Leyton Orient v Colchester United

Match Preview by Dave Burch

Saturday 28 January 2012

Kick Off: 15:00

Matchroom Stadium, Leyton
NPower League 1

 

It is fair to say I am looking forward to the day out rather than the football this weekend as the U’s travel to East London without a win in 2012. This is the U’s second trip to the capital this season and hopefully a fair number of U’s fans make the journey as it is usually a good day out! We got a draw last time we visited London at Brentford and I wouldn’t mind the same result!

The O’s have had an up turn in form recently and should be favourites to win the match. That said, football is a funny old game and the U’s desperately need a confidence boost!

The Season So Far – Leyton Orient

League Campaign

After such a promising season last term, the future looked bright for the O’s this season.

Orient travelled to Walsall on the opening day of the season and were beaten 1-0, thanks to a 30 yard wonder strike from former O’s man Adam Chambers. The first home game of the season saw Tranmere travel to the Matchroom Stadium and once again the O’s fell to a 0-1 defeat through another 30 yard goal, this time from Rovers left back David Buchanan. Wycombe were the next visitors to East London and a defensive collapse saw the Chairboys claim a 1-3 victory to leave the O’s pointless after 3 games. Orient’s dreadful start to the season continued at Griffin Park against Brentford, as the home side romped to a 5-0 win after a second half capitulation from Russell Slade’s side. Carlisle were the next opponents to visit the Matchroom Stadium and a second half Jimmy Smith goal gave the home faithful hope of the first point of the season. Carlisle debutant Lee Miller was to have the final say however, scoring the equaliser and scrambling home a late winner to leave Orient rock bottom after the first month of the season.

September started with two away trips to Chesterfield and Colchester. The O’s were held to a 0-0 draw at the B2Net Stadium and also took a deserved point against Colchester following Jimmy Smith’s injury time leveller. Second from bottom Bournemouth were the next side to visit East London and they inflicted another defeat on the O’s with a 1-3 victory. Oldham travelled to the capital for the next league fixture and an 18th minute George Porter goal, his first for the club gave Orient a first half lead. The second half saw a Latics fight back and 3 goals scored to continue the O’s winless streak. Orient travelled to the Galpharm Stadium next for the unenviable task of facing the unbeaten Huddersfield. Things looked bleak for the O’s after falling two goals behind from Alan Lee and Jack Hunt. An 84th minute red card to Jamie McCombe and a headed Kevin Lisbie goal a minute later gave Orient hope an unlikely draw and they did just that in injury time as Ben Chorley drilled in the leveller to give the O’s a morale boosting point.

October started with a bang for Russell Slade’s side as they came from behind from an early Paul Coutts goal to win their first game of the season 2-1, thanks to a Dean Cox brace. Orient did not have long to wait for their second victory of the season in their next outing at Scunthorpe as a Kevin Lisbie double and a Scott Cuthbert header gave the O’s a 2-3 win at Glanford Park. Newly promoted Bury were the next side to travel to the Matchroom Stadium and the O’s claimed their third consecutive win through a first half injury time goal from Cox. Sheffield United travelled to Leyton in the next fixture and looked set to end the O’s recent good form through a late Chris Porter goal. The Blades were blunted in the 6th minute of stoppage time as Kevin Lisbie capitalised on a poor punch from Steve Simonsen to score and share the spoils. More good luck came the way of the O’s way at Yeovil as a missed penalty from veteran midfielder Paul Wotton cost the Glovers the chance to go 3-1 into the lead and it proved costly in the dying stages as Orient were awarded a penalty of their own. David Mooney made no mistake from the spot, scoring his second goal of the game to level the scores at 2-2. The month ended well for the O’s as a 0-2 victory at Rochdale securing 3 more points to propel the club to 17th spot.

Hartlepool and Stevenage travelled to the capital for the next two league matches and both left with a point following a 1-1 and 0-0 draw respectively. The O’s 9 game unbeaten run in the league was ended at Hillsborough at the end of November after a single goal from Reda Johnson continued Sheffield Wednesday’s impressive unbeaten record at home.

Orient returned to form in their next game, thumping Exeter City 3-0 at home and followed it up with a 1-2 victory away to Notts County thanks to an injury time penalty save from Lee Butcher. The festive season saw MK Dons travel to East London on Boxing Day and end the O’s mini run of form, comfortably winning 0-3. Orient ended the year victorious on New Years Eve as Charlton travelled the relatively short distance to the Matchroom Stadium. The game was televised on Sky and saw Addicks ‘keeper Ben Hamer receive his marching orders early on for deliberately handling the ball outside his area. The O’s took full advantage of their superior numbers and won the game with a single goal thanks to former Charlton midfielder Matt Spring.

2012 started in the same manner as 2011 ended, with the O’s travelling to League 1 surprise package Stevenage and leaving the Lamex Stadium with all three points thanks to a 20-yard Lee Cook strike. The only blotch on their copy book was the dismissal of defensive hard man Ben Chorley on the stroke of half time, meaning he would miss the next 3 matches. A long journey to Carlisle was next on the agenda for Russell Slade’s side and a disastrous first half saw the Cumbrians leading 3-0 at half time. The home side ran out convincing 4-1 winners with Jamie Cureton netting his first of the season late on. Bottom side Chesterfield were the first team to visit the Matchroom Stadium in 2012 and the Spireites scored a second half goal to leave London with a point, after Dave Mooney had given Orient a first half lead. A trip to Deepdale was next on the fixture list for the O’s and they completed their first double of the season with a comfortable 0-2 victory to ruin Graham Westley’s first match in charge of the Lilywhites.

League Cup

Despite a shocking start to their league campaign, the O’s progressed to the third round of the Carling Cup. They started their campaign at Roots Hall against rivals Southend. Michael Richardson gave the O’s the lead only for Mark Phillips to equalise for the Shrimpers. Jonathan Tehoue saw red on the hour mark which left the O’s having to play the rest of the game and extra time with 10 men. With the scores level after 120 minutes a penalty shoot out ensued. Lee Butcher was the hero, saving from Liam Dickinson and Jean-Paul Kalala, before Jamie Cureton netted the winning spot kick.

Bristol Rovers travelled to London in the second round. The tie looked done and dusted as early as the 23rd minute as a Ben Chorley penalty added to Dave Mooney’s 18th minute strike to hand the O’s a 2-0 lead. A second half come back from the Pirates saw Chris Zebroski score a 69th minute goal and a stoppage time equaliser from Eliot Richards looked to have taken the game into extra time. But the scoring was not done and a dramatic 4th minute injury time goal sealed the O’s progress as Stephen Dawson slotted home in a frantic finale.

The O’s took their place in the third round of the League Cup for the first time since 1990 and were handed an away tie at Premier League strugglers Blackburn Rovers. Jason Roberts gave Rovers the lead from the penalty spot on the stroke of half time, but the O’s struck back in the second half, levelling the scores through Dave Mooney. Two goals in four minutes through Ruben Rochina and Simon Vukcevic made the O’s chances of progress look slim. Dean Cox scored a late consolation goal for the Londoner’s but they were unable to repeat their heroics from the last round and take the game into extra time.

JPT

Dagenham travelled the short distance to Leyton to take on the O’s in the first round of the JPT. It was a tale of two former Colchester strikers as former loan signing Sam Williams knocked the ball into the net to give the Daggers a 64th minute lead and Dave Mooney scored the equaliser with an 88th minute tap in to take the game to penalties. An amazing 27 consecutive penalties were netted before Ben Chorley’s miss which saw the Daggers win 13-14 and progress to the second round.

FA Cup

Leyton Orient were drawn against Non League side Bromley in the first round of this seasons FA Cup. Goals from Matt Spring, George Porter and Jimmy Smith saw the O’s prove too strong for the South London side and secured their progress to the second round.

The O’s were handed a second home tie against Gillingham and like the U’s, Orient were knocked out at the second hurdle against lower league opponents. Curtis Weston’s goal on the stroke of half time was enough to see the League Two side progress to round three.

Stat Attack

Form Guide

Here is a brief look at the form guide in the last 6 home, away and combined fixtures of both Colchester and Leyton Orient, including the goal difference and points gained.

Form Guide – Leyton Orient

Last 6 Home	Last 6 Away	Last 6 Combined	GD	Points
DDWLWD	WLWWLW	LWWLDW	-2	10

Form Guide – Colchester

Last 6 Home	Last 6 Away	Last 6 Combined	GD	Points
LWLWDL	DLDLWL	WLWLDL	-4	7

Season Guide

Next up is the Season Guide. I have detailed here the home and away form of both sides so far this season. Also included is the record of both sides against teams from the top half of the table and teams from the bottom half. The other information included is records of both sides from the first and second halves of matches this season.

The O’s have struggled against sides in the bottom half of the table this season and have a consistent record in the first and second halves of matches. The U’s are not so good in the second half of matches though!

Season Guide – Leyton Orient – 12th

	Position	Played	Win	Draw	Lose	GF	GA	GD	Points
Home	17th	14	3	3	6	14	19	-5	16
Away	12th	13	5	4	4	16	19	-3	19
v Top Half	6th	14	5	3	6	13	22	-9	18
v Bottom Half	20th	13	4	5	4	17	16	1	17
1st Half Record	12th	27	9	8	10	13	16	-3	35
2nd Half Record	13th	27	7	11	9	17	22	-5	32

Season Guide – Colchester – 15^th

	Position	Played	Win	Draw	Lose	GF	GA	GD	Points
Home	9th	14	5	5	4	24	25	-1	20
Away	16th	12	3	4	5	12	16	-4	13
v Top Half	19th	13	2	3	8	15	29	-14	9
v Bottom Half	8th	13	6	6	1	21	12	9	24
1st half record	7th	26	11	7	8	20	18	2	40
2nd half record	19th	26	6	11	9	16	23	-7	29

Top Goal Scorers, Assists, Clean Sheets & Other Stats

Leyton Orient

Top Scorers

Player	League	Cup	Total
Mooney	4	3	7
Lisbie	6	0	6
Cox	5	1	6
Smith	4	1	5
5 players with 2 goals. 5 players with 1 goal.

Assists

Player	League	Cup	Total
Cox	6	2	8
Mooney	4	2	6
Porter	2	2	4
Dawson	3	0	3
3 players with 2 assists. 6 players with 1 assist.

Clean Sheets

Home	Away	Total
4	4	8

Goal Times For

Minute	Total
0 – 15	2
15 – 30	6
30 – 45	5
45 – 60	3
60 – 75	5
75 – 90	9
Total Scored = 30

Goal Times Against

Minute	Total
0 – 15	4
15 – 30	6
30 – 45	6
45 – 60	7
60 – 75	9
75 – 90	6
Total Conceded = 38

Averages

	Home	Away	Total
Average Goals Per Match	1.00	1.23	1.11
Average Goals Conceded Per Match	1.36	1.46	1.41
Average Time First Goal Scored	41st Min	52nd Min	46th Min
Average Time First Goal Conceded	45th Min	29th Min	37th Min

Miscellaneous

	Home	Away	Total
Failed to Score	3	4	7
Biggest Victory	3-0	2-0	3-0
Biggest Defeat	0-3	0-5	0-5

Colchester United

Top Scorers

Player	League	Cup	Total
Wordsworth	9	0	9
Henderson	7	1	8
Odejayi	4	1	5
Gillespie	3	1	4
Antonio*	4	0	4
James	1	2	3
Bond	2	1	3
*No Longer with club. 2 Players with 2 goals .3 Players with 1 goal.

Assists

Player	League	Cup	Total
Wilson	3	1	4
Antonio*	4	0	4
Odejayi	4	0	4
James	1	2	3
*No Longer with club. 7 Players with 2 assists. 1 players with one assist.

Clean Sheets

Home	Away	Total
2	3	5

Goal Times For

Minute	Total
0 – 15	6
15 – 30	6
30 – 45	7
45 – 60	7
60 – 75	8
75 – 90	2
Total Goals For = 36

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Goal Times Against

Minute	Total
0 – 15	9
15 – 30	3
30 – 45	6
45 – 60	6
60 – 75	10
75 – 90	7
Total Goals Conceded = 41

Averages

	Home	Away	Total
Average Goals Per Match	1.71	1.00	1.38
Average Goals Conceded Per Match	1.79	1.33	1.58
Average Time First Goal Scored	28th Min	35th Min	31st Min
Average Time First Goal Conceded	34th Min	37th Min	35th Min

Miscellaneous

	Home	Away	Total
Failed to Score	1	5	6
Biggest Victory	4-1	4-2	4-1
Biggest Defeat	1-6	0-3	1-6

Team Talk

A focus on the O’s

Here is the lowdown on the O’s side that defeated Preston last week and other senior squad members that missed out.

Player/Position	Age	Season Appearances	Goals	Yellow/Red Cards
(12) Lee Butcher Goalkeeper	23	23	0	2/0
Orient custodian Lee Butcher - © guardian-series.co.uk Butcher was a schoolboy at Norwich City at a young age and joined the Arsenal at the age of 10. After his release from the Gunners in 2007, he was picked up by Tottenham Hotspur and played for their youth and reserve sides. Butcher spent time on loan with AFC Wimbledon, Margate, Grays and St Albans City in the early stages of his career before making the step up to League football by joining Leyton Orient to cover the loss of Jamie Jones in October 2009. Butcher did not make any appearances in his first spell with O’s, but he soon linked up again with the club for the 2010/11 season after his release at Spurs. He made his debut as a substitute against Oldham in October 2010 and has made a total 35 appearances in his career with the O’s so far.
(6) Terrell Forbes Defender	30	28	0	3/0
Forbes came through the famed youth academy at West Ham United and was part of the 1999 FA Youth Cup winning team with the Hammers. Forbes never played for the first team at West Ham, spending time at Bournemouth before his release in 2001. The defender joined Queens Park Rangers and made over 100 appearances, helping the club gain promotion to Division One in 2004. Despite being part of the promotion winning side with the R’s, Forbes was released by the club and linked up with Grimsby in September 2004. He only spent one season with the Mariners before heading to Oldham Athletic, where he also spent just the one season. Forbes joined Yeovil Town in June 2006 and became a key member of the Glovers squad. He made 160 league appearances in his four seasons in Somerset before linking up once again with Russell Slade at Leyton Orient in 2010. He has made 74 appearances for the club so far, scoring twice.
(26) Dean Leacock Defender	27	1	0	0/0
Leacock is a recent arrival at the Matchroom Stadium after signing for the O’s on a free transfer following the mutual termination of his Derby contract. The strong centre back started his career in West London with Fulham and made his debut at 18 in the Carling Cup against Wigan in 2002. He had to wait another season before making his Premier League debut in September 2003 against Blackburn, which coincided with a run of four first team appearances. The defender suffered a knee ligament injury in the warm up before a match against Manchester United that ruled him out for the rest of the season. Upon his return to match fitness, Leacock had two spells on loan at Coventry before joining Derby County for £375,000 in 2006. Leacock became a key member of the side that won promotion to the Premier League. Derby’s spell in the big league ended disastrously and following the sacking of Billy Davies, Leacock soon fell out of favour. Knee injuries plagued the unfortunate centre back throughout his time with the Rams, restricting him to making just 127 appearances until his release earlier this month. He made his O’s debut last weekend against Preston.
(5) Scott Cuthbert Defender	24	28	1	5/1
Scored against the U's for Swindon last season. © guardian-series.co.uk Cuthbert is a strong, versatile defender, who started his career with Scottish Premier League giants Celtic. He did not make any first team appearances for the Hoops, spending time on loan at Livingston and St. Mirren. The former Scotland U21 international joined Swindon Town in July 2009 for his first taste of English football. He became a key member of the side that reached the play off final in his first season; however, following the Robins relegation to League 2 last season, he decided to leave the club and became the O’s first signing in the summer of 2011.
14) Leon McSweeney Defender/Midfielder	28	24	0	7/1
McSweeney came through the youth ranks at Cork in his native Ireland before coming to the attention of Leicester City, who he joined in 2001. He never made the grade with the Foxes and joined Russell Slade’s Scarborough in 2003. The Irishman did not stay with the Sea Dogs long, accepting a place at Loughborough University to study Geography with Sport and Leisure Management. McSweeney played for the university side and played non-league football for Hucknall Town, Hednesford Town and Ilkeston Town. He returned to Ireland to play for Cork in 2007 and became an instant hit with the fans, being voted signing of the season. He left the club at the end of his contract and returned to England to sign for Stockport County. He helped the Edgeley Park side to promotion in the 2007/2008 season and played a large part of the sides early success in League One. Due to the financial problems that troubled the Hatters and led to their subsequent relegation, McSweeney was allowed to leave the club and signed for Hartlepool in May 2009. He spent two seasons with the Pools before being released last summer and linking up with Orient.
(20) Jimmy Smith Midfielder	25	26	5	2/0
Jimmy Smith equalised against the U's in the reverse fixture. © guardian-series.co.uk Smith started his career with Chelsea and progressed through the youth academy at Stamford Bridge. He made one appearance for the Premier League side on the final day of the 2005/06 season as substitute against Newcastle United. He spent the following season on loan at Queens Park Rangers, scoring 6 goals before returning to Chelsea. He was again sent out on loan at the start of the 2007/08 season, joining Norwich City. He suffered a bad injury in a pre season with the Canaries that kept him on the sidelines, however he remained with the club until January when he returned to Chelsea after a loan renewal could not agreed. In July 2008, Smith again went on loan, joining Sheffield Wednesday. He failed to make an impression with the Owls management and returned to West London in January 2009, before heading to Orient for the duration of the season. He made 16 appearances for the side scoring once against Colchester before agreeing to sign for the O’s permanently at the end of the season. He has become a key man with Orient and has made 112 appearances in his second spell at Brisbane Road scoring 16 goals in total.
(16) Matthew Spring Midfielder	32	27	2	4/0
Spring is an experienced midfielder that began his career with Luton Town. He made his debut for the Hatters in 1997 against Bristol City and soon became an important figure during the Bedfordshire’s rise through the leagues. In total, he made 289 appearances for the Hatters, scoring 30 goals, before leaving the club on a free transfer for Leeds United in 2004. His time in Yorkshire was an unhappy one, being unable to settle properly and only making a handful of appearances. He left the club after only one season and returned south to sign for Watford. Spring became a regular starter for the Hornets and helped the side gain promotion to the Premier League. His playing time was limited in the Premiership and in January 2007, he was allowed to re-join Luton for an initial £200,000. His second stint at Luton was not a happy one with the club suffering relegation and crippling financial problems. Spring joined Sheffield United on a season long loan in July 2008, but the midfield man struggled with form and injuries and the loan was ended in January 09. He was allowed to join Charlton Athletic on a free transfer immediately afterwards and spent 18 months with the Addicks. He was released in 2010 and joined Orient soon afterwards. He has made 77 appearances for the O’s and has scored 4 goals.
(17) Marc Laird Midfielder	25	18	1	1/0
Edinburgh born Laird is a product of the Manchester City academy. He signed his first professional contract with the club in 2006. He never made any first team appearances for the Citizens spending time out on loan at Northampton and Port Vale. Laird joined Millwall on a free transfer in January 2008 after impressing Kenny Jackett at the Valiants. The midfielder helped the Lions to secure promotion in the 2009/10 season. Laird failed to break into the first team and spent time on loan with Brentford and Walsall before being released last summer. He signed a 2-year deal with O’s in July 2011.
(7) Dean Cox Midfield/Forward	24	26	7	2/0
Dean Cox is likely to be a threat on the flank. © zimbio.com Tricky winger Cox started his career at Brighton. He made his debut for the Seagulls against Plymouth in August 2005, before heading to Eastbourne Borough for a loan spell. He came to prominence in the 2006/07 season for the Sussex club and was a mainstay of the side up until Gus Poyet’s arrival in 2010. He soon fell out of favour with the Uruguayan and was released in the summer of 2010. He made a total 179 appearances and scored 22 goals. Russell Slade soon stepped in to take the diminutive wide man to Brisbane Road where he has been a near ever-present. He has made 82 appearances for the O’s and scored 19 goals.
(39) David Mooney Forward	27	30	7	4/0
Former U's man will be looking to gun the U's down. © thisislocallondon.co.uk Irish striker Mooney spent his schoolboy career at Tymon Bawn and Bushy Park Rangers before joining Shamrock Rovers in 2000. He stayed at the club for five years, however financial problems saw him leave for Longford Town in 2005. Mooney became a popular figure with the Town fans and finished top scorer of the Irish Premier League in 2007 with 19 goals, despite the club falling to relegation. He soon moved to Cork City and soon attracted suitors from across the Irish Sea due to yet more goal scoring exploits. With Cork struggling financially, Mooney was sold to Reading for an undisclosed fee in August 2008. The Dubliner struggled to break into the Reading side and was soon loaned to Stockport County, however he only made 2 appearances before his spell was cut short through injury. He was loaned again to Norwich in March 2009 and was unable to help save the club from relegation as the end of the season. Mooney returned to Reading and scored twice on his first start against Burton Albion in the Carling Cup. He was soon back out on loan once again, joining Charlton. Despite injury ending his initial spell ending with injury, Phil Parkinson brought the Irishman back for a second spell in January until the rest of the season. In August 2010, days before the season was due to start Mooney joined Colchester on loan for 6 months. Mooney impressed the Colchester faithful and turned down moves elsewhere to stay with the U’s for the rest of the season. He was released from Reading after making only making a handful of appearances and joined the O’s in June 2011.
(9) Kevin Lisbie Forward	33	20	6	3/0
Lisbie has impressed since signing for the O's. © leytonorient.com Hackney born Lisbie came through the youth ranks at Charlton Athletic and went on to spend 12 years with the Addicks as a professional. Lisbie was a perennial bench warmer for Charlton and spent much of his early career on loan spending time with Gillingham, Reading and QPR. He soon began to break into the first team with the Addicks and despite being transfer listed in 2002, he was handed a new 2-year deal May of the same year after some good performances. His hat trick against Liverpool in September 2003 was the highlight of his time at the club. Lisbie’s later career saw him spend time on loan with Norwich and Derby. Lisbie made 176 appearances in total scoring 19 goals for the Addicks. He was released in 2007 and was soon snapped up by Colchester United as a replacement for Jamie Cureton. The striker became a firm fans favourite with the U’s scoring 17 goals despite the Essex club dropping into League One. He left Colchester after just one season, joining the U’s rivals Ipswich Town for £600,000. Lisbie was unable to reproduce his form with the Tractor Boys and was loaned back to Colchester for the 2008/09 season. The former Jamaica international was a near ever-present member of the U’s side, but was preferred in a wide right role by Aidy Boothroyd. With the striker out of favour at Ipswich, he was again allowed to leave the club, linking up with newly promoted Millwal in July 2010. Lisbie’s time at the Lions was hampered by injuries, which kept him out for long spells. He found himself a free agent over the summer, however the O’s came to the experienced forward’s rescue offering him a short-term deal in September 2011, which was renewed for a further 18 months at the end of November last year.
Substitutes
(1) Jamie Jones Goalkeeper	22	0	0	0/0
Young ‘keeper Jones progressed through the Everton youth team and signed his first professional contract in 2007. He was released after one season at Goodison Park, failing to make a senior appearance. He signed a 2-year deal with the O’s in 2008 and made his senior debut soon afterwards in a League Cup tie against rivals Southend. He had to wait a little longer to make his league debut, which came against Scunthorpe. He took the opportunity with both hands and has not looked back since. He has made 103 appearances in his Orient career so far.
(2) Syam Ben Youssef Defender	22	0	0	0/0
French-born Tunisian central defender has joined Orient on a short-term deal until the end of the season. He started his career in France with SC Bastia and progressed through the youth ranks before leaving for Tunisian side Esperance in 2009. He spent 2 years with the Tunisian league champions, leaving the club last summer and had been unattached until he linked up with the O’s.
(18) Jonathan Tehoue Forward	27	12	2	1/1
Super sub Tehoue - © thisislondon.co.uk Paris born striker Tehoue started his career with SC Bastia making a handful of appearances before heading to Cypriot side APOEL. He spent a year in Cyprus before heading to Belgium to play for R.E Virton in the Belgian third division. His displays for Virton soon saw him on the move again, with Belgian second division side FC Brussels. The powerful striker spent one season with Brussels before heading to newly promoted Turkish side Kasimpasa. The well-travelled Frenchman was transferred to Konyaspor following Kasimpasa’s relegation back to the Turkish second division. His impressive displays saw Tehoue come close to joining Huddersfield Town in 2009, however a contractual disagreement saw the striker missing out on the move and spending the rest of the season in Turkey. He left Konyaspor after a season and returned to his native France to play in the regional leagues before signing for Leyton Orient in January 2010. He has made the vast majority of his 72 appearances from the substitute bench and has scored 15 goals.
(15) George Porter Midfielder/Forward	19	24	2	1/0
Young winger/forward who came through the youth ranks at Non League side Cray Wanderers. After a string of impressive performances for the Ryman Premier League side, Porter attracted interest from numerous Football League sides. He was invited to join Leyton Orient on trial and did enough to impress Russell Slade. He signed a 2-year deal in 2010, making his debut shortly afterwards against Charlton Athletic. He spent time on loan at both Lewes and Hastings before breaking into the first team this season. He scored his first goal for the O’s in September against Oldham.
(10) Jamie Cureton Forward	36	22	1	0/0
Jamie Cureton has failed to hit form with the O's. © guardian-series.co.uk Journeyman forward Cureton started his professional career at Norwich City. He went down in Norwich folklore after dying his hair green and scoring in the Old Farm derby in 1996. He spent time on loan at Bournemouth and later at Bristol Rovers, who he eventually joined for £200,000 in October 1996. Cureton excelled with his home town club, forming a formidable partnership with Jason Roberts. He spent four years at the Pirates before leaving the club under a cloud and joining Reading for £250,000. Cureton continued his prolific goal-scoring exploit with the Royals. After 3 years with the Berkshire club, Cureton decided to move to Busan I’cons in South Korea as his next career move. The striker failed to settle in Korea and soon returned to England to play for QPR in February 2004. Cureton struggled for form with the West London side, leaving at the end of his contract in June 2005 to join Swindon Town. Cureton failed to find the net for the Robins in his early appearances and was soon allowed to join Colchester United on loan. The diminutive forward soon built a good partnership with Chris Iwelumo and scored 7 goals in 10 appearances. He returned to the Robins after the expiry of his loan spell and scored a further 7 goals before leaving on a free transfer at the end of the season to re-join Colchester in the Championship. Cureton became a terrace hero scoring 24 goals, winning the golden boot for handing in a transfer request and heading to Norwich for £825,000. Cureton endured a torrid time at Norwich and soon fell out of favour with Glenn Roeder. He spent time on loan at Barnsley and Shrewsbury and left Norwich at the end of his contract. He joined Exeter City on a free transfer for the 2010/11 season and became top scorer at the Devon club with 20 goals. He rejected the offer of a new deal at the Grecians to sign for the O’s last summer.
Other Players
(4) Ben Chorley Defender	29	19	2	3/1
Ben Chorley should return against the U's. © newhamrecorder.co.uk Strong defender Chorley started his career at Arsenal and was part of the FA Youth Cup winning side in 2001. He never made any senior appearances for the Gunners and spent time on loan at Brentford, before signing for Wimbledon in March 2003 on a free transfer. He was at the club during their relocation and name change, but fell out of favour in 2006 and went on loan to Gillingham for 3 months. The loan spell was renewed in January 2007 until the end of the season. Chorley left MK Dons at the end of his contract and signed for Tranmere in the summer of 2009. He spent two seasons with the Birkenhead club, before joining Leyton Orient in June 2009. He has made 107 appearances for the O’s and has scored 7 times. He will be available for selection against the U’s following a recent 3-match ban.
(8) Stephen Dawson Midfielder	26	24	2	3/0
Midfield man Stephen Dawson - © thisislocallondon.co.uk Versatile midfield man Dawson started his professional career at Leicester City. Dawson rejected the offer of a new deal with Foxes in the search of first team football and signed for Mansfield Town in 2005. The former Republic of Ireland youth international scored on his debut for the Stags and made over 100 appearances for the Derbyshire side. He left the club following their relegation to the Conference in 2008 and joined Bury on a free transfer. He spent two seasons with the Shakers and was named in the League Two team of the year in 2009/10. He left the club at the end of his contract to join Leyton Orient and won the player of the year trophy in his first season with the O’s. He has made 75 appearances for the East Londoner’s and has scored 4 times.
(11) Adam Chicksen Defender	20	3	0	0/0
Left back Chicksen is a recent loan signing from MK Dons. He came through the youth team at the Dons and signed his first professional contract in 2008. He has made 39 appearances in total for the Franchise and has joined the O’s following the expiration of Tony Craig’s loan and subsequent return to Millwall.

N.B

Soloman Taiwo has joined the O’s on loan from Cardiff for the rest of the season and will be eligible to face the U’s.

Previous Meeting

Colchester United 1 – 1 Leyton Orient

Saturday 10 September 2011

Weston Homes Community Stadium

Npower League 1

Attendance: 4,258

The O’s travelled to the Weston Homes Community Stadium back in September.

Neither side looked overly brilliant in the first half. Ian Henderson hit the post early on but apart from that the U’s were looking rather poor infront of goal.

Kev Lisbie was making his debut in the game and looked to be a real handful and he caused upset in the first half after going down easily in the box.

Anthony Wordsworth celebrates putting the U's ahead. © cu-fc.com

Orient were looking fragile at times but Colchester lacked that cutting edge and it was a strange goal which gave the U’s the lead on the stroke of half time. Anthony Wordsworth’s weak shot went through a crowded box and into the corner of the net.

The second half became the Leyton Orient show, because the U’s just seemed to forget how to play football. Cox somehow hit the post from literally a yard out and Kevin Lisbie smashed the ball against the post too.

Despite the O’s controlling the play Odejayi and Antonio both had chances to wrap the points up. First chance fell to Odejayi who missed his one on one chance (becoming a regular feature of his) and the rebound fell nicely to Antonio who decided to send the ball into orbit rather than do the easier task of scoring.

Colchester really should have had a penalty not long afterwards as Antonio dispossessed Cuthbert and the Scotsman decided to get his revenge by literally rugby tackling Antonio for the most blatant penalty decision ever. I try to be as impartial as possible with my thoughts, but that was shocking. Then again one look at the ref that day and it was the perma-tanned Andy D’Urso.

The O’s definitely finished the stronger after the introduction of George Porter. He just took the mickey out of Ben Coker and his perfect cross for Dean Cox looked like a deserved equaliser for the Londoners, but the tiny winger decided he didn’t want to score and put the ball wide from six yards out. It just wasn’t his day and both his misses are likely to appear on one of those absolute howler DVD’s you get at Christmas.

Cox was let off in the last-minute though, but it was all Colchester’s own undoing. Kayode Odejayi decided he wasn’t going to run into the corner to run down the clock. He went for the spectacular from the edge of the box and hit it straight at the ‘keeper. I am all for shooting, but 1) it was Kayode Odejayi, 2) it was and impossible angle to score and 3) well I will repeat, it was bloody Kayode Odejayi! Ok, maybe a little bit harsh on the big frontman, but it made me really angry at the time! I guess you have to be cruel to be kind right?

Jimmy Smith rammed in the equaliser. © leytonorient.com

Anyway, the O’s went straight down the other end and Jimmy Smith found himself in the same position as Cox had for his two brilliant misses, only this time the ex Chelsea man smashed the ball into the net.

I remember kicking my chair in frustration at the time because you just knew that it was going to happen as soon as Odejayi wasted possession so easily. The O’s deserved more than a point in all fairness and on another day they’d have done a Stevenage on us!

Head to Head

	Leyton Orient wins	Draws	Colchester wins
League	10	13	14
League Cup	1	0	0
FA Cup	2	1	0
Cup	1	0	0
Total	14	14	14

Team News

The U’s will be hoping that Kayode Odejayi will be able to shrug off his ankle injury and make the squad for the visit to East London. Ashley Vincent is still injured and Matt Heath has suffered another groin injury, but other than that John Ward has an otherwise full squad to choose from, with new loaning Gavin Massey pushing for his first start following a bright debut last weekend.

Prediction

I really do not know where to start with the predicition this weekend. Colchester are so unbelievably inconsistent that it makes it difficult to make a score prediction.

Could Odejayi come into the side? © cu-fc.com

I predicted a 3-1 victory against Chesterfield and we ended up losing and putting in a far from convincing performance. I think Ward needs to make changes to the side if the U’s are to get anything out of the game. I would completely change the midfield with either Kem Izzet or John-Joe O’Toole coming in for Bond and Kayode Odejayi if fit, coming into the side for Lloyd James and playing just behind Steven Gillespie. I would play Gavin Massey on the left-wing in the place of Karl Duguid. We really need some pace in the team and Massey has that in abundance.

I think the midfield is the most important area of the pitch and I feel that should O’Toole bucked his ideas up, he could work extremely well with Anthony Wordsworth. The only trouble with the team I’d pick, is that it is maybe a little too attacking which could see us getting hit on the counter rather easily. We do need to do something to improve performances on the pitch though!

In terms of a prediction I am going to plump for a 3-1 victory for Orient and I think Henderson will give the U’s false hope by opening the scoring. A second half capitulation from John Ward’s men will help win the game for the O’s. It is written in the stars for Lisbie, Mooney and Cureton to get on the score sheet to rub it in even more.

The Opposition View

Many thanks to the sensible posters on Leyton Orient’s forum. Here are the answers to this weeks questions:

1) Orient started the season dreadfully, what went wrong and what has changed to turn your season around?

– A combination of terrible tactics and sicknote signings.

chingfordorient - Players gelling, bad tatics.

CheeriO - Terrible management and a lack of luck.

One Tonne Baby - Dunno. Had a few injuries, just a spell of bad form i think.

ObroniO -The Manager (understandably) had cob-on because the Chairman wouldn’t let him talk to Barnsley about their vacancy there. This disgruntlement cascaded through the team.

FantasticO – Eliot Ominusi was the weak link, when he played we had relegation form, when he was dropped or subsequently sent to prison our form improved dramatically, strange but a statistically irrefutable fact.

2) Are you happy with the job Russell Slade is doing?

Russell Slade is doing a decent job with the O's. © guardian-series.co.uk

– Blows hot and cold. I dont like his formations but we finished in a good position last year.

chingfordorient – Yes, great fac cup run and excellent league finish last season and we don’t look like we are going to get relegated this season.

Polly On The Shore – Yes, Russell is an excellent man manager and knows how to get the best out of his players. He has a good understanding of the game and although the squad is a bit thin, he’s managed to exploit the loan market to good effect since his arrival at Brisbane Road. We like him.

CheeriO – He’s ok I can’t see us getting anyone better though.

One Tonne Baby - Yes, very much so. Best manager for some time, definately in my life time. (25 years)

FantasticO – VERY VERY VERY HAPPY – Ignore the handful of morons on here that have very short memories or don’t know a good thing when they see it or are just wind up merchants – he brings out the best in players and players seem very happy to play for him – he does not make tactical mistakes that often and it is normally the oppostion team that has to do the worriying – he wants to play good football on the ground and compared to previous incumbents the football can be a joy to watch – he has an eye for a good player and knows what sorts of players he likes – he is not afraid to drop players or keep players on the bench and recognises a dodgy player pretty quickly unlike a lot of managers – he does not seem to have favourites – he continues to improve the standard of players at the club – the players seem fit and confident under slade – there seems to be a good level of togetherness amongst the team and the team is able to battle – he always seems to have a jovial buzz about him and strangely for a football manager comes across as a very nice, humourous, intelligent and reasonable guy – the only problem Slade has is A) Not leaving someone up when the opposition have corners – B) Should bring the sub on at least 10 – 15 mins before the end, even if it’s only for a run out. C) there must be a c but I can’t think of it.

3) How would you describe your current style of football, and are you happy with it?

– Depends what team turns up, but usually passing, not physical at all.

chingfordorient – Passing but we do lump it forward on occasion.

CheeriO – It can be very good at times but usually fairly dull to watch, there’s a fair bit of hoofing at times as well. It’s nowhere near as good as it was last season anyway, when we had a very good short passing game.

One Tonne Baby - As the season has gone on we have passed the ball more and more. We try to keep it on the ground but it doesnt always happen.

FantasticO -  Our football against Charlton was almost Barcelonaesque, as one Charlton fan said it was like they were down to 9 men (rather than 10). We have seen some glorious football since Slade arrived and the O’s currently seem to be able to get the right mix between knocking it around and playing a longer ball when needed. Personally I would rather us knock the ball around any day but there have been times when we have done that but have lacked the penetration to justify that kind of football.

4) Who has been your key man this season?

Key Men - Lisbie, Dawson, Cuthbert - © cu-fc.com, skysports.com & leytonorient.com

– Lisbie has been a great influence.

chingfordorient – Cuthbert and Lisbie.

CheeriO - Stephen Dawson.

One Tonne Baby - Scott Cuthbert. Summer signing and after a slow start has been a rock for about 3 months.

FantasticO -  Dawson has played in every game we have won bar one – on Saturday against Preston.

5) Do you think your squad needs strengthening before the end of the transfer window? If so, where would you strengthen?

– Depends if anyone goes. I’d like to see a creative player but the manager wouldnt play them.

chingfordorient – Left back is needed but we have a lot of utility players with three of our centre backs able to do a job at right back so it might not be a problem.

CheeriO - Yep, hopefully a left back and either a winger or a striker.

One Tonne Baby - Not really, we have made a few already. The key to our season will be if we manage to keep Dawson, Cox and Porter.

FantasticO -  LEFT BACK – we currently have Chicksen on loan from MK Dons but I presume he is going back soon and McSweeney who does a good job at left back but is not a natural there I would say, I would prefer to see him at right back or right midfield, however with no alternative he is the best option we have got and probably better than a lot of natural left backs to be honest. But Charlie Daniels boots were always going to be difficult to fill.

6) Which team has impressed you most in League 1 this season?

MK Dons have been the most impressive side against the O's. © MKDons.com

– Er, Oldham.

chingfordorient – Carlisle.

CheeriO – MK Dons, but nobody’s been that good.

One Tonne Baby - MK Dons probably. Beat us at a stroll.

FantasticO – MK Dons impressed because of their wide range of attacking options as well as being strong, balanced and playing reasonably good football and reasonably strong defensively.

7) What is your perception of Colchester United as a club?

Theclownface - A tin pot shower of illiterate inbred plebs.

– Boring.

chingfordorient - Not a bad club but a horrible stadium.

CheeriO – Unnoticeable and mediocre.

One Tonne Baby - Dont really have one. Fans think they are bigger than they are though….no offence…

FantasticO – Seem to be a lower to middling League One club like Orient now that the chairman is reducing the pot available for players. The new ground, new era bit hasn’t really worked but they are a long way forward from the days at Layer Road both in terms of facilities and football quality. John Ward appears to be doing a good job at the club.

8) What do you think the score will be, and scorers (if any)?

– 1-0.

chingfordorient – 2-0, Lisbie and Cox to score.

CheeriO – Orient victory not too sure about the scoreline.

One Tonne Baby - 2-1 to the O’s. Cox and Lisbie for the O’s.

FantasticO – Now this is getting a bit silly. But I think a 1-1 draw might make sense with Colchester getting an ear bashing from their manager after defeat to bottom of the table Chesterfield.

9) Which three teams do you think will get promoted this season?

– The current top 3.

chingfordorient – Charlton, Huddersfield and Shef Wednesday.

CheeriO – Charlton and both Sheffield teams.

One Tonne Baby - Charlton, Huddersfield and MK Dons.

FantasticO – Easy one Charlton – Sheffeild and Huddersfield or 3 of the current top 4.

10) Who do you think will go down?

- Dunno.

chingfordorient – Walsall, Chesterfield, Wycombe and someone else.

CheeriO – Chesterfield, Rochdale, Wycombe and Exeter.

One Tonne Baby - Chesterfield, Wycombe, Rochdale, Walsall.

FantasticO – Looks likely to be 4 of the current bottom six but at least 2 of these clubs will make a surge upwards in the second half of the season, but also don’t rule out a fast sinker, lets just hope it’s not Colchester or Orient. We have S—-thorpe on the slide along with Tranmere, Oldham and Hartlepool.

Ticket News

In advance:-

Adults £23
Concessions (65+, students with ID, Armed Forces, unemployed with proof of benefits) £15
U18s £5

On the day:-

Adults £25
Concessions (65+, students with ID, Armed Forces, unemployed with proof of benefits) £16
U18s £16

About these ads