Orient's Half Time Report

It seemed as though only a few weeks back that we were basking in the wonderfully overcast Walsall. Walking through the grotty under pass, coming out of Bescott station with expectation, hope and excitement in our hearts and the towering stench of dog meat burgers in our nostrils. Football was back. Orient was back. Unfortunately so was Adam Chambers and disappointment 90 minutes later.

Twenty weeks later and the game against Charlton on New Years Eve will be the half way point of the season. Its been a mixed bag for the O’s, from 2 points from 10 games, to a fairly long unbeaten run. From cup disappointment, to last minute comebacks. From losing players to other clubs and HMS, to new players and new contracts. We currently sit (at time of writing) 17 th in the table, 5 points above the relegation zone and 10 points from the playoffs. At the start of the season this probably would have been deemed a disappointment but I would have settled for it after ten games so it is fairly hard to evaluate. To help with this below I have rated each squad player on their performance so far this season.

GOALKEEPERS

Jamie Jones

Apps: 0 Clean Sheets: 0

The last 10 moths haven’t been very good for the O’s number 1. After a string of shoulder injuries the club took the decision for Jones to get surgery which has meant that after a great campaign last year the Liverpudlian stopper hasn’t played a game so far this season. He has recently returned to training and should be pushing for his place in the new year. Hopefully he can help push Orient up the table and show us just how good he is in the second half of the season.
Mark out of 10: N/A

Lee Butcher

Apps: 17 Clean Sheets: 4

After signing a new contract in the Summer and after the injury to Jones, Butcher had to step up as Orients number 1. It has been a strange journey so far, after struggling to hold down his place in the team to on loan keepers he has improved vastly as the season progresses. Butcher started the season in goal for the O’s but was dropped after letting in 5 against Brentford, albeit only being at fault for the first. After brief stints back in goal Butcher looked more assured and confident between the sticks and unluckily, after keeping clean sheet against Rochdale and Bury injured his back in training. Once fit again, Butcher regained his place and has looked commanding and agile since his return. His main problem in the first half of season had been his kicking but in the last month it has gotten much better after no doubt lots of hard work on the training ground. He also didn’t seem confident enough to command his area in the early stages of the season but is now more vocal and seems like he has grown into the role. He has played a pivotal role in 3 of Orients wins this year by saving penalties against Southend, Preston and most recently in the 96 th minute against Notts County.
Mark out of 10: 7

Tom Lovelock

Apps: 0 Clean Sheets: 0

The 18 year old stopper was given a pro contract in the Summer but has yet to play for the O’s. If pre match warm up shot stopping is anything go by he is one for the future, but its probably not anything to go by. Unfortunately as good (or bad) as he may be he is blocked by Jones and Butcher and whoever Slade gets in on loan! I would like to see him given a chance at the end of the season if there is nothing to play for.
Mark out of 10: N/A

David Button

Apps: 1 Clean Sheets: 0

Spurs loanee Button joined on loan in August and played against Carlisle, never to be seen again. The Orient goalkeeper curse struck, Button injured his shoulder and has duly been out of action since. He made an appearance on the bench last week but with Jones returning and Butcher in decent form I cant see him playing for Orient again.
Mark out of 10: N/A

Ben Alnwick

Apps: 8 Clean Sheets: 2

I just cannot make my mind up on Alnwick. He looked like a solid keeper and after his first few games I thought he looked very good but after coming back from injury (Lovelock, its you next mate) he looked sloppy and unreliable. He didn’t make any stand out mistakes when conceding but his kicking was awful towards the end of his loan spell and looked a bit flaky between the sticks. His loan spell is now up so thanks Ben and best wishes for the future.
Mark out of 10: 6

DEFENDERS

Elliot Omozusi

Apps: 14 Goals: 0

We all know the story by now. Omozusi threw a young career away by chasing down a witness in a gangland murder case. Hopefully he can learn from it but ill base my mark on purely on field play. Omozusi started the season as the first choice right back after having a good second half of the season last year. Unfortunately old habits came back and Omozusi was left wanting a few times defensively with his positioning being the main problem. He wasn’t our worst player by all means but never showed the promise he had showed last year and seemed to go backwards. No doubt off field matters were playing on his mind but nevertheless had he not gone to prison I think he would be warming the bench at the moment.
Mark out of 10: 5

Leon McSweeney

Apps: 18 Goals: 0

Even though McSweeny was initially brought in as a midfielder he is a bit of a utility man having played at left back, right back, right midfield and centre midfield so far this season. After an injury in the first game of the season and a shocking return at left back, McSweeney has grown into the team and is now probably one of the first names down on the team sheet (mainly due to no other right back being at the club). He has developed into what seems to be a very good full back who can also get forward. McSweeneys main weakness seems to be his discipline and although not a dirty player he has already served two bans, one for 5 yellow cards and 1 for the red card against Notts County. With no cover at the position and his ability to play at several positions the O’s need him to stay ban and injury free.
Mark out of 10: 8

Charlie Daniels

Apps: 17 Goals: 0

Oh Charlie, Charlie, Charlie. Why did you have to leave me? Well, money no doubt and you cant blame the bloke. As much as it pained me when he left, time is a healer (sort of) and I’ve come to accept that the reported £200k we got for him is better than getting nothing at the end of the year. Saying that he left a big hole in the team considering he was one of our best players last year and along with Cox had about 10,000 assists. Daniels didn’t disappoint this season and even in our bad run at the start of the season was one of our best players. He genuinely seemed happy to play for the club and his surging runs down the left will be missed but hopefully he can be permanently replaced with his transfer money in January.
Mark out of 10: 8

Tony Craig

Apps: 4 Goals: 0

Coming in on loan from Milwall, Craig had a hard task replacing Daniels and although not the same threat going forward, has done a decent job at left back. He is a player whose main focus is obviously on his defence, which is no bad thing for a full back. In his limited time at the O’s he has looked good and although he has been recalled to cover a Milwall left back injury crisis (typical) there are rumours that he could be coming to us permanently in January which, I for one, would welcome.
Mark out of 10: 7

Mike Cestor

Apps: 2 Goals: 0

I haven’t actually see Cestor play this year as I was in a tipi being pounded by rain whilst he made his only start of the year against Yeovil. From all accounts he didn’t have an awful game and got well forward in the first half. I cant give him a mark yet but with Daniels gone and Craig headed back to Milwall it may now be his chance to shine. The club obviously see something in him after resigning him when Slade took the reigns of the club and I hope we give him a chance to show it.
Mark out of 10: N/A

Ben Chorley

Apps: 16 Goals: 2

Ben started the season at the heart of the Orient defence. Unfortunately his season has gone steadily downhill from there. After shipping numerous goals at the start of the year our backline tightening coincided with Chorley getting injured. Now, of course this could be pure coincidence but his odd appearance since hasn’t done anything to quash this after losing to Gillingham and MK Dons with Chorley arguably at fault for a large majority of those goals. This may well be a lack of fitness and after being a rock at the back for 2 years he deserves the benefit of the doubt but the first half of the season has been one to forget for our vice captain.
Mark out of 10: 5

Terrell Forbes

Apps: 22 Goals: 0

Mr reliable has been at it again. Unforgivably, in my opinion, dropped to third choice centre back at the start of the season, Forbes soon came back into the team and showed why he has been one of Orients most consistent players. He is nothing spectacular but has decent pace for a centre back and seems to always manage to make a vital tackle in every game. Forbes' one problem is that with the ball his distribution is awful but as my season ticket friend puts it ‘He is the best defender in the league without the ball’ as he manages to sheppard balls out and cover forwards runs with ease. I hope he continues being unspectacular but reliable at the back and doesn’t get over looked in the summer when the new contracts are being dished out.
Mark out of 10: 7

Scott Cuthbert

Apps: 23 Goals: 1

At the start of the year I thought Slade might have made a bad decision in bringing in Cuthbert after several positional errors led to goals. I now admit I was wrong. In the last 3 months the Scot has been nothing short of a rock at the back. He has a decent amount of pace and is very good in the air. I think it may have taken a little time to adjust to our game as he didn’t look particularly comfortable passing it around the back at the start of the season but has grown into the role as well as being a decent emergency right back when he has been needed to play there on the odd occasion this year. With his aerial ability (I don’t think he lost a header against Exeter) and Forbes’ pace we look strong at the back and lets hope he can keep progressing.
Mark our of 10: 8

MIDFIELDERS

Dean Cox

Apps: 21 Goals: 7

At a goal every 3 games, from midfield, Cox started where he finished last season…well almost. A shaky start to the season seemed like he was a bit frustrated and he wasn’t delivering the great crosses we came to expect last season. It turns out even our beloved tiny Cox can have a bit of bad form. However, as the season progressed so did Cox and after scoring some vital goals he started to run the midfield once more. Unfortunately, O’s fans nightmares came all at once as Cox hobbled off against Bromley with knee ligament damage. He has been out for about 6 weeks so far and is looking to make a comeback over the next few games. Whilst he has been out it is obvious how much he brings to the team as we went over 300 minutes without scoring on his departure and we haven’t looked the same threat going forward whilst Cox has been out of the team. This may be his last season with the O’s and good luck to him but here’s hoping he can give us a good send off by continuing to be a recent O’s legend.
Mark out of 10: 9

Lee Cook

Apps: 5 Goals: 0

Cook came to Orient having not played properly for over a year and I think it showed. Whilst the calibre is clearly there I think only now Cook is coming to full fitness. Brought in to replace Cox whilst he was injured he has done fairly well without shining through and has often faded from games after spells of good play. He does posses a decent left foot and is a tricky player, I just wonder where he fits if Cox comes back before his extended loan spell is up.
Mark out of 10: 6

George Porter

Apps: 22 Goals: 2

George signed at the start of last season and saw about 20 minutes in his first year. This year, he impressed in pre season and after a glut of injuries managed to push his way into the team. Already touted as a future star, Porter has been a welcome surprise at Brisbane Road. He has pace, skill and is a decent finisher but is only young which sometimes shows on the pitch. However, he will learn in time and I for one think he is a little unlucky not to have seen more playing time so far this season. He is always a dangerous player to have on the pitch and has won us 2 pens this season and got (not cheatingly) two players sent off as well as a number of assists. The 19 year old couldn’t have hoped for a better year. Again, there are rumours flying about his future at the club but if he doesn’t let the hype goes to his head he will go a long way.
Mark out of 10: 8

Moses Odabajo

Apps: 3 Goals: 0

Another young gun who has looked impressive this year, albeit in limited playing time. Odabajos main appearance came against Bromley in the FA cup where he looked dangerous whenever he got the ball. With his first touch he got in a good position to shoot but squared. Nudge told him to shoot next time and 2 minutes later his shot smashed off the post only for Smith to put in the rebound. Again, I cant fairly give him a mark with such a small amount of playing time but he is another one I hopes gets a chance at more football in the second half.
Mark out of 10: N/A

Steven Dawson

Apps: 20 Goals: 2

Captain fantastic started the season captain average. Bugged by injuries from pre season until September, Dawson struggled to boss midfield like he did last season. Finally he got fit again and returned to fine form. When Dawson is playing well it seems like the whole team does with his box to box antics and battling qualities, Dawson has come into his own over the last month. Rumours have been flying about Championship teams interested whilst the O’s have apparently offered him a new deal to make him the highest paid player at the club. Both probably aren’t the full story but if Dawson does re-sign in January it will be a major boost to the team and the morale around the club.
Mark out of 10: 8

Matthew Spring

Apps: 22 Goals: 1

Spring is a weird player isn’t he? Sometimes he is infuriating, waiting until the last second to pass the ball while 4 opposition players pray down on him or slicing a 2 yard pass out for a throw in. On the other hand, one can marvel at a 50 yard ball right on someone’s foot, or when he bosses midfield, spraying balls out left and right. Spring started the year very poorly and was dropped from the team, rightly in my opinion. The opening game against Walsall was one of the worst performances I’ve ever seen from an O’s midfielder. Saying all that, Spring has bounced back, to a degree. He isn’t setting the world alight but has been playing a lot better recently. It’s not a coincidence that when Springy is playing well so do Orient, he just needs to do it more often. It will be interesting to see if he is offered a new contract when his expires in May.
Mark out of 10: 6

Jimmy Smith

Apps: 21 Goals: 4

Jimmy is one of life’s mysteries. Personally I think he is a good player and is under rated for his movement off the ball and defensive work. However, it is still true that he can sometimes be anonymous. It’s a part of his game that needs to improve because he can drift out of games so much so that you forget he is playing. That said, whilst not being outstanding he has been solid so far which is a good base to build on for the second half of the season. Once again he has chipped in with goals and always looks dangerous going forward and his best performance, possibly ever, came only a few weeks ago against Exeter when he looked like he had a point to prove. I’m a Smith supporter but he needs to up his game to a consistent level and he could be a great player.
Mark out of 10: 7

Mark Laird

Apps: 13 Goals: 0

Lets be honest, Laird hasn’t really shown anything to prove he is anything other than…average….at best. Fair enough, he hasn’t really had a run in the team and has been mainly used as a substitute but when he has played he drifts out of games and doesn’t really seem to add anything, defensively or attackingly. No doubt he isn’t the worst midfielder in the league and considering he isn’t a first team regular isn’t a bad squad player but if he is going to prove me wrong he will have to massively step it up when he does get a chance going forward.
Mark out of 10: 4

Mark Richardson

Apps: 3 Goals: 1

The ginger ninja (just made that up) was midfield cover at the start of the season when everyone seemed to be in the sick room and although I cant give him a mark based of 3 games he didn’t fair too badly. He had a good attacking threat to him but defensively was a little shaky and his inexperience shone through on a few occasions. Will probably be a decent player one day, although not at the top level.
Mark out of 10: N/A

FORWARDS

Alex Revell Apps: 6 Goals: 0

After returning from the best season of his career, Revell didn't look like the same player. Laboured and lost come to mind but it was only 6 games before the O's parted company with the player. Rumours of a behind the scenes bust ups circultated but we will never truely know. We have missed his work rate but the fee we got wasn't bad.

Mark out of 10: 5

Kevin Lisbie

Apps: 15 Goals: 6

Slade must be credited with getting a player of Lisbies ability to come to us and after scoring goals, to sign a longer contract. Since he has been an O, despite the odd average game, his hold up play and ability to dummy his way past defenders has given us some cutting edge up front that we miss without him. As well as 6 goals in just 15 games he has steadied the ship upon arrival.

Mark out of 10: 8

Jamie Cureton

Apps: 20 Goals: 0

What can you say? A player who has scored goals his whole career, who scored over 20 goals last season in a worse team than this, comes to the O's annnd...? Yep, doesn't score a goal. He is at risk at joining an illustrious club who's members include James Scowcroft and Sam Parkin. To be honest I think he will come good in the end and had showed glimpses of what he is about whilst being mega unlucky. Overall though it hasn't been good. I get the feeling he may not be 100% happy at the O's and in some of his performances it shows. Here's to hoping he at least breaks the duck.

Mark out of 10: 5

Jonathon Tehoue

Apps: 8 Goals: 2

Whether he will ever play 90 minutes for us or not, the man, the myth, the BEAST is a legend. He started the season looking lean and strong but his unlucky bout of injuries hit again as he broke his arm in the JPT. Perhaps karma after missing from 6 yards a second before his wrist snapped. Whilst KFC profit went through the roof while injured, its good to have Jon back and within 3 touches he had scored two goals on his return. Not a great first half by any stretch but with a lack of goals up front minus Lisbie, the second half might be his time to (finally) shine.

Mark out of 10: 6

David Mooney

I'm not a fan of Mooney. To me he is Adam Boyd with half the skill and none of the poacher about him. He is light weight and after being used to our frontline charging down every ball last season it pains to watch Mooney prancing and jogging back after losing the ball. On the plus side he has the ability to supply decent through balls but has added little else so far. I hope he proves me wrong.

Apps: 24 Goals: 5

Mark out of 10: 6

MANAGER

Russell Slade

After a massive year last year expectations were high, maybe too high and after clear bad feelings lingered regarding the Barnsley job and a slow start it looked bleak at the Matchroom. However, with overall decent summer signings and the excellent backing of the chairman, Slade has bounced back and guided us up the table. With a knack for good loan signings and getting players to play for him this January might be the making, or downfall of the man with no hair.

Mark out of 10: 7

So that's about it. It's not been a great first half but not a disaster either. Let's all hope we can put together a second half like last year starting with Charlton.

UP THE O'S AND HAPPY NEW YEAR...AS

What's Going Wrong At The Orient?

So 4 games in and we are in the midst of our worst start since 1966. After last years bad start essentially kept us out of the playoffs and possibly the automatic places their was a big emphasis on hitting the ground running this year. I don't think even the most sceptical fan would have forecast 0 points, 1 goal scored and 10 conceded in the first 4 games and after unfortunately being at all of these games, I will take a look into 5 reasons why I think we are struggling so badly.

1. Have Teams Sussed Us Out?

At the start of last season a lot of people thought that we might be a long ball team looking at some of our signings. As it turned out it was the complete opposite as we tried to play out from the back and pass the ball. At times last season it was a joy to watch whilst taking teams like Sheffield Wednesday and Bristol Rovers apart. Unfortunately our reputation started to proceed us and teams started to figure us out and we didn't really have a plan b.
This year this trend has continued. Apart from Walsall, in every game this year the other team has pushed up one of their forwards to essentially stand in between our two centre backs while the midfield also pushes up meaning when our midfield do get the ball they are instantly under pressure or the midfield. The ball then comes back and we are forced into passing a long ball up to the forwards meaning the midfield is bypassed.

THE SOLUTION?

It's a tough one because I'm sure all fans would love us to play a great passing game which we are definitely capable of. However, it doesn't matter what way you are playing, if a team figures you out or stifles your play there has to be a plan b and at the moment we don't seem to have one. If we are getting pressurized at the back we have to take advantage of the space created further up the pitch by playing the ball quicker. At the moment the speed of our play means that by time the ball does get played out the opposition have regrouped their shape. If we can pull players out of position with quick passing play from the back it changes the whole game and puts the other team on the back foot.

2. The Right Side.

An ever growing debate is about the right side of our midfield. We usually play in a lopsided 3 man midfield with Spring in the holding role, Smith and Dawson central and Cox on the left all be it a slightly free, roaming role. This leaves the right of midfield, for the most part, vacant. This lack of width often means Omozusi has no support going forward and often decides against trying to beat a player for fear that if he gets caught there is noone behind him to cover. More worryingly is the clear defensive issues we have faced this from being so narrow. I can think of at least 3 goals already this year that have come as a direct consequence of no right midfielder covering or closing down. Teams are now using this against us. Wycombe played a true winger down the left in Joel Grant who ripped us a apart and in the second half at Brentford it was clear that they had been told to double up on Cox and Daniels because they knew they could risk a hole down the right, thus stopping our only attacking threat which is from the left.

THE SOLUTION?

Let's not forget that the same formation as this got us to 7th last year so it goes back to the first point that teams have figured us out and are now playing to our weaknesses down the right. We may actually have a ready made answer in Leon McSweeney. McSweeney got injured in the first game of the season and his natural position is on the right. We also have Obadaju who is a quick right winger and Porter who can also play there. A formation that worked for us last season was a 4-5-1 away from home. If we play this we need to do it by not sticking Revell out on the right who looks like a headless chicken out their. If Slade continues with the same formation, whoever players on the 'right', usually Smith, needs to be told to cover the right side when defending.

3. Ineffective Strike Force.

A strike force that scored over 60 times last season has scored precisely 0 goals so far. In fact the whole team have scored 1 league goal this year and frankly haven't really looked like scoring. To be fair to them they haven't had a lot of service and even when playing well in small spells this year we haven't really looked a threat in front of goal. Revell looks a different player from last season who's touch seemed to have left him and The experienced has looked like he's not at the races.

THE SOLUTION?

It may just be a case of taking some time to gel and getting to know how each player likes to play. We haven't had the best luck up front, Mooney has been injured and just getting back some fitness, Cureton only had half an hour in pre season and still looks a yard off the pace which will come with fitness and Tehoue looked good in his 15 minutes as Walsall and hour at Southend before getting sent off. Another plus sign has been Porter who has looked promising when coming on and gives us a different outlet with his pace. I would like to see Revell get a rest and Tehoue come back into the side to help us hold the ball up. Mooney looked good on the ball on Saturday and I would like to see him paired up with Jonathan. It's not all the strikers fault though as Cox needs to get in more quality crosses and the general service needs to improve.

4. Goalkeeper

With news recently that number 1, Jamie Jones will be out til at least 2012 it has been up to Lee Butcher to fill in between the sticks. Unfortunately it hasn't gone so well for the former Spurs keeper who has let in 10 goals in 4 league games. He doesn't look confident at the moment and seems to be poor at commanding his area and his kicking has been off. Don't get me wrong, I think he is a decent keeper but perhaps needs a little time to find his feet. To his credit half the goals we have conceded no keeper in the land would have stopped.

THE SOLUTION?

It may well be time to bring in a loan keeper with a bit of experience. Butchers confidence must be shot but maybe if Slade sticks with Butcher it may give him the confidence he needs. He lacks experience but he will only get that from playing and if Jones is out for longer than expected we may well have to rely on Butcher.

5. Luck.

Sometimes you just don't get the rub of the green and I don't think we have so far. Yes, its an easy excuse but if you look back to last season we had an awful start and could not get any sort of luck. This year we have let in 5 goals in 4 games from 25 or more yards. Now of course, this comes down to our defending but how many wonder goals do you see a season and how many times, at this level does a 30 yard shot end up in the top corner? Once every twenty shots from that distance? At the moment every ball seems to be bouncing for the other team and every free kick against us, every big decision (red card on Saturday anyone?

THE SOLUTION?

Well there isn't one really but luck seems to even itself out over the season and last year after luckless games at the start of last year we had our fair share of points when we didn't deserve them, a couple of dodgy penalties and a few wonder goals. It will get better!

So there we are, 5 reasons why I think this season is going wrong. Of course these are just my biased opinions so please comment and let me know your thoughts

AS

20/08/2011 - nPower League One - Brentford 5 - 0 Leyton Orient

Oh dear. It just gets worse. A London Derby which the players were apparently 'well up for' turned quickly into a farce. The result does flatter Brentford somewhat but there's no getting away from the fact Orient were crap.

It was my first trip to Griffin Park and possibly my last! I was impressed by the character of the ground compared to so many of the flat pack grounds around today (including 3 sides of Brisbane Road). While standing on the terrace I imagine the place looked exactly the same 30 years ago.

In the opening minutes Orient looked good with the ball but then just as in the last game we let in a very soft goal in the first 5 minutes and put ourselves on the back foot straight away. McGuinn picked up the ball on the left and Brentford had obviously done their homework because they had 3 men on that side of the pitch. Omozusi couldn't commit as he was out numbered, Smith was on the edge of the box but somehow thought it wasn't his job to get to the man and Richardson was slow getting back. It all added up to McGuinn having far too much time to hit a low shot into the bottom corner. Despite all the space for me Butcher should have done better at his near post.

From that point on Orient just about shaded the first half with a lot of possession but not a lot of threat going forward. The only real shot on goal was a clever chip by Cox from about 30 yards out that clipped the top of the bar. The way things are going at the moment, if that was a Brentford shot it would have hit the bar, rebounded off of Butchers head and gone in!

For me, the turning point of the game came just after Brentford scored. A ball over the top saw Mooney racing centre back Legge for the ball. Mooney got their first and was taken down when through on goal. The ref blew immediately but despite being the last defender somehow only a yellow card was issued. The ref bottled it and who knows what would have happened had it been a red with about 75 minutes to go.

The second half started and again an early goal from the opposition basically killed the game. Again, for me, a refs mistake meant that despite Alexander going in waist high on Omozusi, Brentford got given a free kick which was floated in to an unmarked Legge to nod home at the far post. Typical as well that it was a player who shouldn't have even been on the pitch.

Just a few minutes later another soft free kick got brilliant stroked into the top corner from Saunders who grabbed an almost identical 4th not long after.

To Orients credit they didn't give up and had a number of decent chances including Cureton somehow unable to make a 2 yard pass to a clean through Mooney and a clean through Cox hitting a hard hit shot too close to the keeper.

Brentford should have had a 5th when McDonald should have done better through on goal but the home team didn't have to wait long for another when Marcus Bean found himself in aches of space to turn and bury his shot in the bottom corner.

As the clock ticked down and the 700 travelling fans started to leave a good ball to the back post found Mooney who's diving header bounced off his chest and onto the post from 2 yards with Cox waiting to pass the ball into the net. As tiny Cox, just about the only player who earned their wages, walked off mouthing 'f*cking sh*t' it just about summed up Orients day.

In Review:

It just all went wrong. Simple as that. Every important decision seemed to go against us, yet again a team scores 3 against us from outside the box and again the team look fragile. The first half was a pretty decent performance for an away fixture but the team lost all shape and look all over the place at the back. Surely that's the rock bottom and things can only get better?

Ratings:

Butcher - 4 - Should have done better with the first goal and possibly the 4th. Didn't make a save but picked the ball out of the net 5 times.

Omozusi - 6 - Didnt do a lot wrong for me but was completely isolated down the right. Needs to cross the ball quicker instead of turning back every time.

Cuthbert - 5 - Individually didn't make any glaring mistakes but as a part of the two centre backs didn't do well.

Chorley - 5 - See Cuthbert.

Daniels - 7 - One of the few who didn't do too badly. Got down the left all game and linked with Cox well.

Smith - 5 - Played more centrally and didn't do a lot. Layed a few quality cross field balls over to Cox

Richardson - 4 - Did nothing. Looked out of his depth and was at fault for being out of position and not closing for their first goal.

Dawson - 5 - Huffed and puffed but still doesn't look fit.

Cox - 7 - Worked hard and caused problems for Brentford on occasion. Should have scored when clean through.

Revell - 6 - I'm not sure whether he was up front or on the right of midfield and I'm not so sure he knew either. Ran around a lot and won a fair few headers but hasn't had a sniff at goal this year.

Mooney - 6.5 - Not sure how he didn't score last minute but I thought he actually had a fairly good game. Had a good touch and held the ball up well.

Subs:

Cureton - 4 - Very disappointing so far. He couldn't make a 2 yard pass to get Mooney in and was offside about 4 times.

Laird- 6 - Looked quite assured on the ball and good to see him get some match time.

Slade - 5 - Didn't agree with taking Revell off when we were losing. Looks a bit disinterested.

Ref - 3 - Bottled the big decision of the game by not showing a red card and didn't let the game flow.

AS

Half time report - Brentford 1 - 0

We haven't been awful but again its lackluster.

Again we started on the back foot by letting in a weak goal. Again we never learn and their player was allowed to run and run unchallenged until he hit one into the bottom corner. Unfortunately butcher should have saved at his near post as well.

Chances have been few and far between. Cox hit the bar trying to chip the keeper and Omozusi made a great tackle when the ball was about to be turned in from 6 yards.

The big talking point though came in the 15th minute when Mooney ran through and got the ball before the defender who took him down. The ref gave the free kick but bizarely gave him a yellow and not a red despite him clearly being the last man.

Orient are still in this but need to come out guns blazing.

nPower League One Preview - Brentford v Leyton Orient - Sat 20th August 2011 3.00pm KO

So 3 games, and 3 losses. After all the pre season talk of not making the same mistakes and same start as last season, guess what happened? Atfer what has been 3 poor, but by no means completely awful, performances this London derby is a huge match for Orient. Another loss and things start to look grim, including any hopes of a promotion push, a win and all will be cheery in the world.

Leyton Orient:

In what was a frustrating night on Tuesday, O's manager Russell Slade said that we shot ourselves in the foot in regards to when Wycombe scored. To be honest, it couldnt have been at worse times. The first within the first 10 minutes, the second 3 minutes after we equallised and the third at the start of the second half. Orient must do better and for the first time this season our defence looked weak.

Slade has a fairly full squad to choose from. After playing 90 minutes in the last 2 games, Captain Dawson should be now fully fit. Mooney has had breif stints on the pitch and may get a start today while Laird hasnt featured at all but appears to be fit again. O's will again wait on the fitness of Scott Cuthbert who didnt train on Friday but Terrell Forbes will step in if he doesnt make it. Jamie Jones is of course still out and without any hint of a loan signing Butcher will remain in goal this afternoon. Jonathan Tehoue serves the last of his 3 match ban today and Mike Cestor was this week loaned out to non-league outfit Woking for a month.

Brentford:

The Bee's have had a mixed start to the season. They had an opening day win against Yeovil but followed it up with 2 losses, one to lowley league two club Herrford. However, in midweek they beat Exeter away to put them 6th going into todays game.

Brentford are almost at full strength for todays encounter with only full back Shaleum Logan definately out.

Teams Last Time Out:

Leyton Orient: Butcher; Omozusi, Cuthbert, Chorley, Daniels; Spring; Smith (Porter 58), Dawson, Cox; Revell (Mooney 58), Cureton
Subs: Forbes, Laird, Richardson

Brentford: Lee; Logan, Legge, Osborne, Woodman; Saunders (sub Weston 76 mins), Douglas, Reeves (sub O'Connor 61 mins), McGinn (sub Forrester 90 mins); Alexander, Donaldson

Subs (not used): Moore, Eger

Form Watch:

Orient Last 5 - W0 D1 L3 - F2 A6

Wycombe (H) (L1) Lost 3-1
Tranmere (H)(L1) Lost 1-0
Southend (A)(CC) 1-1 aet Won 4-3 on pens
Walsall (A)(L1) Lost 1-0

Brentford Last 5 - W0 D3 L0 - F3 A3

Exeter (A) (L1) Won 2-1
Sheffield Utd (A)(L1) Lost 2-0
Hereford (A)(CC) 1-0
Yeovil (H)(L1) Won 2-0

Last Season:

Leyton Orient 1 - 0 Brentford
Brentford 2-1 Leyton Orient

O's Key Man:

Stephan Dawson. Orients Captian has not been fully fit in the games he has played this year but still put in decent shifts. Orient will need him to fight in midfield and control the pace of the game. If he doesnt I fear we may get overrun.

Keys to the game:

Work as a team. In every game this season they look as though they had never met before. On Tuesday night we didnt defend enough as a team and going forward we were all over the places. Who ever is up front need to work well together and hold the ball up for Cox, Dawson and Smith to get forward.

Prediction:

Every game i have predicted an Orient win so far this season so its not suprising that we have lost every game! I think the O's will have fire in their belly today and an entertaining London derby will end 2-2.

Come on you O's

AS

16/08/2011 - nPower League One - Leyton Orient 1-3 Wycombe

Sigh...
It got worse before it hopefully gets better. In a game in which I can't tell if Wycombe were worth the win or Orient were left a bit hard done by.

In my preview yesterday I said that the main key to the game for the O's was to score early to settle the jitters 2 losses must have caused. As it was it couldn't have been worse start. A corner came in and after being cleared found its way out to the edge of the box to the 78 year old Ainsworth. He had all the time in the world to set himself and whip in a fine cross which Strevens nodded in from 3 yards out. He escaped his marker far too easily and I'm not convinced Butcher shouldn't have come for it.

To give credit to the O's they came back strongly with a spell of pressure that lead to Orients first league goal of the season. Omozusi found space on the right and crossed the ball which managed to evade the Orient strikers but not Cox who slammed a first time half volley into the bottom corner.

You could sense the relief inside Brisbane Road but that lasted roughly 30 seconds. From the kick off the ball ended up at the feet of Beavon on the very edge of the O's box and Dawson was adjudged to have fouled him. The ref wasted no time in pointing to the spot. On initial viewing I thought that Dawson got the ball first but the Orient players didn't really argue with the decision. Donnelly stepped up and placed a shot into the corner of the net. Butcher went the right way but couldn't prevent the ball from creeping in.

Again the O's did put up a fight and played their best football of the season so far. Dawson was involved in a couple of great moves but put both his efforts just wide. Wycombe almost scored a third when Cuthbert mis hit a pass straight to Joel Grant who had his shot blocked by Butcher who did well and closed down the angle. Just on half time Daniels made a bursting run into the Wycombe box and cracked a skidding shot which was held well by the Chairboys keeper.

The second half started slowly with both teams having a few chances. There was a feeling the O's could get back into it...that was until a slack bit of defending put the game before reach. Joel Grant, who was impressive all night, got in front of Omozusi far too easily and planted his header into the bottom corner of the net. From what i could see Butcher should have done better and almost seemed to push the ball into the net. Looking at Slade as it went in he didn't seem happy either. That goal blew out any steam the O's had shown and even with a couple of subs in Mooney and Porter the game drifted away. Porter had the best chance of the second half, being put through and using his pace to get clear only to disappointingly not even hitting the target.

In Review:

Despite the terrible result there were some positives. After all the criticism (which was well earnt), Matt Spring had a much better game. He was involved a lot more and looked better with his passing. On the downside Revell and Cureton have yet to gel at all and i havent been impressed with Cureton at all so far. There was a moment in the second half when he managed to get into the box and had a great chance to shoot but elected to cross over Mooneys head. The O's played some good football but they seemed to give up a bit after the 3rd goal. Wycombe looked quite good but scored 2 goals with their first two shots.

Ratings:

Butcher - 6 - Made a couple of routine saves but should have done better with the 3rd goal and possibly with the 1st as well.

Omozusi - 5.5 - Didnt get far enough up the pitch for my liking until we were 3-1 down. Was at fault for Grants header and got turned inside out all night.

Cuthbert - 7 - Didnt do a lot wrong and made a few good tackles.

Chorley - 6.5 - Lost his man for the first goal, solid otherwise.

Daniels - 7.5 - Looked like one of the only players wanting to do something. Charged up and down the left, had a few shots and put in decent crosses all night.

Smith - 4 - Completely annonymous the whole game. Cant remember him doing anything.

Spring - 7 - Did a lot better and moved the ball around well, picked up loose balls and although still a little slow defensively he was sound.

Dawson - 7 - Was invloved in almost all of Orients best moves and was good going forward.

Cox - 7 - Still not getting enough decent crosses in but took his goal fantasitcally well and was visibly annoyed at the teams performance. Will improve.

Revell - 6 - Again a so-so performance. Won his fair share of flick ons but had no chances in front of goal.

Cureton - 5 - Needs to gel with Rev. Looked lost with his runs all game and needs to hold the ball up better.

Subs:

Mooney - 5 - Ran around a lot without affecting the game too much. Had a 30 yard shot when he could have played in Cureton or Omozusi on goal.

Porter - 6 - Made a few good runs and looks to have a good football brain. Should have at least hit the target when through late on.

Slade - 6 - Did what he could with the subs nice and early and changed the formation round. Not a lot more he could have done.

Ref - 5 - Some strange decisions and gave a lot more to Wycombe. Probably made the right decision with the penalty but missed so obvious fouls.

AS

nPower League One Preview - Leyton Orient v Wycombe Wanderers - Tues 16th August 2011 7.45pm KO

A win tonight and everything will be fine, right? Well almost, yes. The O's desperately need to get 3 points on the board after 2 poor results and performances. If we win it would bolster the confidence and hopefully kick start our season. IF we win.

Leyton Orient:

A poor show on Saturday resulted in some fans calling for a change in the team. The midfield struggled to pass the ball, the forwards struggled to hold it but I think it is a little early for Slade to hit the panic button just yet and I think hewill stick with the same sort of team.

However, he may be without one of Orients most solid players this year as Scott Cuthbert picked up a knock on Saturday and may be struggling in time for this one. Forbes got 10 minutes against Southend and will naturally come into the side if Cuthbert doesn't make it. Apart from that the O's look to have an almost fully fit squad as Dawson played the full 90 on Saturday on his injury return, Laird was on the bench and Mooney, who could be pushing for his first Orient start tonight, played half an hour. Orient also learned this week the Jamie Jones will be out at least until new year due to having to under go a shoulder op.

Wycombe Wanderers:

Wanderers remain undefeated this term after drawing their first two league games and going through on penalties in the Carling cup. Their unbeaten run stretches back to last season and now stands at an impressive13 games.

Midfielder Matt Bloomfield is looking to play his first game of the season after under going a groin operation in the summer. Fellow midfielder Stuart Lewis could feature, resuming training this week after suffering a virus. Kevin Betsy has just returned from international duty and any tiredness will be monitored.

Teams Last Time Out:

Leyton Orient: Butcher; Omozusi, Cuthbert, Chorley, Daniels; Spring (Mooney 64); Smith (Richardson 79), Dawson, Cox; Revell, Cureton (Porter 79)Subs: Forbes, Laird

Wycombe: Bull, McCoy, Sandell, Winfield, Tunnicliffe, Ainsworth (Benyon 66), Halls (Harding 68), Donnelly, Grant (Beavon 86), Strevens, Rendell.Subs: Foster, Johnson.

Form Watch:

Orient Last 5 - W0 D1 L2 - F1 A3

Tranmere (H)(L1) Lost 1-0
Southend (A)(CC) 1-1 aet Won 4-3 on pens
Walsall (A)(L1) Lost 1-0

Wycombe Last 5 - W0 D3 L0 - F3 A3

Colchester (A)(L1) Drew 1-1
Colchester (H)(CC) 1-1 aet Won 5-4 on pens
Scunthorpe (H)(L1) Drew 1-1

Last Season:

N/A

O's Key Man:

Matthew Spring. The holding midfielder has been very disappointing so far. He has been off the pace defensively and poor with the ball. When Spring dictates the pace of the game, Orient excel and we have been lacking that creative energy in the middle all season. Another poor game and the fans may well turn on him as well as his place in the team coming into question.

Keys to the game:

Score early. It may sound obvious but if the O's can get an early goal all the nerves and doubt should rest and should lead to some free flowing football. The longer the game goes on without an O's goal the more frustrated and impatient both the players and fans will get.

Prediction:

After two very poor quality games so far this season we are due a good game. Wycombe won't be a push over but if we play like we are capable of I see the first 3 points in the bag. O's 3-1 Wycombe.

Come on you O's

AS

13/08/2011 nPower League One - Leyton Orient 0 - 1 Tranmere Rovers

Two Saturdays and two wonder strikes condem Orient to 0 points.

I'm not sure what was worse...our piss poor attendence or Matthew Springs passing. Either way today was another one to forget. As bad as it was, or seemed at least, I have seen us play a lot worse and win. That's not to say we deserved to win but had a few little things gone our way we could have walked away with the 3 points.

The first half was a strange one in so much that the quality from both teams was awful but both teams managed to create a fair few chances. Orient looked brighter out of the box but soon fell into the pedestrian stroll that plagued the first half at Walsall. We just weren't moving the ball enough and when we were a final touch or pass gifted Tranmere back the ball. Revell won a lot of balls in the air but we never got a hold of the second ball.

In the way of chances Orient created the better. Jimmy Smith again looked our most dangerous player from set pieces flicking just wide from a Charlie Daniels free kick and straight into the keepers arms from a delivery from the same player when a goal looked a cert. The only other decent Orient chance of the first half came from a Cureton cross after he down well to lose his man down the right. The ball found Revell in the box who could only spear his volley wide. Orient had more chances but Tranmere should have been a goal up at half time after Adam McGurk ran through on goal only to drag his shot wide.

The second half started well for the O's with Dean Cox finding space outside the area on two occasions and tested the keeper both times with low drives. A neat move between Cox, Cureton and Dawson gave the latter a shooting chance which flew wide and shortly after Cox put Cureton through who saw his shot ping off the foot of the post.

That was as good as it got for the Orient as after a few threatening shots the ball fell to defender Buchanan a full 30 yards out who smashed a shot into the top corner of Lee Butchers goal. Noone was near the player when he shot but to run into two 30 yard screamers in two weeks at this level is just unlucky.

The game faded after that as Tranmere did a great job of running the clock down. It was a little harsh by the crowd to boo Andy Robinson for taking his time leaving the pitch as I don't think he could of physically run any faster.

Orient looked a bit tired second half and never really found their groove today. They did create some chances which is a good sign but it was all a bit lackluster in the end. Bring on Tuesday.

Ratings:

Butcher - 6.5 - Again not a lot to do. Could do nothing for the goal. Kicking wasn't great.

Omozusi - 6.5 - Had a quiet game. Didn't do a lot at either end.

Cuthbert - 7 - Looked solid at the back but again nothing spectacular.

Chorley - 7.5 - Won a lot in the air today and did a good job againt a taller striker.

Daniels - 7 - Whipped in some great free kicks and was rarely troubled defensively.

Smith - 6.5 - Had a couple of good headers but should have done better with one. Fairly anonymous apart from that.

Spring - 5 - To his credit he put in a great last minute tackle in the first half. Apart from that was slow on the ball and made several awful passes.

Dawson - 7 - Did well considering he hadn't trained until Thursday and showed the determination the midfield need.

Cox - 6 - Never got into the game again and needs to start putting more crosses in.

Cureton - 7 - Looks to be fitter and made some great runs in behind. Possibly could have done better when hitting the post.

Revell - 7 - Won a lot in the first half but first touch was off all game. Frustrating afternoon.

Subs:

Mooney - 5 - Had about half an hour but hardly touched the ball. Looked like he wasn't sure where he was meant to be playing.

Richardson - 5 - Cant remember him having more than one touch.

Porter - 5 - Not on long enough to impact.

Slade - 6 - Team selection was ok but need more width on the right. Subs made next to no impact.

Ref - 6 - Blew up for literally any bit of contact for both teams. Didn't let the game flow but didn't make a major decision wrong.

AS

Orient 0 - 0 Tranmere Half Time report

A strange half as both teams have had a few chances but the general play has been of a fairly low standard.

Orients best chance came from a Jimmy Smith header which he should have done better with. Revell had a shot go just wide from a Cureton cross and on the stroke of half time a Tranmere Defender sliced just wide from a Daniels cross while smith and Revell were lurking.

At the other end Tranmere should have scored from a mix up in the o's defence meant a man was clean through only to drag a shot wide.

Spring needs to improve, looking slow and mis placing several passes and our general play has to be faster. Revell has been winning a lot in the air but its not sticking up front.

Tranmere look decent going forward but a bit shakey at the back.

nPower League One Preview - Leyton Orient v Tranmere Rovers - Sat 13th August 2011 3pm

With the game given the go ahead by the police after the recent riots it gives Orient their first home game of the season and a chance to get some points on the board.

Leyton Orient:

Orient kicked off their new campaign off with a lack luster display at Walsall which saw them lose 1-0 to an Adam Chambers thunderbolt. Luckily there are no ex O's insight at Tranmere!

Orient hope to welcome back captain Steven Dawson from injury to bolster the midfield and Terrell Forbes played 10 mins in the game at Southend in midweek and will likely fill the bench. Laird, McSweeney and Mooney all look to still be out and after Tehoue headbutted a Southend defender he will begin his 3 game suspension. Cox is battling an ankle injury and will be assessed on Saturday morning.

Tranmere Rovers:

Tranmere started the season with a good 1-0 victory over new boys Chesterfield and dominated the game.

Centre back McChrystal has a groin problem and will be assessed before the game and striker Enoch Showunmi is fighting a shin injury which has kept him from featuring Tranmeres first two games this season.

Teams Last Time Out:

Leyton Orient: Butcher; Omozusi, Cuthbert, Chorley, Daniels; Spring; Smith, McSweeney (Richardson 70), Cox; Revell (Téhoué 70), Cureton (Porter 83)Subs: Cestor, Odubajo

Tranmere Rovers: Fon Williams, Kay, Goodison, McChrystal, Bakayogo, Welsh, Weir, Robinson, Devaney (Labadie 84), Tiryaki (Akins 75), McGurk. Substitutes not used: Coughlin, Raven, Buchanan

Form Watch:

Orient Last 5 - W0 D1 L1

Southend (A)(CC) 1-1 aet Won 4-3 on pens
Walsall (A)(L1) Lost 1-0

Tranmere Last 5 - W1 D0 L1

Doncaster (A)(CC) Lost 3-0
Chesterfield (H)(L1) Won 1-0

Last Season:

Tranmere 1-2 Orient
Orient 0-3 Tranmere

O's Key Man:

Dean Cox never really got a hold of the ball last Saturday and if he can send in his trademark crosses and link up with Daniels down the left Orient should look threatening. The Orient number 7 is 25 today so let's hope its a birthday weekend to remember.

Prediction:

For some reason Tranmere always seem to do well against the O's at Brisbane Road and at the tail end of last year they ended our playoff hopes with a 3-0 victory. I can't see the same score line this time round. Orient will be desperate to put in a better performance than last Saturday and although it won't be easy I think Orient will run out 2-0 victors.

Come on you O's

AS

06/08/2011 - nPower League One - WALSALL 1-0 LEYTON ORIENT

So this is my first report all be it almost a week late...

The start of a new season, the chance to start afresh, every team on the same points and with the same chance (mathematically at least), of going up as the next team. As we were to find out that doesn't take too long to come crashing down...

It was my first trip to the banks stadium. Just a short journey out of Birmingham takes you almost directly to your seats. The sun was shining and for once the Orient fans, almost 800 strong had a strange confidence about them. We spent 20 mins before the game dodging stray practice shots and making jokes about the mascott and the poor showing form the home support.

Orient went with a standard 4-4-2 with several injuries forcing Slades hand a little in regards to team selection. Nevertheless the team looked strong and ready to go.

The game started at a brisk tempo with ex O, Adam Chambers squaring up to Ben Chorley within the 1st minute of the game as the previous cheers from the O's faithful aimed at Chambers soon turned to a chorus of boo's. Neither side could get a hold of the ball but it was Walsall who started creating the better chances. Macken went close with a curling effort and Claude Gnakpa, who caused Orient problems all day, went close to chipping over Butcher in the Orient goal.

The deadlock was then broken on 21 minutes when, who other than Chambers, picked up the ball a full 30 yards out and rifled a shot into the top corner. Butcher had no chance but with no Orient player within 10 yards of Chambers when he shot it was a little disappointing.

As Orient tried to get a grip on the game they reverted to their usual passing game but could not get further than the half way line and when they did the ball wasn't sticking with Revell and the not fully fit Cureton up front.

It took a full 60 minutes before Orient got an effort on target. A deep cross which Jimmy Smith did brilliantly well to get a head to it and force the Walsall keeper,Walker (porker) into a smart save. From then on the O's bossed the game and although looked better going forward never seemed to have the cutting edge in the box. Walker pushed another Smith header over and Cureton saw his snap shot go comfortably wide while Walsall defended well without having any attacking threat in the second period.

Tehoue and Porter looked sharp when they came on but it was too little too late as the O's went down by a goal to nil.

In Review:

Orient missed Dawson in midfield to break up play, something which Chambers did well for Walsall. Orients shape looked off but that will improve with games and although we didn't show up for an hour showed some positive signs.

Ratings:

Butcher - 6.5 - Couldn't have done anything with the goal and wasn't really tested outside of that. Good handling and kicking

Omozusi - 6 - Let in a few unchallenged crosses early on but did well getting forward with little in the way of help on the right.

Cuthbert - 7.5 - Made two last second tackles. Always looked assured on the ball and good in the air.

Chorley - 7 - Solid at the back as usual.

Daniels - 7 - Got forward well in the second half and put in a few decent crosses.

Smith - 7 - Didn't do a lot in midfield but made some great late runs and was Orients main threat going forward.

Spring - 5 - Slow on the ball, misplaced passes and defensively awful. One to forget.

McSweeney - 6 - Absent for most of the game until he went off injured.

Cox - 6.5 - Not hes usual self and looked frustrated with the lack of possession.

Revell - 6 - For all his effort never affected the game.

Cureton - 6 - Didn't look fit and his first touch wasn't there all day.

Subs:

Richardson - 5 - Didn't do too much apart from one shot comfortably over.

Tehoue - 6 - Won almost every header and looked sharp. Should have started.

Porter - 6 - Only got 5 mins but looked good and caused problems with his pace.

Slade - 6 - Was limited by injuries but should have changed it round a bit earlier.

Ref - 7 - Let the game flow and was pretty consistent.

AS

WELCOME TO THE ORIENT EXPRESSION

A blog about Leyton Orient Football Club.

This blog is a new venture to write about a team I love...and a team I sometimes hate. Somewhere to vent and somewhere to throw my bias opinion about.

I will be providing match previews, team updates, photos, match reports as well as a bit more in depth and different articles than your usual football blog.

Enjoy and come on you O's

AS