O’s away to Charlton

Martin Ling will take his Orient side to face Charlton Athletic in the 4th Round of the F.A. Cup on the weekend of January 28th. With a geographical distance of just 8 miles between the two clubs the O’s are expected to take around 7,500 fans to the Valley.

Charlton currently sit 13th in the Premier League just one place and two points above Fulham. Charlton have lost six times at the Valley this season and have had problems with lower league opposition in cup competitions in the past. In 2001, Charlton needed an 86th minute equaliser from John Salako to force a replay against non-league Dagenham and Redbridge. In 2004 they were beaten 3-2 by Gillingham and were also knocked out by lower league opposition in the shape of Leicester City last season. Charlton again suffered an upset in the League Cup in 2002 where they were beaten at home by Oxford United 6-5 on penalties. However, Charlton avoided defeat in Round Three this year with a hard fought 4-2 win away at Sheffield Wednesday.

Although Charlton started the season in superb style they have lost their way of late. The Addicks have won just 2 of their last 12 games but will still represent a formidable task for Orient. Charlton boast England Under 21 striker Darren Bent, England international Danny Murphy and Danish winger Dennis Rommedahl. It will be a tough game for Orient, but not one that they can’t get something out of. It should certainly be an intriguing cup tie.

There will be around 7,500 tickets availabe to Orient supporters so the atmosphere created at Fulham by the travelling fans will get the chance to manifest itself inside the Valley. The tie will be played on the weekend of January 28th.