Orient’s mini-tour of the North nears its conclusion in that most convival (are you sure? – ed.) of places: er, Hartlepool. It’s a joyless trek up to the Northeast coast of England, and an even more blooming miserable one back after you’ve lost. My old man has been trying to talk me into this one, but even I’m not stupid enough to go and watch Adam Boyd scuff a penalty winner in the 94th minute. Luckily I think I’m writing this late enough at night that the lunatics who are travelling to this one will already have set off and not be offended by my calling them lunatics. Anyway, I digress from Adam Boyd.
Yes, the striker who runs as quickly away from scoring off the pitch as he does after scoring on it will no doubt come back to haunt us. Of course, the nature of his recent transfer dealings are [censored for legal reasons] and of course, let us not forget [censored for legal reasons], nor the incident with the ferret. Still, when he can be bothered he’s a class act, and it’ll be interesting to see how rookie Luke Ashworth deals with his former teammate’s quick feet and lightning movement (come on, you’re just taking the pee now – ed.).
It’s been a torrid time for Orient, what with going out of two Cup competitions in the space of eight days with ignominious home defeats (we haven’t even gone out of the FA Cup yet! I resign! – ed), and – to put it kindly – patchy League form, it’s about time for George to get this team winning. A much improved injury list gives Orient a near full-strength squad to pick from, and the time for excuses is very much over.
Vital Quotes:
Hartlepool United Team News:
Star striker James Brown has geeeetooownupped (getowwwnup) off the physio’s table, and is bound to play some part in Saturday’s game. No doubt acolytes of Jeff Stelling will be rejoicing in their thousands.
Ritchie Jones is rated 50-50 to start the game following a thigh injury, but pacey winger Leon McSweeney is ruled out with a foot problem.
Player to watch: Adam Boyd
‘Adam Boyd! / Adam Boyd! / Adam, Adam Boyd! / He gets the ball he misses the goal unless it’s a penalty / Adam Adam Boyd!’
Leyton Orient Team News:
Daryl Sydes remains the only long-term absentee, and there are whispers that Tam Mkandawire will miss out again following his concussion two weeks ago.
On the plus side, Sean Thornton has now played two games in a row, and returns to League action alongside Adam Chambers, Jimmy Smith and cup-tied duo Andros Townsend and Luke Summerfield.
JJ Melligan has also recovered from illness and will be in the match day 16. Whoopee…
Player to watch: Any Striker except McGleish
Which of our clowntastic threesome will George start up front alongside Scotty? Who knows? Who cares? Time for a Vital sweepstake on which of them scores a League goal before the end of the decade…
Match Facts & Stats
Next Fixtures:
Hartlepool: Huddersfeild Town (A) Saturday 21st november, League One
Leyton Orient: Tranmere (H) Tuesday 17th November, FA Cup 1st Round Replay
