Football Analyst

Hartlepool manager Craig Hignett is relishing the visit of league leaders Leyton Orient on Saturday. Hignett who returned to the management hot seat back in January is fully aware of the test that awaits his side but feels it can highlight where is side are. Speaking to hartlepoolunited.co.uk “it’s the biggest challenge, their top of the pile and have been great this season. Justin Edinburgh has done a fantastic job with them, they are a big club and it will be a real tough game but a good gage to where we are in the grand scheme of things”

• Sit 15th on 39 points – nine points above relegation zone
• League Record – P31  W10  D9  L12  F34  A42
• One win in last four – W1  L3
• Only two wins in last eight games – W2  D2  L4

Hartlepool head into the clash after a 2-1 home victory over Braintree two weeks ago. A second half comeback with goals from Nicke Kabamba and Josh Hawkes ensured victory. Hignett who took charge of his first game was delighted with the response of his side after falling behind stating to Non-League Paper “it was a good start, winning was the most important thing after what has gone on. I’m delighted overall, the second half especially and the win was the most important thing, it was about getting three points”.

Hartlepool’s Las Six Results

Pool saw their match against Ebbsfleet postponed last weekend due to adverse weather conditions which disappointed Hignett. After picking up their first win in four games against Braintree, Hignett thought it was a perfect chance to back it up. Speaking to hartlepoolunited.co.uk “we wanted to play, to try and get a bit of momentum. We had a good result the week before and we wanted to try and build on it”.

• Home League Record – P16  W5  D6  L6  F20  A21
• Two league wins since October
• Won two of their last four – W2  L2
• Taken just six points from last 24 available at home

It’s been a turbulent campaign at Pool this season with Hignett the third manager of the season following Matthew Bates and Richard Money. Sitting nine points from the bottom four, Hignett is keen to start planning for the following season but wants to bring the feel good factor to Victoria Park. Speaking to hartlepoolunited.co.uk “we have to win as many games as possible, we want to push on this season, we are not giving it up. We’ve got to bring back a feel good factor back. We want to give the fans something to be excited about”.

Managers at Hartlepool this Season

Hignett managed Pools between February 2016 and January 2017, before returning as Director of Football in March 2018. The 49 year old swapped places with Richard Money in January and is keen for the club to have some security. Speaking to hartlepoolmail “there’s been a lot of change, a lot of instability at the club and it has to change, win as many games and keep a settled side”. But after being around the club for under a year before taking the reigns has been a boost, “it is a massive help, I have been around it since Matty (Bates) went. I have taken two games so I know the players and the characters”

• Kept Six league clean sheets – three at home
• No clean sheet in last eight games (all competitions)
• Only kept one clean sheet in last 15 league games (1-0 away to Maidenhead, 8/12/18)
• Only kept two clean sheets in last 15 games

Midfielder Ryan Donaldson was stand in skipper in the victory over Braintree last time out and acknowledges the quality that the Orient team possesses. Pool earned a point down at the Breyer Group Stadium back in October and Donaldson highlights it is no shock Orient find themselves top of the table. Speaking to hartlepoolmail.co.uk “they have a lot of threats all over the pitch and have scored a lot of goals. They have some brilliant players, it will be a big test but one we are looking forward to against probably the best team in the National League”.

• Failed to score in six league games 
• Scored in last 15 games
• Scored in last 12 league games (last failed, Bromley 4-0, 3/11/18)
• Six of their last seven home games have ended 2-1

Despite facing one of the title favourites, Hignett understands victory tomorrow will give them back to back wins for the first time since September. With the O’s struggling with their away form, Hignett is keen to concentrate on his side and what they have to do. Speaking to hartlepoolunited.co.uk “we go in confident, we know we are going to have to be at our best to get something out of the game. I don’t really worry about the opposition too much, it’s more about what we do and the improvements. If we go out and play like we can do, I’m sure we can get a positive result”.

• 25/42 league goals conceded have been in the second half (13/21 at home)
• But four of their last six have been in the first half
• 20/34 league goals have been scored in second half (11/20 at home)
• Four of their last six including three of their last five a home have been in the second half

Team News

Hartlepool hope to welcome back defender Carl Magnay and midfielder Liam Noble after the pair have returned from injury. Luke Williams still remains out through injury. Hignett could partner Luke James in attack after his impact from the bench against Braintree. While Nicke Kabamba will be hoping to add to two goals after netting in his first two appearances for Pools.

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

• Hartlepool are unbeaten in the last three meetings between sides
• Hartlepool have kept back to back clean sheets against Orient
• Hartlepool have won five of the last eight meetings 
• Hartlepool have won four of the last five meetings at Victoria Road

The Last Nine Meetings Between Sides

Last Time Out – 26/01/2019 – Hartlepool 2-1 Braintree

Starting 11 vs Braintree

Prediction – Hartlepool 1-2 Leyton Orient

Leyton Orient head coach Justin Edinburgh insists his side will be taking the FA Trophy seriously ahead of their visit of Blyth Spartans. Orient have a three point lead at the top of the table but the 49 year old knows with his side only four games from Wembley, it is a competition they can win. Speaking to leytonorient.com “everyone knows since I have been here, I view it as a competition we feel we can get close to winning and that will reflect in the side I put out”.

• Sit 1st in National League
• Three wins in last five games

Orient’s Results in FA Trophy

The O’s returned to winning ways last weekend with a 3-0 home victory over Maidstone United. Jordan Maguire-Drew grabbed his first for Orient before a brace for Macauley Bonne extended their lead at the top of the table. Edinburgh was delighted with the response of his side stating to leytonorient.com “it’s a good win off the back of a really good week on the training ground. We needed to rekindle that confidence in the group and it was the reaction we all wanted. It was a pleasing end to a good week”

Orient’s Last Six Results

Before last weekend’s win, Orient had only won two of their previous six but Edinburgh thought his side showed glimpses of returning to their old ways. Orient started slowly but grabbed the first goal and made it comfortable in the second half. Edinburgh stated to leytonorient.com “what was positive about us today was we played off the front foot and it was typified in our first goal. In the recent couple of weeks we might have taken a step back but we took a step forward and more often than not you get your rewards”.

Another pleasing aspect for the O’s last week was the defensive display which saw a 16th clean sheet for the season. With first choice center backs out injured, Daniel Happe partnered Jamie Turley who made his full debut and impressed on their first start as a partnership. Assistant coach Ross Embleton praised the performance of the defensive unit, speaking to the O’s Show “a clean sheet in their first partnered together. It was fantastic for the whole back four but for them two to come into the team and perform in the manner they did, very good”.

• Kept two clean sheets in their last three games
• Kept four clean sheets in last six games
• Kept five clean sheets in last seven home games

Orient have faced two different challenges in the Trophy and Saturday’s test against Blyth will be no different. The Spartans sit 33 league places below Orient and Edinburgh highlights that Alun Armstrong’s men will be looking to perform as the underdogs. Speaking to leytonorient.com “it is a home game and a game I feel we can win. We will come up against an opposition who will try and prove themselves. They come from a lower level but I will pick a team I feel than can go on and win the game”

• Home Record this Season – P17  W11  D4  L2   F33   A10
• Won five of the last six at home – F13  A4
• Only lost one of their last ten at home – W7  D2  L1
• Defeat – 05/01/2019 – Orient 0-3 Salford

Orient are expected to rotate their squad giving some minutes to players who have played much recently. Jordan Maguire-Drew made his full debut at Wrexham in Round Two and highlights the learning he can get from the senior players at the club. Maguire-Drew joined the club in January stated to leytonorient.com “the quality of player we’ve got is great. We’ve got a lot of leaders in there which is key, it’s a great blend of young and experienced players. It’s important for me to learn off the likes of Jobi (McAnuff), Matty (Harrold), Lawless”

• Failed to score in eight games this season – (four at home)
• Scored in three of their five games
• Scored in seven of their last nine home games

Team News

Josh Koroma, Marvin Ekpiteta, Josh Coulson and James Dayton all remain sidelined through injury. Matt Harrold, Alex Lawless, Dale Gorman, Myles Judd, James Alabi ae all expected to start on Saturday. Young defender Jayden Sweeney should be involved after playing in both Trophy games this season. Shadrach Ogie is available after gaining International clearance.

Head to Head

No previous meetings between sides

Last Time Out – 3-0 home win over Maidstone United

Starting 11 vs Maidstone

Prediction – Leyton Orient 2-1 Blyth Spartans

Blyth Spartans manager Alun Armstrong is out for another FA Trophy shock when his side travel to National League table toppers, Leyton Orient on Saturday. The Spartans saw off Boreham Wood in the second round and Armstrong insists his side will go to try and play. Speaking to BSAFC “we will have a go and not sit back. We have attacking players who can cause them problems”.

• Sit 10th in National League North
• Only lost two of their last 18 matches in all competitions – W11  D5  L2

Blyth’s Last Six FA Trophy Games

Blyth saw their 14 match unbeaten record end with a 3-2 home defeat to Hereford FC last weekend. Armstrong was left frustrated with his sides performance describing to BSAFC “ the performance was unacceptable, I had a right go at the lads, I said for them to go and have a think about what they done differently today to what they have done in last 14 games. The first half was no where near the intensity we normally play at”

Blyth’s Last Six Results

Blyth had been on a great run being unbeaten since the start of November winning nine of their 14 games and reaching the third round of the FA Trophy.  But Armstrong was left disappointed with how his side lost their unbeaten run. Speaking to BSAFC “I said I could accept it coming to an end if we gave everything but today we didn’t see the energy levels that we have in previous games, that’s the most disappointing thing”.

Blyth’s Progress in Last Six Seasons

Defender Michael Liddle made his 100th appearance for the club against Hereford and bemoaned his sides sloppy start to the game falling behind. The former Sunderland man joined Blyth back in 2016 and knows how important it is to start games quick. Speaking to BSAFC “we always say, its about how we start, we need to start games fast, need to get at teams especially at home. I didn’t do that and we were sloppy so they got us. All it takes is for them to get a goal and then your team is chasing”.

• Kept six clean sheets this season – (two away)
• Kept back to back clean sheets in FA Trophy
• No clean sheet in last two games
• One clean sheet in last eight games
• One clean sheet in last seven away games

Armstrong who joined Blyth back in 2016 is fully aware of the threat that Orient will pose on Saturday and acknowledged the difficulties his side could face at the Breyer Group Stadium. Speaking to BSAFC “we have seen them, they are very good team on top and it will be difficult to deal with them so we have got to be mindful of that. We can’t go there and expect to play open football but we will try and play our football. We have got to show them the respect they deserve”.

• Away Record this Season – P16  W6  D5  L5  F26  A28
• Unbeaten in last eight games – W5  D3
• Last defeat – 13/10/2018 – Boston 4-0 Blyth Spartans
• Unbeaten in last three away FA Trophy games

Liddle who had a loan spell with the O’s back in 2010 is excited with the challenge that awaits his side and is aware that all of the pressure will be on the home side. The 29 year old only made one appearance for the O’s stated to BSAFC “it is a very big game for us, it’s an exciting game for the lads. They are going to be quality and we’re going to have to be right at it. The stadium is class and the pitch is good. There is no pressure on us, we can go out and express ourselves. If we have the right attitude there is no reason why we can’t put in a performance”

• Failed to score in six games this season (three away)
• Scored in last 15 games in all competitions
• Last failed – 03/11/2018 – Blyth 0-3 FC United
• Scored in last eight away games

Team News

Louis Laing could start at Orient after gaining some valuable minutes against Hereford. Adam Wrightson is in contention to start while Kieran Green look set to keep his place in attack.

Armstrong stated to BSAFC on his squad “it gave us food for thought on what we’re going to play next week after watching that. It got me thinking, people may think that places are theirs, you can’t take anything for granted”.

Head to Head

No previous meetings between sides

Last Time Out – 3-2 home defeat to Hereford

Starting 11 vs Hereford

Prediction – Leyton Orient 2-1 Blyth Spartans

Leyton Orient defender Jamie Turley insists his side will pull together to feel that winning feeling again. The O’s host 23rd placed Maidstone on Saturday and with just one league win in their last five, the former Notts County man is keen to experience his first win in an Orient shirt. Speaking to leytonorient.com “we want to get back winning games of football. We’re determined to put things right and get back on that winning run”

• Sit 1st on 57 points – ahead of Solihull Moors on goal difference
• Three defeat in last six games – W2  D1  L3
• Not lost back to back games since March 2018
• League Record – P30  W16  D9  L5  F49  A22

The O’s head into Saturday’s came on the back of a 2-0 away defeat to Ebbsfleet. Jack King volleyed home in the first half before a free kick from Chris Bush made it back to back league defeats for Orient. Head coach Justin Edinburgh stated to leytonorient.com “Ebbsfleet didn’t disappoint us, they are a strong side, in real good form and at times we didn’t compete well enough today and credit to Ebbsfleet for getting the three points”.

Orient’s Last Six Results

Defender Jamie Turley came off the bench last weekend for his first appearance after joining from Notts County. The 28 year old hit the post with his first chance but admitted his side didn’t produce the performance they needed and it came down to being clinical in front of goal. Speaking to leytonorient.com “we done our research on them on how they want to play and how we wanted to play but we just didn’t execute it well enough. I think we had the better chances in the game but it comes down to both boxes and we wasn’t ruthless enough today”.

• Failed to score in seven league games (four at home)
• Only scored in one of their last three games (penalty)
• Only scored three goals in last six games
• Not scored more than one goal in a game since 22nd December
• Scored in four of their last five home games

For the second successive league game, Orient conceded in the first 30 minutes and struggled to find a way back into the game. Jack King volleyed in after the O’s failed to clear a set piece and Edinburgh was unhappy with the manner of his sides start. Speaking to leytonorient.com “it summed up our start to the game, on the back foot, everything we spoke about didn’t go and produce. We were hesitant and played off the back foot and think the inevitable happened when you wait for something to happen. More and likely it will go against you and that’s what it did”.

Games conceded first goal before 30 minutes

• Eight of their 22 league goals conceded in first 30 minutes
• Conceded first goal in first 30 minutes in three of their last seven league games

Despite Orient’s inconsistent recent form, they still sit top of the league on goal difference over Solihull Moors. With four of their next five at home Edinburgh highlights his side can bounce back in front of their home fans and assert themselves at the top of the league once more. Speaking to leytonorient.com “what we’ve got to do is get our focus back and rediscover our form and their is no better place to that than at home against Maidstone”.

• Home League Record – P15  W9  D4  L2  F26  A10
• Only Wrexham, Fylde (33) and Salford (34) have taken more points at home
• Won four of their last five home games – lost 3-0 Salford in last game
• Only lost one of their last nine at home – W6  D2  L1
• Taken 20 points from the last 24 available at the Breyer Group Stadium

Orient’s dip in form has coincided with a growing injury list with at least five of their first 11 injured. Turley was brought in for some defensive cover and could use some of his experience to help the O’s get back into form. The 28 year old reached the play offs with Boreham Wood last season and is hoping the defeat to Ebbsfleet can kick start their second half of the season. Speaking to leytonorient.com “we are used to winning games, this side has got a winning mentality. We’ve come off the boil last few weeks, we need to use this to kick on. We are in a great position”.

• Kept 13 league clean sheets – eight at home
• Kept three in last five games
• Kept six in their last nine home games
• Only kept one in last three home games

With just seven points separating the top six, the last few months of the season are set to be as exciting as ever. Despite Maidstone lowly position, it will be far from an easy test especially under new management. Edinburgh is almost certain the title race will go right till the end, “we knew it was going to be an competitive league, it’s showing all the signs of that with quite a remarkable competitive season. It will go right to the end”.

• 31/49 goals scored have been in the second half (18/26 at home)
• Ten of their last 11 league goals have been at home

Team News

Craig Clay could return to the starting 11 after his substitute appearance at Ebbsfleet last weekend. Myles Judd returns from suspension while captain Jobi McAnuff could be back involved after a toe injury. Jamie Turley could be handed his full debut after George Elokobi was transfer listed in the week. Josh Coulson, Marvin Ekpiteta and James Dayton remain sidelined through injury.

Head to Head – Leyton Orient 4, Draw 1, Maidstone 1

The Six Meetings Between Sides

• Orient have won three of the last four meetings
• Won both home game against Maidstone
• Won all three National League Fixtures
• Only failed to score in one of the six meetings

Last Time Out – 2-0 away defeat to Ebbsfleet

Starting 11 vs Ebbsfleet

Prediction – Leyton Orient 2-1 Maidstone

Maidstone United’s Head of Football John Still is under no illusion of the task he has taken on at the Gallagher Stadium. The 68 year old came out of retirement to return to the club he gain promotion with in 1989. The Stones head to league leaders Leyton Orient on Saturday and will be hoping to start the new era of with a result.

• Sit 23rd in National League on 25 points – Six points from safety
• Lost three of their last five in all competitions
• League Record – P30  W7  D4  L19  F27  A50

Still stepped down as Barnet manager in December but revealed the lure to return was too much. The former Dagenham man admitted to having many calls looking for his services but stated to maidstoneunited.co.uk “the role seemed the right one for me, the club is in a real difficult situation and it’s going to be an uphill battle. But it was the right time, right place, right job for me”.

Maidstone’s Last Six Results

The Stones head to Orient on the back of a 3-0 home defeat to Dagenham & Redbridge last weekend. Nathan Smith, Connor Wilkinson and Lamar Reynolds all struck to inflict a eighth defeat in their last ten league games. Simon Walton who was in temporary charge admitted to maidstoneunited.co.uk “it was probably one of the best games we’ve played this season to be perfectly honest”. The Stones missed a host of chances with Walton acknowledging the tough lesson his side would have learnt, “you get what you deserve unfortunately in football, if you don’t take your chances and let top strikers who cost a lot of money have chances, what are you going to get?

• Kept five league clean sheets (four away)
• No Clean sheet in last two – conceding seven
• Kept one in last five games
• Only kept one in last 11 league games 
• One in last six away games

Still has brought former Braintree manager Hakan Hayrettin as his first team coach to assist him. The pair worked together at Luton between 2013 and 2015 and Hakan admitted it was a tough decision to depart Braintree but is relishing the challenge, “I am really looking forward to it, I am happy I made the decision to be at one of the biggest non-league clubs”.

John Still and Hakan Hayrettin record at Luton

After a long period of success and stability with Jay Saunders in charge for seven years, Still is the third manager of the season at the Gallagher Stadium. Hayrettin highlighted that being six points from safety at the bottom of the league, securing their National League status for next season is their aim. Speaking to maidstoneunited.co.uk “we’ve got a talented squad, we’ve got to find the best way of getting it out and finding a structure of playing to get points. Success is measured in different ways, for us staying in this league is going to be our aim. Everything is going to be difficult but the challenge is the most important thing and we’ve got to rise to it”.

Maidstone’s Last Six Seasons

• Failed to score in ten league games (five away)
• Scored in three of their last four games
• Scored in last four away games
• Scored in seven of their last eight games on the road
• Not failed to score in back to back games since October

Despite having just 16 games left of the National League season to ensure their safety, Still feels that his side have to build a strong base and foundations in order to help them succeed. Still highlighted how important the next fortnight could be for his side speaking to kentonline.co.uk “We’re under no pressure and then we’ve got a cup game next week. We’ve got two weeks for me to try and work to give ourselves the rest of the games to do it”. He added “I’ve got to work work work to give ourselves a chance to be better for as many games as possible and I’m going to need that time to do a little bit of work on and off the pitch”

• Away League Record – P15  W6  D1  L8  F15  A22
• 76% of their league points have come on the road
• Won their last two
• Only lost one of their last four on the road
• 16 of their last 18 league points have been collected away from home

With just three league wins since the start of November it will be a tough task for Still and his team. Still’s biggest challenge is to rectify the problems on the pitch, speaking to maidstoneunited.co.uk “I want us to be hard working, hopefully exciting and hopefully winning. We are where we are for a reason and what we have to try and do is find out the reasons why it is happening and eradicate why it has happened”.

• 29/50 goals conceded have been in second half 
• But five of their last eight have been conceded in first half
• Taken just five points from 42 against top half – W1  D2  L11  F8  A22
• Only taken one point from possible 21 against the top seven

Team News

Simon Walton is set to continue after returning in the defeat to Dagenham while Jamie Philpot remains on trial and is looking to earn a deal. Jake Robinson and Elliott Romain look set to continue in attack while top scorer Blair Turgott is still out with injury.

Head to Head – Leyton Orient 4, Draw 1, Maidstone 1

The Six Meetings Between the Sides

• Maidstone’s only victory over the O’s was back in October
• Maidstone have lost both of their trips to the Breyer Group Stadium
• Maidstone have lost all three of the National League meetings between sides

Last Time Out – 3-0 home defeat to Dagenham & Redbridge

Starting 11 vs Dagenham

Prediction – Leyton Orient 2-1 Maidstone

Leyton Orient head coach Justin Edinburgh insists his side must be on top of their game when they visit in form Ebbsfleet United on Saturday. The O’s travel to Kent looking to keep their hands tightly on top spot but will face a Fleet side who have only lost one of their last 10. Speaking to the O’s Show “they gave us a real good game at home and we will expect another one on Saturday. We have always been good away from home and no doubt we will have to be at our best on Saturday. We go full of confidence”.

• Sit 1st on 57 points – two point lead over Salford
• Two wins in last five games
• Taken four points from last 12 available in league
• League Record – P29  W16  D9  L4  F49  A20

Orient head to Stonebridge Road on the back of a 1-0 away victory at Wrexham in the FA Trophy. Matt Harrold’s second half penalty was enough to sent the O’s in to Round Three with Edinburgh happy with the reaction of his side. Speaking to leytonorient.com “we were disappointed with the score line last week but we came here with a real believe, it was a real good away performance and an excellent victory”.

Orient’s Last Six Results

Defender George Elokobi made only his fourth start of the season at Wrexham, a game where Edinburgh rotated his squad giving minutes to squad members. With injuries to first choice center backs Josh Coulson and Marvin Ekpiteta, Elokobi highlighted the importance of making sure every player is ready to step in when called upon. Speaking to leytonorient.com “thankfully the gaffer has given some of us minutes to make we are up to speed because everyone is going to be needed from now until the end of the season”

• Away League Record – P14  W7  D5   L2  F23  A10
• Best record in league and joint best defensive record with Barnet
• Only won one of their last four on their travels
• Lost two of their last three away league games
• Not won back to back away games since November

Injuries have started to built up for the O’s but Edinburgh wasted no time in recruiting defender Jamie Turley into his squad ahead of the trip to Ebbsfleet. The former Spurs defender revealed to the O’s Show on Friday that George Elokobi and Dan Happe will start at Stonebridge Road. Edinburgh was delighted with their performance at Wrexham, stating to leytonorient.com “I thought George and Dan Happe, two players who haven’t had a lot of football were quiet immense. A colossus the both of them at the back, you wouldn’t have know they haven’t played much football”.

• Orient kept 13 league clean sheets – five away
• Kept three in their last four games
• Kept two in last three league games
• Kept seven in their last 11 games
• Kept three in last five away games
• Conceded six in their last five league games

Edinburgh will come head to head with Gary Hill who he was his assistant back in 2008 at Rushden & Diamonds. The former Woking man has moved Fleet into touching distance of the play offs and Edinburgh highlights the test that awaits his side. Speaking to the O’s Show “it’s going to be a tough one, I’m led to belief they have only lost once since October. Their form has been good, I know Gary Hill very well, I worked with him for a period of time at Rushden”. 

• Failed to score in six league games – 
• Scored in three of their last five games
• Only scored one goal in the last three games they have scored in
• Failed to score in two of their last three away league games
• But  have scored in 12 of their 14 away league game this season

Ebbsfleet sat 17th when Hill arrived at Stonebridge Road but has immediately seen an upturn in fortune. No side in the National League has taken more points since his arrival than Ebbsfleet and Edinburgh acknowledges Hill is getting the best from his side. Speaking to the O’s show, “He’s gone in and got a group of players that were probably underperforming, he’s got them performing to a level. They have a lot of good players there, they know this level, the were beaten semi-finalists and not a lot has changed”.

Orient’s Next Six Fixtures

Team News

New signing Jamie Turley could start after joining from Notts County in midweek while midfielder Craig Clay is set to return after missing the last four matches. Macauley Bonne, Jobi McAnuff, Josh Koroma, Joe Widdowson and Sam Ling should all return after sitting out the victory at Wrexham last weekend. Josh Coulson (hamstring), Marvin Ekpiteta (ankle) and James Dayton (knee) all remain sidelined through injury while Myles Judd is suspended after his red card at Wrexham.

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

• All three meetings have seen both teams score
• Last two matches ended as draws

The Three Meetings Between Sides

Last Time Out – 1-0 vs Wrexham (FA Trophy)

Starting 11 at Wrexham

Prediction – Ebbsfleet 1-1 Leyton Orient 

Ebbsfleet manager Gary Hill insist his side will be relishing the visit of league leaders Leyton Orient on Saturday. Hill who has made a big impact since his arrival at Fleet sees his side sit top of the form table and insists the pressure will be on Orient. Speaking to kentonline.co.uk “we go into the game with no pressure on us. We want to get into that top group and keep the run going but Orient will be feeling it. Their league form lately has been a little bit indifferent and they’ll be respecting us like we’re be respecting them”.

• Sit Ninth on 44 points
• Only lost two of their last 10 in all competitions – W6  D2  L2
• Only lost one of their last 13 league games – W7  D5  L1
• League Record – P29  W12  D8  L9  F43  A31

Ebbsfleet head into the clash on the back of a 3-3 draw with Chesterfield two weeks ago. Michael Cheek, Cody McDonald and Bagasan Graham put Fleet 3-0 ahead before second half goals from Tom Denton, Marc-Antoine Fortune and Will Evans drew Chesterfield level before Cheek had a late penalty saved.

Ebbsfleet’s Last Six Results

Hill’s side had an enforced break last weekend after exiting the FA Trophy in December but the break came at the right time for Fleet according to Hill. Speaking to ebbsfleetunited.co.uk “we needed to clear our heads if that’s possible after a game like that. We’ve had a two week break, the players deserved it and needed it. Mentally and physically, they’ve gone through a great deal without any let up”.

• Kept ten league clean sheets – four at home
• Kept two in their last three games
• Kept five clean sheets in last ten games – conceding nine goals
• Kept five clean sheets in last seven home games

Ebbsfleet’s fortunes have changed since the arrival of Hill back in November and the former Woking boss has taken Fleet to within touching distance of the play-offs. Fleet sat 10 points from the playoffs when Hill arrived and their form has seen them set their sights on the top seven. Speaking to kentonline.co.uk “it has been some turnaround, to be 17th in the league one minute, four points off the bottom four and now to be within two places of the top seven with just one defeat in ten games. We’ve put ourselves in a position where we’ve got something to look forward to”.

• No team has taken more points since Hill’s arrival than Ebbsfleet 21/30
• Only trailed in one of their last 13 matches – only 62 minutes
• Eight of their 12 league wins and four of their six home wins have been by at least two goals – including their last three wins

There will be a familiar face in the visiting dug out for Hill in Justin Edinburgh. The former Spurs defender was Hill’s assistant back in 2008 at Rushden & Diamonds and Hill highlights that both sides will have to be at the top of their game. Speaking to ebbsfleetunited.co.uk “he was a good lad, he’s done well since our time together. He knows me and he knows from his own knowledge and experience that he’s going to have a very hard game and they’re going to have to be at their best, same as our team”.

• Failed to score in six league games – four at home
• Scored in last four games – scoring 14
• Scored in eight of their last ten games
• Only failed to score in one of their last nine league games
• Scored in four of their last five home games

Unbeaten in their last four, Hill insists his side are ready to pit their wits against the league leaders in front of a large home crowd.. Speaking to kentonline.co.uk “if we do our jobs on the day, we can give anybody a good game. If we put the hard work in and the home crowd get behind us, we’ve got the players who are a match for an team in league”. He added “All you can ask as a manager is that your players perform with no regrets. Let’s see how far we’ve come against a team who, without doubt, are the top team in the league”.

• Home League Record – P14  W6  D2  L6  F20  A15
• Won their last two home games and four of their last five in all competitions
• Won their last five home games and taken 16 points from last 18 available at Stonebridge Road
• Last league defeat – 6th October – Ebbsfleet 0-2 Harrogate
• One defeat in last eight – W5  D2  L1

With no cup distractions, the league will take sole priority for Fleet who are full of  the confidence. Fleet have only picked up two points from nine games against the teams above them but Hill is hoping his sides fortunes can change at Stonebridge Road. Speaking to ebbsfleetunited.co.uk “look at the table, we’ve got the top five teams coming to Ebbsfleet and sixth to eighth in our next three away games. When you’re chasing and playing a little bit of catch up, I think it’s important to be playing teams around you. Winning these games closes the gap more quickly”. 

• 24/43 league goals have been in first half (12/20 at home)
• 11 of their last 14 have been netted in first half
• Conceded 18/31 league goals in first half 
• But six of their last eight have been in the second half

Next Six Fixtures

Team News

Dave Winfield is the only absentee for the visit of Orient. Striker Michael Cheek will be looking to add to his nine league goals while fellow striker Cody McDonald has three goals in his last two appearances against Orient. 

Hill on his squad to ebbsfleetunited.co.uk “they’re all firing. It’s good healthy competition and that’s what we want even though small in numbers. Everyone’s involved now instead of a few players sitting on sidelines and not being part of things”.

Head to Head – Ebbsfleet 1, Draw 2, Leyton Orient

• Ebbsfleet unbeaten in all three meetings
• Both teams have scored in every meeting
• Last Two meetings have ended in draws

The Three Meetings Between Sides

Last Time Out – 3-3 vs Chesterfield (05/01/2018)

Starting 11 vs Chesterfield

Prediction – Ebbsfleet 1-1 Leyton Orient

Leyton Orient head coach Justin Edinburgh is hoping his side can bounce back in the FA Trophy on Saturday. The O’s make the trip to North Wales to face Wrexham looking for a response after last weekend’s defeat but acknowledges the test his side await. Speaking to leytonorient.com “I’m really excited, I know the group have been all week. It gives us an opportunity to put things right. It’s a big challenge, we know how tough it was when we went there in the league. We will have to be at our best on Saturday”.

• Sit 1st in National League
• Three defeats in last seven games

Orient head to Wales on the back of a 3-0 home defeat to Salford last Saturday. Carl Pierganni and Rory Gaffney headed Salford into a 2-0 lead after just eight minutes. The O’s tried to find a route back into the game but Pierganni headed his second late on to inflict defeat on Orient. Edinburgh was left frustrated with his side start stating to leytonorient.com “we come up against a good team, good players and an organised team. Once they got that lead they were determined not to give it up. We just couldn’t find any space and became a very frustrating and difficult afternoon”.

Orient’s Last Six Results

The O’s still sit top of the National League and like the other front runners have suffered a recent blip in form with just one win in their last four. Captain Jobi McAnuff acknowledges that a key to any side is reacting from defeats and feels the trip to Wrexham gives them a perfect opportunity. Speaking to East London Advertiser “the big test is not having a run of bad defeats or performances now and that is one of the reasons we are where we are because we have reacted well to a bad result and that is what it is about again”.

• Away Record this Season – P15  W7  D5  L3  F23  A11
• No win in last three – D1  L2
• Last victory – 2-0 at Wrexham , 24/11/2018
• Lost last two away cup games
• Only lost one of their last four trophy away games

Edinburgh was rewarded by his fine work at Orient signing a new two and half year deal on Friday. The 49 year old was delighted to extend his stay in E10 but highlights that his journey is only just starting at the Breyer Group Stadium. Speaking to leytonorient.com “it’s been a fantastic journey, a lot of people have put in an incredible amount of work to lay a real good foundation” He added “what we echo is the need to remain focused now, there are some real exciting games and times ahead, it was an easy decision to sign this extension”.

• Kept 14 clean sheets this season – Five away
• Kept two in last five games – conceding six goals
• Only kept one in last eight cup games
• Kept two in last six away games

The O’s  made it to the 4th Round last season and will be setting their sights further this year. After cruising past Beaconsfield in Round One, the trip to Wrexham is much trickier but defender Joe Widdowson is relishing the challenge. Speaking to East London Advertiser “obviously it will be a good test for us and it is a nice game in a big stadium so it is one we’ll be up for. Everyone is looking forward to this. I am sure they want to beat us but we want to get through as well”.

Orient’s FA Trophy Results

Orient have only lost back to back games once under Justin Edinburgh and McAnuff highlights that it is important to be positive and a run in the trophy can help build momentum for the rest of the season. Speaking to East London Advertiser “this is the second half of the season, all the football is in front of us and we are where we want to be and it is about being positive, carrying momentum and getting back on track as quickly as possible”

• Failed to score in seven games
• Only scored in one of their last three
• Only failed in one of their last eight cup games
• Only scored in one of their last three way games

Team News

Josh Coulson and James Dayton are both out injured while midfielder Craig Clay is a doubt after missing the last three games through injury. Jordan Maguire-Drew should make his first start for Orient against his old club while Dan Happe should start in place of the absence Coulson. Alex Lawless should start in midfield while Edinburgh could hand a start to Matt Harrold and James Alabi.

Head to Head – Leyton Orient 13, Draw 11, Wrexham 11

• Orient are unbeaten in the last five meetings – W3  D2
• Have not lost at the Racecourse since 1995, W2  D2
• Have scored in the last five meetings
• Four of the last eight meetings have ended as draws

The Last Nine Meetings Between Sides

Last Time Out – 3-0 home defeat to Salford

Starting 11 vs Salford

Prediction – Wrexham 1-2 Leyton Orient

Wrexham manager Graham Barrow feels Saturday’s FA Trophy game is the perfect opportunity to trial a different way of playing with his side. The Dragons head into the clash on the back of three defeats on the spin and the 64 year old is keen to find a different way of playing. Speaking to wrexhamafc.co.uk “it gives us a chance to experiment, we’ve got to come up with a plan B, we haven’t had one all season. Once our starting system doesn’t work, we have to try and find that plan B”.

• Sit 4th in National League 
• Three wins in last seven games

Barrow’s men fell to their third defeat in a row with a 2-0 away defeat to Bromley on Tuesday night. First half goals from Marc Anthony Okoye and George Porter inflicted defeat for the Dragons and saw them drop to fourth. Defender James Jennings was disappointed with his side performance stating to wrexhamafc.co.uk “I think we were off the races from start to finish. The first ten minutes I thought we started well but we didn’t penetrate or hurt them then we allowed them in the game. We switched off twice and got punished for them”.

Last Six Results

Tuesday’s defeat was a missed opportunity for them to close the gap at the top of the table to just two points. Jennings admitted it was a blow for his side and acknowledged it was important for his side to show character on Saturday. Speaking to wrexhamafc.co.uk “we put ourselves in a good position at the back end of Christmas, we’ve got ourselves into a little rut now. It’s time to stand up and be counted. We’ve got FA Trophy Saturday, a break from the league, we can get back onto the training ground and do some work”.

• Home Record this season – P18  W12 D4  L2  F31  A8
• Only lost one of their last six – W4  D1  L1
• Only lost two of their last 19 home games – W12  D5  L2
• Only won one of their last three home FA Trophy games
• Not lost back to back home games since April 2018

Wrexham have had a busy January already making five signings including two strikers in Jason Oswell and Cole Stockton. Manager Barrow is hoping the pair can help solve the goal shy Dragons, he highlighted the need for more goals in his side admitting to wrexhamafc.co.uk “we put a lot of pressure on our defense all season by not scoring enough goals. Then when we do concede it becomes an uphill battle. We have got to find a way to score more goals”

• Failed to score in 14 games this season
• Failed in their last three
• Only scored in two of their last six
• Scored in four of their last five home games – scoring 11
• Only scored in one of their last three home trophy games

The Dragons haven’t lost four in a row since December 2016, Jennings alongside his manager think going back to basics could be the answer to bouncing back against Orient. The 31 year old stated to wrexhamafc.co.uk “we need to go back to basics, I don’t know if we have kind of lost our identity a little bit. There were a few spells today where we didn’t know whether to come short or go long. It’s only down to the 11 players on the pitch, the decision making was not quite there”.

• Kept 20 clean sheets this season – 12 at home
• No clean sheet in last three
• One in last five games
• Kept four in last six home games
• Only kept one in last six FA Trophy Games

The Dragons haven’t gone further than the second round since 2015 and despite admitting to changes, Barrow is still going full on to win the game. Barrow was Sam Ricketts assistant when the O’s beat Wrexham back in November and will be looking for revenge on Saturday. Speaking to leaderlive.co.uk “it would be nice to win the game, that it is the key to it. It is an opportunity because it is the next game and we have lost three games, we have to do something about what happened at Bromley”. He added “whilst we are trying to win Saturday, it is a perfect opportunity with our league position to try and find a system that can rejuvenate one or two people”.

Wrexham’s FA Trophy last seven seasons

Team News

Manny Smith and Doug Tharme remain out injured. Recent signings Cole Stockton and Jason Oswell are set to make their first start at the Racecourse alongside Bobby Grant. New signing Kieran Kennedy should be involve after joining from Macclesfield while Brad Walker has returned to the club but is set to miss the visit of Orient.

Head to Head  – Wrexham 11, Draw 11, Leyton Orient 13

• Wrexham have only won one of the last 8 meetings – W1  D4  L3
• Last win 29/04/2003 – Leyton Orient 0-1 Wrexham
• Haven’t scored in the last two meetings
• Haven’t won at the Racecourse since 1995 – D2  L2
  

  Last Nine Meetings Between Sides

  Last Time Out – 2-0 defeat at Bromley

Starting 11 vs Bromley

Prediction – Wrexham 1-2 Leyton Orient

Leyton Orient defender Joe Widdowson insists his side will be raring to go against promotion rivals Salford arrive today. The full back has been a constant in the joint best National League defence and is looking forward to the battle ahead of his side. Speaking to East London Advertiser “this is the type of game we need to relish and enjoy. We want to test ourselves against the teams near the top and that is rightly where we should be”.

• Sit 1st on 57 points
• Two wins in last four games – W2  D1  L1
• League Record – P28  W16  D9  L3  F49  A17

Orient’s Next Six Fixtures

The O’s moved four points clear at the top of the National League after their 1-0 victory over Dagenham & Redbridge on New Year’s Day. Macauley Bonne struck his 18th of the season in the first half to secure victory. Head coach Justin Edinburgh was delighted how his side started the new year stating to leytonorient.com “it was a solid performance, a good clean sheet and a very valuable three points to take into the new year”.

Orient’s Last Six Results

Orient should have made it more comfortable against Dagenham with chances wasted in the second half. However with the return from injury from captain Jobi McAnuff the O’s look back to their threatening best going forward which delighted Edinburgh. Speaking to leytonorient.com “there could have been other opportunities where we didn’t capitalize on in the second half. The intent was there, the opportunities were there which was good. We created today, perhaps we might have been lacking in the last couple of games. We looked nearer to our best”

• Failed to score in five league games (three at home)
• Scored in four of their last five games
• Scored in last four home games and six of their last seven at the Breyer Group
• Scored two or more goals in five of their last seven home games

Saturday’s clash with Salford pits 1st vs 3rd at the Breyer Group Stadium and Edinburgh is aware that being top of the league they are the team everyone wants to catch. The O’s have been top since November and the former Newport man feels his side are dealing with the test. Speaking to East London Advertiser “this is the new challenge, we are top of the league and people want to come and beat you. People want to raise their game against you but I think the players have embraced the challenge and are doing very well with it”. 

• Home League Record – P14  W9  D4  L1  F26  A7
• Only Wrexham and Salford (33) have taken more points at home
• Unbeaten in their last eight at home –  W6  D2
• Won their last four home games
• Only lost one of 15 home games this season – W10  D4  L1

Orient travelled to Salford back on the opening day where either side could have left with three points on another day. Widdowson is aware that it is a massive game at the sold out Breyer Group Stadium and the Amnies will pose problems for his side on Saturday. Speaking to East London Advertiser “it is a big game for us and a big test and we will be desperate to try and beat them here at home”. He added “they have some very good individuals, they are a good side and to be honest they are one of, if not the best side we’ve played this season”. 

• Kept 13 league clean sheets (eight at home)
• Kept back to back clean sheets
• Kept six in their last nine games – only conceding four goals
• Kept six in their last eight home games – conceding just two goals
• Only conceded two or more goals in two of 28 league games this season

With the O’s top of the league and Salford needing the points to catch Orient, Salford are expected to take the game to Justin Edinburgh’s men. Widdowson highlights the importance of maintaining focus on what his side are doing and not becoming worried about how their rivals are getting on. Speaking to leytonorient.com “we need to keep doing what we have been doing and get obsessed with other results. We are top of the league we need to make sure we keep winning games and putting points on the board. We will keep ticking the games off with wins and draws”.

• Scored 31/49 league goals in second half (18/26 at home)
• Only Harrogate (34) have scored more
• 13 of their last 16 goals have been in second period
• Six of their 17 goals conceded have been after 75th minute

Team News

Captain Jobi McAnuff is set to continue after recovering from a broken toe while midfielder Craig Clay could return after missing the last two games with a dead leg. Alex Lawless is pushing for a starting place after impressing in recent weeks while new signing Jordan Maquire-Drew is available after joining from Brighton in midweek.

Head to Head – One previous meeting

04/08/2018 – Salford City 1-1 Leyton Orient

Last Time Out – 1-0 vs Dagenham, 01/01/2019

Starting 11 vs Dagenham

Prediction – Leyton Orient 1-1 Salford