Record – P32  W10  D4  L18  F34  A55
• Only Braintree (19) and Maidstone (20) have lost more games than Maidenhead

The Magpies head to East London after picking up their first win in three games last weekend. James Akintunde’s first for the club proved the difference against Boreham Wood. Devonshire praised the performance of his side and stated to maidenhead-advertiser “we played really well and fully deserved the win, we created a lot of chances and we hit the post as well, so we got what we deserved”.

Maidenhead’s Last Six Results

Maidenhead struggled to get into their rhythm in the first half with the windy conditions but after the break it was a different story. The Magpies should have scored more than one with assistant coach Sam Lock praising the effort of all of the players. Speaking to maidenheadunited fc “I thought we dominated the second half, we created numerous chances. The boys were excellent today, every single on of them put a shift in and they’re buzzing in there”.

• Failed to score in 14 league games – only Aldershot (16) have failed to score in more
• Scored in five of their last six games
• Scored in two of their last three away games
• Only netted more than once in one of their last eight games

With just two points separating 16th and 21st in the league table, the victory over Boreham Wood was vital to keep themselves above the dreaded relegation zone. Maidenhead finished 12th in their first season at this level last year and will be hoping to preserve their status once more. Devonshire is fully aware that with 14 games to go, there are plenty of points left to play for. Speaking to maidenhead-advertiser “I think it will go down to the wire but we know the points target we want and we won’t relax until we get them. There is a long way to go”

• Kept seven league clean sheets (four away)
• Worst defensive record in league alongside Braintree
• First clean sheet in five against Boreham Wood
• No clean sheet in last two away games but kept two in their last four
• Kept three clean sheets in last six away games

Maidenhead’s Last Five Season Finishes

Devonshire is in his fourth season with the Magpies and has been steadily improving them under his management. Their recent win should boost confidence heading into the home straight with Lock revealing to maidenheadfc “we got the three points and I couldn’t care less how it came about. The most important thing is we got the points”. Results against Orient will not determine their outcome but Devonshire will definitely have an eye on the four home games against his relegation rivals.

Key Home Games for Maidenhead

• Have conceded 31/55 goals in second half (16/25 away)
• Conceded 25 in the final 30 minutes of matches – the most in league
• Six of their last nine conceded have been in second period

After opening his account against Boreham Wood, Sam Lock is hopeful that James Akintunde can add to his tally in the end of season run in. The 22 year old moved to York Road in the summer after two years with Chester and finally ended his baron spell in front of goal. Lock spoke on Akintunde to maidenhead-advertiser “I believe there is no reason why he can’t kick on and get double figures this year. He’s that type of player. Everyone’s buzzing with confidence, it’s a really good day”.

• 19/34 goals scored have been in first half (9/15 away)
• Have netted 26% of their goals between 31-45 minutes
• Four of their last seven goals have been in first half

Devonshire’s men will be hoping they can replicate the performance which saw them leave with E10 with three points back in April. Ryan Upward netted the only goal in the game but Orient are a different proposition this season. With a big crowd expected Devonshire is aware of the size of the challenge that awaits his team tomorrow. Speaking to maidenhead-advertiser “it will be a massive test, there will be 7,000 people there”.

• Away League Record – P16  W5  D2  L9  F15  A25
• Won two of their last three on the road
• Taken ten points from last 18 available on their travels
• Only three teams conceded more on the road than Maidenhead

Team News

Midfielder Harold Odametey is suspended after getting sent off for two bookings against Boreham Wood. Recent signing Mike Fondop should be available after joining on loan from Wrexham in midweek.

Head to Head – Maidenhead 1, Draw 0, Leyton Orient 2

The Three Meetings Between Sides

• All three wins have been by the away side
• Only the away side has scored in the fixture
• All four goals in the fixture have been before 30 minutes, three in the opening 15 minutes

Last Time Out – Maidenhead 1-0 Boreham Wood, 09/02/2019

Starting 11 vs Boreham Wood

Prediction – Leyton Orient 3-1 Maidenhead

Leyton Orient defender Jamie Turley insists his side only need to concentrate on themselves. The O’s have a three point cushion at the top of the National League ahead of their trip to Hartlepool and Turley is keen for his side to pick up another positive result in the North East. Speaking to East London Advertiser “we are in a great position and it’s all about us, we just need to keep carrying on the way we have been going and keep ticking along. We need to keep it going, keep picking up points and just need to focus on ourselves”/

• Sit 1st on 60 points – three point gap to second
• Won back to back games for first time since December
• League Record – P31  W17  D9  L5  F52  A22
• Four wins in their last six – W4  L2

The O’s head north to Hartlepool after making the FA Trophy quarter finals with a 1-0 home win over Blyth Spartans last weekend. Jamie Turley’s 83th minute header secured victory for Orient with First Team Development Coach Danny Webb delighted his side were able to grind out the win. Speaking to leytonorient.com “it was a good result, it wasn’t a fantastic game or an amazing performance, you would rather that every week winning and not playing particularly well, we’ll take the result”.

Orient’s Last Six Results

Turley arrived at the O’s in January after swapping a relegation battle for a promotion push. The 28 year old has slotted into the O’s defence in the absence of regular center halves Josh Coulson and Marvin Ekpiteta and is building a good partnership with Dan Happe. Speaking to leytonorient.com “I have really enjoyed it so far, it’s a great group of lads and the management and staff are brilliant. Dan’s a great player, great size and we communicate well with when and where we need to be. Hopefully we can carry on with this good partnership and see where it takes us”.

• Kept 14 league clean sheets – five away from home
• Joint best defensive record in division with Wrexham
• Kept back to back clean sheets
• Kept three in their last four
• Kept five in their last seven games in all competitions

The O’s were relegated with Hartlepool back in 2017 from the Football League but have struggled to adapt to life in the fifth tier. Despite the disruption behind the scenes at Victoria Park, Danny Webb highlights his side have to be professional on Saturday. Speaking to East London Advertiser “you always seem to be reading about Hartlepool lately with all the things going on there, it won’t make it any easier. They are an ex League club, like ourselves and they will be looking to get into the play off places even though it will be tough”.

• Failed to score in seven league games
• Scored in their last two games and three of their last four
• Only scored two or more goals in one of their last eight matches

After their progression in the FA Trophy and rearranged fixtures, the O’s will hope to change their recent inconsistent away form around with six of their next eight fixtures on the road. Orient may face some fixture congestion later in the season but despite Saturday’s trip to Hartlepool being only one of only two league fixtures scheulded in February, Webb feels Orient are going well. Speaking to leytonorient.com “we are ticking along nicely, I am sure there will be a period when some game get called off but at the moment the games are on when they should be”.

Orient’s Next Eight Games

Following back to back wins, Orient will be looking to make it three on the bounce at Hartlepool. After a couple of defeats over Christmas, three wins in their last four has seen Orient pick up form and Turley is confident on his side chances on  Saturday. Speaking to East London Advertiser “we will go to Hartlepool and be solid. Hopefully we can win the game and we will set out to win the game I’m sure”.

• Away League Record – P15  W7  D5  L3   F23  A12
• Only Solihull Moors (28) have taken more points away than Orient
• One win in their last five – W1  D1  L3
• Taken just one point from last 12 available in league

Team News

Orient will still be without Josh Koroma, Josh Coulson, Marvin Ekpiteta and James Dayton. First team regulars Macauley Bonne, Craig Clay, Charlie Lee, Jobi McAnuff and Joe Widdowson should return after sitting out the victory over Blyth last week. Jamie Turley and Danny Happe will continue at the heart of the Orient defence.

Head to Head – Leyton Orient 20, Draw 10, Hartlepool 21

• Orient haven’t won any of the last three meetings – D1  L2
• The O’s have failed to score in last two meetings
• Orient have only won three of the last nine meetings
• Only one draw in last ten meetings
• Orient have only won one of the their last five trips to Victoria Road – W1  L4

The Last Nine Meetings Between Sides

Last Time Out – 02/02/2019 – Leyton Orient 1-0 Blyth Spartans

Starting 11 vs Blyth Spartans

Prediction – Hartlepool 1-2 Leyton Orient