O’s Out To Avenge Daggers

Justin Edinburgh’s side remain at the top of the National League following a packed fixture list over the Christmas period.

The games keep on coming as Orient prepare to host east-London rivals Dagenham & Redbridge on New Year’s Day. The league leaders will be looking to avenge the Daggers after suffering a 2-1 defeat at the Chigwell Construction Stadium on Boxing Day.

Goals from Josh Koroma, Macauley Bonne and Marvin Ekpiteta sealed a 3-1 victory at home to Chesterfield on December 22^nd. Last time out, the O’s hit the coast and were held to a 0-0 stalemate away at Dover Athletic on Saturday.

Midfielders Craig Clay and Jobi McAnuff could return for the first game of 2019. Clay missed the Dover tie with a dead leg, whilst McAnuff has been side-lined with a fractured toe. Myles Judd returned from a hamstring injury as he re-joined the squad for the trip to Dover.

Daggers Stung

Following an eight-game unbeaten run and six league victories, including an away win at Salford, Peter Taylor’s side pulled themselves from the relegation zone and towards the top ten.

However, their spectacular run came to an end as Shaquile Coulthirst’s goal was enough to subject the Daggers to a 1-0 defeat against Barnet on Saturday.

Alex McQueen and Jack Munns were absent from this encounter with a sickness bug, though are expected to be available for the trip to the Breyer Group Stadium.

Ben Nunn, who snatched the winner against Orient on Boxing Day, was subbed at half-time against The Bees as a result of issues with his knee. However, the skipper is likely to recover and make an appearance on New Year’s Day.

Form Book

Attacking Flair

Josh Koroma is an exceptional young talent who has thrived under Justin Edinburgh this season. The 20-year-old has quickly become a fan favourite at Brisbane Road following his rise to the first team from Orient’s academy.

Koroma has displayed versatility having been deployed both up front and on the flank throughout the season. Scoring nine goals and providing seven assists, the Englishman has become a stand out player in the Orient squad.

Angelo Balanta is at the heart of Dagenham’s forward play. His clever style is the spark that lights up his team in the opposition half. The former QPR man has bagged four goals this season.

Matthew Robinson and Luke Pennell are also unavailable for the Daggers.

Stat Attack

• Orient won 23 of their 46 league fixtures in 2018 (a 50% win ratio)
• The O’s have kept 19 clean sheets in 2018 with 12 of them coming this season alone.

Bragging Rights

The sides met on Boxing Day at the Chigwell Construction Stadium as The Daggers came from behind to win 2-1. Goals from Alex McQueen and Ben Nunn cancelled out Josh Koroma’s opening strike.

Orient were aggrieved as the hunt for a late equaliser proved fruitless and were denied a penalty claim in the closing moments, after the ball appeared to strike Harry Phipps on the arm as the ball was whipped into the box.

January Deals?

With the New Year upon us, Orient’s stand out players continue to be linked with moves away from the National League side. Goal scorers Macauley Bonne and Josh Koroma’s futures continue to be the topic of discussion as their fine form this season has Football League sides sniffing around.

Not only are players rumoured to be leaving, but speculation about who Orient will bring into the club is brewing. Edinburgh and assistant Ross Embleton have acknowledged they would like to bring players in, but they must be a suitable match for the club.

When and Where?

The game will be played on Tuesday 1^st January (New Year’s Day) at The Breyer Group Stadium with kick-off scheduled for 15:00.

If you fancy a trip to The Breyer Group stadium, simply head to Stratford station and take one stop Eastbound on the Central line to Leyton station.

The stadium is no more than a 10-minute walk from the station and is sign posted around the area. Alternatively, enter E10 5NF into your phone and follow the directions.