Ding Ding! Round Two!

Well, sort of. It’s Round 1.5 of the FA Cup; Round Two of the Orient-Tranmere trilogy (gawd help us). Yes, two of League One’s most abysmal sides are meeting in front of my very eyes for the second time in far too short of a period for my liking, and it’s going to be just awful. Pessimistic? Moi?

Well I guess I’m just bitter after being forced to watch the sorry excuse for a professional football match that was the 94 sorry minutes up at Prenton Park. If anyone spots a fleeting glimpse of quality during Tuesday’s game, do feel free to give me a nudge and wake me up.

The tremendous prospect of a home tie against Aldershot awaits in the next round for whichever side accidentally finds themselves victorious. 1-0 I reckon. In the penalty shoot out.

Vital Quotes:

‘Don’t make me go! You can’t make me! Noooooo!’ – Kid Sampson

Leyton Orient Team News:

Tamika Mkandawire may again not be risked following recurrant headache problems suffered since he sustained a head injury scoring against Southampton. Luke Ashworth, scorer of Orient’s goal in the away tie, will continue to deputise.

Long term injury victim Daryl Sydes apart, Geraint Williams will only be missing the services of loanees Andros Townsend and Luke Summerfield who have both been refused permission to play.

Sean Thornton is likely to start against his old club again, and Glenn Morris will keep his place ahead of the fit-again Jamie Jones after a string of impressive performances.

Player to watch: Sean Thornton

Just starting to find his feet again after a long lay off, Thornton will be desperate to prove himself against his ex-employers whom he left in acrimonious circumstances some seven years ago.

Frankly, the Orient midfield doesn’t tick when he’s not playing well and the sooner he and regular partner-in-crime Adam Chambers link up in the centre of the park, the better.

Tranmere Rovers Team News:

Jon Welsh misses out with suspension, but Shaleum Logan and Charlie Barnett return from similar bans.

Under the thumb striker Ian Thomas-Moore will surely be pushing for a place in the starting line up following Tramere’s recent dearth of goals (let’s face it: he’d walk into the Orient side).

Veteran midfielder ALan Mahon may not be risked following a knock if caretaker boss Les Parry decides Saturday’s League One fixture takes precedence.

Player to watch: Chris Shuker

About the only watchable part of the first game was Shuker’s ongoing battle with O’s keeper Glenn Morris. Shuker eventually won out via a couple of brilliant saves and two horrible deflections. Expect these two to be the only players doing anything again.