League leaders Leyton Orient head to just north of London as they take on Boreham Wood this Saturday afternoon. The O’s have seen plenty of action having played three league games in the past week.
Victories against Wrexham and Gateshead, plus a draw at home to Aldershot, saw Orient secure a vital seven points. They sit one point ahead of title rivals Salford City, and Justin Edinburgh’s men will look to avenge The Wood following last season’s 2-0 defeat at Meadow Park.
Sam Ling was forced to return during Orient’s 2-0 home victory against Gateshead after Myles Judd picked up a hamstring injury. The right-back is likely to start for the O’s despite admitting he was ‘rusty’ last week.
Charlie Lee is closer to returning for the O’s but is unlikely to be risked as he recovers from his Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) injury.
Weary Wood
The Wood have struggled to replicate last season’s form which saw them reach the play-offs. Luke Garrard’s side have suffered eight defeats in 22 games this season, only three less than the 11 defeats during the whole of last season.
The hosts are yet to play in December as their tie away to Halifax was postponed. Last time out, Boreham Wood suffered a 1-0 defeat at home to Dover Athletic. Without a victory in six games, the home side will be looking to turn their poor form around.
Attacking Threats
James Alabi has made a huge difference to Orient in the past week. Often restricted to substitute appearances, the former Stoke man has helped secure vital points with his efforts from the bench.
Alabi notched an assist in the 2-0 victory against Gateshead, squaring the ball to Macauley Bonne in the closing minutes to wrap up the victory.
Having grabbed a goal in the 2-1 victory against Haringey Borough in the London Senior Cup, the powerful forward will be looking to make his mark in the National League as he pushes for a starting spot.
Boreham Wood’s Josh Umerah has bagged six goals in the National League this season. The 21-year-old is on loan from South London side Charlton Athletic, his third loan spell as an Addicks’ man.
Form Book
| Leyton Orient 2-0 Gateshead | Halifax P-P Boreham Wood |
| Leyton Orient 0-0 Aldershot | Boreham Wood 0-1 Dover |
| Wrexham 0-2 Leyton Orient | Fylde 2-1 Boreham Wood |
| Leyton Orient 3-1 Bromley | Boreham Wood 0-0 Ebbsfleet |
| Fylde 1-3 Leyton Orient | Southport 2-0 Boreham Wood (FA Cup) |
| Eastleigh 1-1 Leyton Orient | Solihull Moors 0-0 Boreham Wood |
| Team | P | W | D | L | GD | PTS |
| Leyton Orient: 1st | 23 | 14 | 8 | 1 | 31 | 50 |
| Team | P | W | D | L | GD | PTS |
| Boreham Wood: 11th | 22 | 7 | 7 | 8 | -2 | 28 |
Stat Attack
- Orient have the best defence in the league, conceding only 13 goals so far this season.
- Macauley Bonne is well on the way to smashing his league tally of 22 goals from last season, with 17 already this campaign.
Previous Success
These sides have already clashed in the National League this season. Macauley Bonne’s second half penalty saw Orient emerge 1-0 victors and secure a clean sheet at the Breyer Group Stadium on 18th August.
The visitors were denied multiple times by Orient keeper Dean Brill, also seeing Angelo Balanta’s goal ruled out for offside.
Did you know?
The game will be broadcast on BT Sport this Saturday afternoon, with coverage set to begin at 12:15pm on BT Sport 1.
When and Where?
The match takes place this Saturday 8th December at Meadow Park, home of Boreham Wood, with kick-off scheduled for 12:35pm.
