Leyton Orient will close the curtain on their first season in the National League with a last-day trip to face mid-table Gateshead on Saturday.
The O’s come into the game in 13th place with 57 points. They have won 15, drawn 12 and lost 18 of their 45 games with a goal difference of 0.
In their previous outing, Orient fell to a disappointing 0-1 defeat to Maidenhead United on Tuesday night. Ryan Upward’s fourth minute goal was enough to subject Orient to their first home defeat in three games ensuring that a top-half finish was out of reach.
However, head coach Justin Edinburgh will be demanding a response from his side this weekend as the O’s look to finish the National League campaign on a positive note.
The Opposition:
As for Gateshead, they come into the match on the back of one win in their previous six league matches. They have lost their last three games which have seen them go up against Aldershot, Dover and Ebbsfleet all of whom are in with a chance of promotion via the play-offs.
The Heed sit 14th in the table, just one place and three points behind Orient. They have won 12, drawn 18, and lost 15 of their 45 matches with a goal difference of 6.
In their last match on Tuesday night, Steve Watson’s men were convincingly beaten 5-2 at home to fifth placed Ebbsfleet United.
Like Orient, Gateshead are looking to bounce back from defeat and finish the season in the best possible fashion.
Ones to Watch:
Orient striker Macauley Bonne is the club’s top scorer with 21 goals in the National League this season. This week, the Zimbabwean scooped two honours at the club awards winning both Player and Players’ Player of the Year. Bonne’s most recent goal proved to be the winner in the 1-0 victory over Wrexham on April 21st. The 22-year old will be hoping to add to this tally to cap off a very successful season for him personally.
Gateshead’s Danny Johnson is the club’s top scorer with 13 league goals this season. The 25-year old has scored four goals in his last four games for the Heed, including a brace in the midweek defeat to Ebbsfleet. Johnson will be looking to extend this scoring run as his side look to overturn a run of three straight defeats.
Previous Results:
| Leyton Orient 0-1 Maidenhead United | Gateshead 2-5 Ebbsfleet United |
| Orient 1-0 Wrexham | Dover Athletic 3-2 Gateshead |
| Hartlepool United 1-0 Orient | Aldershot Town 1-0 Gateshead |
| Macclesfield Town 1-1 Orient | Gateshead 2-0 Eastleigh |
| Orient 4-1 Barrow | FC Halifax Town 2-2 Gateshead |
| Guiseley 1-3 Orient | Tranmere Rovers 4-2 Gateshead |
Stats and Facts:
Orient have taken ten points from the last 18 available after three wins, two losses and a draw.
The O’s have kept just one clean sheet in their previous six league games.
Justin Edinburgh’s side have been involved in three consecutive one-nil results, winning one and losing two.
Gateshead have taken just four points from the last 18 available with one win, one draw, and four defeats.
The Heed have scored ten and conceded 15 goals in their last six games.
In that time, Steve Watson’s side have kept just one clean sheet.
Last Meeting:
Orient welcomed Gateshead to Brisbane Road in the National League for the reverse fixture on October 24th. A goal in each half from Jordan Burrow subjected Orient to a 2-0 defeat under the lights in E10.
Did you know?
These two sides have met three times already this season, once in the league and across two legs in the FA Trophy quarter-finals. Gateshead have won two of these duals whilst the other ended in a draw.
When and Where?
The match will take place this Saturday 28th April at the International Stadium, the home of Gateshead Football Club, with kick-off at 12:30pm.
Missing the Match?
Don’t worry if you are unable to make the long journey to Gateshead. If you are on social media, you can follow live updates on the action via both teams’ Twitter accounts (@leytonorientfc and @GatesheadFC).
Alternatively, match reports will be available on both clubs’ websites shortly after the final whistle.
