Orient head to Shropshire this weekend for the second leg of their F.A Trophy Semi-Final clash with AFC Telford. The O’s go into the game with a 1-0 lead from the first leg and will be looking to book only their second visit to the new Wembley since it reopened in 2007.
Last Time Out
Macauley Bonne’s 53rd minute strike gives Orient a slender 1-0 lead going into this game at New Bucks Head. It was the Zimbabwean’s first goal for seven games and in truth he probably should have had more than one, after he squandered a couple of first half chances.
A two goal advantage would have been ideal for the O’s and possibly would have allowed Justin Edinburgh more flexibility to rotate his side, with the visit of AFC Fylde on the horizon. However, I’m sure he’ll be content with the fact that as long as his side don’t lose on Saturday than they will reach the final.
The second half performance of Jamie Turley at right wing back was a big positive to take from the game. The former Boreham Wood man’s rampaging runs caused his opposite full back all sorts of problems down that right side and he also came very close to netting his side a crucial second goal, when his far post header had to be cleared off the line.
With Myles Judd out for the season and question marks remaining over Sam Ling’s form and fitness, Turley’s emergence at right wing back could be pivotal in the remaining games for Orient. Playing Turley on the right side of the back five would also chime with Edinburgh’s comments on finding a formation that would get all of his best players on the pitch, as you’d struggle to make a case for any of Orient’s four current centre backs to be left on the bench.
Predicted Lineup
Brill
Ekpiteta Coulson Happe
Turley McAnuff Clay Widdowson
Koroma
Harrold Bonne
The scenario ahead of Saturday’s game is clear; if the O’s don’t concede then they’ll be competing against either Fylde or Stockport on May 19th at Wembley.
With that being the case, playing wing backs that are first and foremost solid defenders will be on Edinburgh’s mind. The aforementioned Turley should provide more defensive stability than Ling, whilst the same can be said about ‘Mr Reliable’ Joe Widdowson coming back in for the more attack minded James Brophy.
Josh Koroma’s return is a timely one for Orient and after looking lively during his brief 25 minute cameo in the first leg, he should be looking to get more minutes under his belt against Telford, ahead of the crucial remaining league fixtures.
Jay Simpson is expected to return from his slight hamstring strain this weekend, but he could find himself on the bench. It might be a case of Simpson only being used if needed on Saturday, in order to prevent further injury with Tuesday night’s big game against Fylde in mind.
View on the Opposition
Telford are clearly a well drilled side and spurred on by what could well be a sell out crowd on Saturday, they are certainly more than capable of causing an upset.
Their manager Gavin Cowan is in his first managerial role but seems to be doing a fine job so far. Being on course to reach the National League North Playoffs, whilst also still being in with a shout of a Wembley final, is some achievement in your first full season in management.
Cowan will be looking to devise a tactical plan that will see his side overcome the first leg deficit and striker Daniel Udoh will be key to that. The Nigerian is the second top scorer in the National League North and looked a threat, despite the limited service he received, at Brisbane Road last weekend.
Who are the rest playing?
Orient’s two closest rivals in the National League title race both have tricky looking away games this weekend and the O’s will be hoping they slip up, as a win for either would see them leapfrog Orient in the table.
Solihull head to Halifax, who are yet to lose at home in 2019. Halifax have a remarkable home record that has seen them draw six out of their seven games at The Shay this calendar year.
Wrexham have to make the trip up to the North East to face Hartlepool at Victoria Road. Hartlepool look a much better side under new manager Craig Hignett and the O’s will be hoping they can put in a similar type of performance to the one which saw Orient only manage a point there last month.
Salford will be looking to maintain their fine run of form at home to Barnet. The Bees beat Harrogate 1-0 at The Hive in mid week and will be hoping to prevent Salford from picking up their fifth league win in a row.
Elsewhere Harrogate travel to Barrow, whilst Fylde and Eastleigh don’t have games due to the F.A Trophy Semi Finals.
LOFC 1881 