Leyton Orient will face another tricky test in the shape of high-flying Aldershot Town at Brisbane Road in the Vanarama National League this Saturday.
The O’s sit 19th in the division, with 32 points from 29 games, and will be eager to maintain their unbeaten record in league and cup since the turn of the year.
Justin Edinburgh’s men were due to face FC Halifax Town in West Yorkshire last weekend, but the game was postponed due to a frozen pitch. This may have given the O’s extra time to prepare for the visit of Aldershot, but only adds to a significant fixture pile-up in the coming months.
Off the pitch, Orient announced that 20-year-old goalkeeper Sam Sargeant has been recalled from his loan with Margate, who sit sixth in the Bostik League Premier Division, and is available for selection once again. Meanwhile, defender Bondz N’Gala has returned to parent club Dagenham and Redbridge after his loan deal with the O’s expired.
The Opposition
For the visitors Aldershot, they come to E10 in high-spirits having gone unbeaten in their previous six league games.
The Shots are second in the division with 52 points having won 14, drawn 10 and lost just six of their 30 matches this season.
Gary Waddock’s side were held to a goalless draw at home to play-off chasers Ebbsfleet United last time out. A victory would have taken them to within a single point of table toppers Macclesfield Town, who were thrashed 6-0 by AFC Fylde.
This game has significant implications for both sides who sit at opposite ends of the table. A win for Aldershot would see them maintain the pressure on top spot, whilst a victory for the O’s would put further daylight between themselves and the relegation zone.
Ones to Watch
As always, Orient’s top scorer Macauley Bonne will hope to add to his tally of 13 league goals for the club since his arrival from Colchester United in the summer. The 22-year-old striker is equally dangerous in the air or with the ball at his feet, with an exceptional work rate and level of commitment.
Meanwhile, player/goalkeeper coach Dean Brill has started each of Orient’s seven league games since Edinburgh’s arrival in early December. The 32-year-old Brill has kept four clean sheets in that time, providing a wealth of experience between the sticks.
For Aldershot, winger Shamir Fenelon is their top scorer with nine goals in the National League this season. Fenelon provides threat and versatility in attack, scoring a brace in The Shots 3-1 victory over Woking on Boxing Day.
Previous Six Results
| FC Halifax Town P-P Leyton Orient | Aldershot Town 0-0 Ebbsfleet United |
| Bognor Regis Town 1-2 Orient (FA Trophy) | Dover Athletic 1-2 Aldershot |
| Orient 0-0 Boreham Wood | Woking 1-2 Aldershot |
| Dagenham and Redbridge 0-0 Orient | Aldershot 1-1 Maidstone United |
| Orient 0-1 Bromley | Aldershot 3-1 Woking |
| Orient 2-0 Dagenham and Redbridge | Guiseley 1-1 Aldershot |
Stats and Facts
- Orient have failed to score in their last three league matches but have kept two clean sheets in that time.
- Justin Edinburgh has overseen four home league matches since his arrival, taking seven points from 12 available, with the O’s scoring six goals and conceding two.
- They have scored in four of their last six home league games winning two, drawing three, and losing one.
- Aldershot are unbeaten in their previous six away league games, their last defeat on the road came against Barrow (3-1) on 28th October.
- In these six games they have scored nine, conceded three, and kept three clean sheets.
- The Shots have scored in all but three of their 15 away matches this season.
Last Meeting
Orient travelled to The EBB Stadium, home of Aldershot Town, on 23rd September 2017 and fought back from two goals down to salvage a point in a 2-2 draw.
The Shots took a 2-0 lead thanks to goals from Cheye Alexander and Matt McClure inside the opening 20 minutes. O’s midfielder Craig Clay nodded home just before the break to pull the O’s back into contention, before substitute Romuald Boco bagged the equaliser eight minutes from time.
Did you know?
The last time that Orient welcomed Aldershot to Brisbane Road was on Boxing Day 1986 in the Football League Fourth Division with the visitors, then known as Aldershot FC, winning 3-1.
Aldershot went on to claim promotion to the Third Division via the play-offs, with Orient finishing just one point behind them in seventh place that season.
When and Where?
The match will take place at Brisbane Road, the home of Leyton Orient, with kick-off scheduled for 3pm.
Missing the Match?
Don’t worry if you cannot make the game this weekend. If you are on social media, you can see live match updates via both clubs Twitter accounts (@leytonorientfc and @OfficialShots)
Also, match reports will be available on both team’s official websites after the game.