PREVIEW – Leyton Orient (A)

Founded: 1881
Nickname: The O’s
League Honours: Division 3 South (1955/56), Division 3 (1969/70)

There is some doubt over the foundation of Leyton Orient Football Club in their earliest history. The most favoured version is that the football club stemmed from members of Glyn Cricket Club, who’d keep fit in winter by playing football. Eventually many of the employees of the Orient Shipping Line became involved and so name Orient Football Club was chosen in 1888. The name switched three more times before 1987, when Leyton Orient became the permanent name.

In 1903 Orient FC turned professional, and in 1905 were inducted into Division 2. Orient lost their inaugural Football League fixture 2-1 to Leicester Fosse, and were relegated back to non-league soon after. They returned to the Football League in 1929 and stayed until 1956 when they won their first major honour- winning the Division 3 title under the guidance of Alec Stock. In 1962 Orient were promoted into Division 1, but their stay in the top tier lasted three years and they haven’t managed to return since.

Leyton Orient began the 20^th Century in Division 2 (The Championship) but were relegated to Div 3 in 2004. Between 2006-15 Orient resided in League One but a fall in recent years saw them relegated to the National League in 2017. The 2018/19 season Orient finished top of the Conference and returned to League Two where they finished 17^th on PPG.

This season’s home shirt sponsor comes from ex-orient loanee and current England captain Harry Kane, who has donated his sponsorship to the club who gifted him his first senior games. Kane is a Patron of the Tommy Club, a charity set up by the Royal British Legion celebrating and supporting veterans. Orient have continued their charitable sponsorship to Haven House Children’s Hospice and Mind for their Away and Third kits.

League Two – The Cobblers 0 Salford 1

Ethan Galbraith scored the game’s only goal as Salford claimed their first victory over Northampton with a 1-0 win at Sixfields.

Salford’s third successive away triumph came courtesy of Galbraith’s crisp finish late in the first half as they moved within two points of the League Two automatic-promotion places.

The opening 25 minutes were cagey and lacked any sort of goalmouth action before things warmed up.

Visiting goalkeeper Tom King was twice called into action in a matter of minutes either side of the half-hour mark, reacting smartly from Kieron Bowie and doing likewise to deny Sam Hoskins.

King also tipped over Sam Sherring’s back-post effort, but Salford scored against the run of play in first half stoppage time when Ibou Touray’s cutback was side-footed into the bottom corner by Galbraith.

Bowie curled a fine effort just wide moments after the restart, but Northampton struggled to turn their dominance of possession into clear-cut chances throughout the second half and succumbed to their second 1-0 defeat in the space of four days.

League Two – Stockport 1 AFC Wimbledon 0

Harrison Biggins headed home to ensure a frustrating return to Doncaster for former boss Richie Wellens whose Leyton Orient side were held to a 1-1 draw.

Orient thoroughly dominated the first half and took the lead through Paul Smyth’s stunning overhead kick.

But they could not press their advantage and were punished by improving Doncaster in the second half.

Idris El Mizouni and George Moncur both had good chances for Orient, who failed to create as many clear-cut chances as their dominance of the ball should have brought.

Rovers made three changes at half-time and improved, but not before keeper Jonathan Mitchell was forced to tip over from Moncur.

The hosts should have been level just after the hour when Ben Close forced Lawrence Vigouroux into a save and Reo Griffiths saw his attempt blocked by Rob Hunt.

And the leveller did come on 76 minutes as Biggins headed home a superb cross from Kyle Knoyle.

Omar Beckles went close to putting Orient back in front with a header while Max Woltman was blocked out at the other end.

Anthony Hartigan’s stoppage-time strike from 30 yards was enough for League One AFC Wimbledon to beat fourth-tier side Northampton in the Carabao Cup.

The midfielder’s effort agonisingly squirmed through Cobblers goalkeeper Jonny Maxted’s grasp and into the net.

Before that the hosts had looked stronger, Dylan Connolly and Danny Rose both denied by Dons keeper Nik Tzanev.

But Hartigan’s speculative effort saw Mark Robinson’s side avoid a penalty shootout and reach the third round.

Jon Brady’s Northampton – relegated from League One last season – made six changes for the tie, while for Wimbledon it was a first victory since their first-round triumph at Charlton.

*in the last 20 games

Games Played – 17

Games Won – 3

Games Drawn – 7

Games Lost – 3

The man in the middle today is Ollie Yates, now in his seventh season as an EFL Official.

Last time out, Yates oversaw Stevenage’s 3-0 win over Sutton United – where he dished out seven yellow cards.

So far this season, he has dished out 45 yellow cards, but is yet to reach for the red one.

His last time managing the Cobblers was last season’s 1-0 loss vs Rochdale at Spotland, Where 2 yellow cards were issued to Joseph Mills and Lubula.

His last time managing Leyton Orient was in last season’s 0-0 draw with Walsall – a completely forgettable affair where two yellow cards were issued.

Yates team will be made up of Assistant Referees Adrian Tranter and Chris Wade, with Andy Bennet the Fourth Official.

Leyton Orient are winless in their last three Football League meetings with Northampton Town (D1 L2), with the Cobblers completing the double over the O’s last season.
Northampton Town are unbeaten in their last seven away matches against Leyton Orient in the Football League (W5 D2) since a 2-3 defeat to the O’s in April 2005.
After going unbeaten in their opening 10 league games of the season (W9 D1), Leyton Orient are winless in their last two such games (D1 L1), while each of the O’s last three losses in the Football League have come in home games.
Northampton have lost each of their last two league games, not since February 2020 have the Cobblers lost three successive games in League Two.