Leyton Orient will be looking to continue their unbeaten start to the New Year when they travel to FC Halifax Town in the Vanarama National League on Saturday.
Since the appointment of Justin Edinburgh as head coach back in November, the O’s have taken 11 points from a possible 21 available in the league during a busy festive fixture schedule. They sit 19th in the division with 32 points from 29 games, six clear of the relegation zone.
The O’s have been active in the January transfer window, bolstering their squad with three new additions on loan deals until the end of the season. Midfielder Ebou Adams and forward Lamar Reynolds have joined from Norwich City and Newport County respectively, whilst striker Dan Holman arrived from Cheltenham Town. Elsewhere, defender and fan favourite Josh Coulson made his loan move permanent after signing a two-and-a-half-year deal in E10.
Last weekend, Orient made the trip to National League South outfit Bognor Regis in the FA Trophy. Macauley Bonne opened the scoring for the visitors, before Jimmy Muitt drew the hosts level on 88 minutes to send the game into extra-time. Josh Koroma’s strike settled the game and earned Orient a trip to Dover Athletic in the Third Round.
A Look at the Opposition
FC Halifax Town have experienced mixed fortunes this season, winning eight, drawing 10, and losing 11 of their 29 league games. They occupy 16th place in the National League with 34 points, just two ahead of Orient.
The Shaymen come into the game having lost 4-1 to Maidenhead United in the FA Trophy last week. Matty Kosylo opened the scoring for Halifax early on, before Moses Emmanuel and Harry Pritchard each scored a brace to help Maidenhead into the next round.
With absentees and departures hitting the team, manager Billy Heath will be hopeful of adding to his squad this month. However, the immediate focus will be on getting a positive result when the O’s come to town this weekend.
Ones to watch
The O’s faithful will be keen to see how Ebou Adams, Lamar Reynolds and Dan Holman adapt to Edinburgh’s style of football. Meanwhile, George Elokobi made his return to action last weekend after an extended lay-off with a hamstring problem. The 31-year old Cameroonian defender has impressed since joining the club in the summer and the supporters will be pleased to see such an experienced figure back in the fold.
For Halifax, striker Tom Denton has bagged nine goals for the Shaymen this season and will be keen to add to his tally against the O’s. Also, midfielder Matty Kosylo scored on his second match back from injury last weekend and will be desperate for game time to prove his fitness.
Previous six results
| Halifax 1-4 Maidenhead United (FA Trophy) | Bognor Regis 1-2 Leyton Orient (FA Trophy) |
| Halifax 1-0 Macclesfield Town (FA Trophy) | Orient 0-0 Boreham Wood |
| Maidenhead United 0-0 Halifax | Dagenham and Redbridge 0-0 Orient |
| Halifax 1-4 Macclesfield Town | Orient 0-1 Bromley |
| Dover Athletic 0-0 Halifax | Orient 2-0 Dagenham and Redbridge |
| Macclesfield Town 2-1 Halifax | Maidstone United 0-2 Orient |
Stats and Facts
- Orient have kept four clean sheets in their last seven league games, two of which were away from home.
- The O’s have failed to score in their previous three league games, but have found the net in three of their five away matches in all competitions since Justin Edinburgh’s arrival.
- Top scorer Macauley Bonne has bagged 13 goals for the club this season, scoring four goals in three consecutive league games in December.
- In the league, Halifax achieved three straight home victories in September. Since then, they have won just once in eight games at the MBi Shay Stadium.
- The Shaymen have played three home matches in league and cup this month, winning one and losing two whilst scoring three and conceding eight.
- They have kept two clean sheets in their last six home league games.
Last meeting
Orient welcomed Halifax to Brisbane Road last September, with the Shaymen running out 3-0 victors. Goals from Adam Morgan, Tom Denton, and Matt Kosylo were enough to subject the O’s to their first home defeat of the campaign.
Did you know?
After their first meeting in August 1969, Orient have faced Halifax 19 times. They have won 10, drawn four, and lost five of these meetings.
Where and when?
The game takes place this Saturday (20th January) at The MBi Shay Stadium, home of Halifax Town, with kick-off at 3pm in West Yorkshire.
Missing the match?
Don’t worry if you can’t make the game this weekend. If you are on social media, you can see live updates on the action from both clubs Twitter accounts (@leytonorientfc and @FCHTOnline) Also, match reports will be available after the game on both teams’ official websites.
