NolansOrient
Active Member
Probably the biggest game in League 2 this week as 5th take on 7th at the Crown.
Cobblers aside, Stanley have been the stand out performers of the season, and greatly impressed most of the Orient faithful with a composed 1-0 win at Brisbane Road earlier in the season.
Stanley have found a touch of form, with 7 points from the last 9, after a rocky run of results derailed their push for automatic promotion. Whilst that coveted 3rd place is still not out of reach for Stanley, they may have to settle for a play off place, due in large to the impressive form of Bristol Rovers in recent weeks. That said, it could be said that the last 3 results are not as impressive as they look: 2 late, late goals against free-falling Plymouth, a draw against fading Wycombe and a narrow 1-0 win away at bottom side Dagenham hardly paint the best picture. However, the points are on the board, although I would say the visit of a re-invigorated Orient may provide them with a tougher test.
Orient will go t'up north full of confidence after 2 wins on the bounce. The Londoners' recent away form is impressive, with 4 wins and a draw from their last 5, including clean sheets in all 4 victories. However, 2 major first team players will be missing, as captain Baudry serves his 2nd of 4 (!) games out due to suspension, and the impressive Jobi Mcanuff heads out for international duty with Jamaica. Orient's on loan winger, Jarahldo-Martin, is also out on international duty, leaving the Orient very short of width. The return of Lloyd James in the middle of the park will bolster the reds, but with no wide men aside from the uninspiring Turgott, the Os could well be setting up to pack the middle.
Heart says: 0-1. Orient's habit of winning on the road shows no signs of stopping. Accrington are a decent side, but if they are unable to get a goal in the opening 30 minutes, the Orient could well grind out the result, as they have done in recent victories away from home.
Head says: 1-1. Two evenly matched sides, both looking to consolidate their play off positions with minimal games remaining. Could even be 2-2 with both sides scoring plenty of goals this season, although I doubt it, considering the way orient set up away from home. If not for plentiful injuries, suspensions and international absences, the Os would probably nick this by the odd goal, but what can you do.
I sincerely wish all the best to Stanley and their fans after Friday. Up the Os!!
Cobblers aside, Stanley have been the stand out performers of the season, and greatly impressed most of the Orient faithful with a composed 1-0 win at Brisbane Road earlier in the season.
Stanley have found a touch of form, with 7 points from the last 9, after a rocky run of results derailed their push for automatic promotion. Whilst that coveted 3rd place is still not out of reach for Stanley, they may have to settle for a play off place, due in large to the impressive form of Bristol Rovers in recent weeks. That said, it could be said that the last 3 results are not as impressive as they look: 2 late, late goals against free-falling Plymouth, a draw against fading Wycombe and a narrow 1-0 win away at bottom side Dagenham hardly paint the best picture. However, the points are on the board, although I would say the visit of a re-invigorated Orient may provide them with a tougher test.
Orient will go t'up north full of confidence after 2 wins on the bounce. The Londoners' recent away form is impressive, with 4 wins and a draw from their last 5, including clean sheets in all 4 victories. However, 2 major first team players will be missing, as captain Baudry serves his 2nd of 4 (!) games out due to suspension, and the impressive Jobi Mcanuff heads out for international duty with Jamaica. Orient's on loan winger, Jarahldo-Martin, is also out on international duty, leaving the Orient very short of width. The return of Lloyd James in the middle of the park will bolster the reds, but with no wide men aside from the uninspiring Turgott, the Os could well be setting up to pack the middle.
Heart says: 0-1. Orient's habit of winning on the road shows no signs of stopping. Accrington are a decent side, but if they are unable to get a goal in the opening 30 minutes, the Orient could well grind out the result, as they have done in recent victories away from home.
Head says: 1-1. Two evenly matched sides, both looking to consolidate their play off positions with minimal games remaining. Could even be 2-2 with both sides scoring plenty of goals this season, although I doubt it, considering the way orient set up away from home. If not for plentiful injuries, suspensions and international absences, the Os would probably nick this by the odd goal, but what can you do.
I sincerely wish all the best to Stanley and their fans after Friday. Up the Os!!