Leyton Orient 2013 A supporters view.

Other years: 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 A History of Leyton Orient FC 1965-1974 2017 2018 2019 We started the year in 14th place on 34 points, 13 from a relegation place and five from a play off place. Away at Yeovil on New Years Day and Lisbie (shoulder injury) was unavailable. Cook also did not start so they were replaced with Griffith and Brunt. With no recognised full backs would that work? No. We lost 3-0. Team: Jones; McSweeney, Chorley, Baudry, Cox, Odubajo, Griffith, Rowlands, James, Brunt, Mooney and subs Allsopp, Cuthbert (Rowlands 64), Smith A, Smith J, Obafemi (Brunt 70), Symes (Mooney 79) and Cook. 5 th January away to Hull in the FA Cup. Mooney took us into the lead with a near post header from a cross by Cox on 78’. We survived the last 12 minutes of time but Hull drew level in the 4 th minute of added time. Team: Jones; McSweeney, Chorley, Baudry, Cox, Odubajo, Cook, Rowlands, James, Lisbie, Mooney and subs Allsopp, Sawyer, Cuthbert, Smith J(Cox 88), Obafemi, Griffith, Brunt, Symes. Home to Dawson’s Barnsley if we go through. In the transfer window Laird joined Southend on a permanent deal, Smith A returned to Fulham and Slade was hopeful of an extension to Brunt’s loan. Ex O’s on the move included Darren Purse, Plymouth - Port Vale, Aaron McLean, Hull - Ipswich (loan). George Porter, Burnley - Colchester (loan). 8 th January home to Yeovil in the JP Trophy. Griffith, Sawyer and Cuthbert returned to the starting line replacing McSweeney, Cook and Rowlands. Team:Jones; Sawyer, Chorley, Baudry, Cox, Odubajo, Griffith, Cuthbert, James, Lisbie, Mooney and subs Allsopp, McSweeney, Smith J, Cook(Sawyer - 74’), Symes(Lisbie - 61’) as only five subs allowed in this competition. Griffith was sent off for two bookable offences so we played the last 15 minutes a man down. Mooney scored the only goal of the match with a header with under a minute left of normal time. His tenth of the season. The first of the two legged semi final is at home to Southend. Lots of player contracts up in the summer to include Cuthbert, McSweeney, Smith, Chorley, Butcher, Jones, Lisbie and Mooney. No news of any extended contracts being offered to Rowlands or Cook. Next up was a league match at home to Crewe five points above us. 12 th January With Griffith suspended and injuries to Rowlands, Chorley and Lisbie (hamstring) Slade got Charlie MacDonald on a contract from MK Dons until the end of the season. We could only field six subs. Team:Jones; Sawyer, Cuthbert, Baudry (McSweeney 85’), Cox, Odubajo, Smith J, MacDonald, James, Cook, Mooney and subs Allsopp, McSweeney, Lee, Lobjoit, Obafemi (MacDonald 89’), Symes (Mooney 79). On 26 minutes a cross from Cox could only be palmed into the path of Cook to fire us into the lead. Mooney hit the crossbar and MacDonald a post but they equalised on 39’ and that’s how it stayed. Sloppy defending from Sawyer’s part of the pitch. MacDonald has only scored two goals from 25 (13) apps this season. Hopefully that will change? Not eligible for the JP Trophy so I am told. 15 th January FA cup replay. MacDonald was also not eligible for the cup. Slade replaced Cuthbert and MacDonald with Chorley and Rowlands. So no recognised right back or striker? He didn’t fancy Symes? Team:Jones; Sawyer, Chorley, Baudry, Cox, Odubajo, Smith J, Rowlands, James, Cook, Mooney and subs Allsopp, McSweeney (Cook - 79’), Lee, Lobjoit, Cuthbert (Baudry 46’), Symes (Smith - 59’). We went a goal down after 41’. On 87’ Cox drew us level with a great shot if he meant it. In extra time Hull hit the winner. Allsopp signed for Bournemouth, Ryan Dickson went on loan to Bradford. Slade got 19 year-old striker Ade Azeez from Charlton on a month’s loan. See any point in that? He was on loan with Wycombe in November and never started a league match let alone scoring a goal! 19 th January Away to Doncaster but most games had been postponed due to snow as I write (Friday night). They did play but a goal in each half kept Doncaster second in the table. I think Slade got this totally wrong. Baudry must be injured as he played no part in the match and was replaced by Cuthbert. Griffith replaced Rowlands, McSweeney for Cook, MacDonald for James and Azeez for Mooney. Team:Jones; Sawyer, Chorley, Cuthbert, Cox, Odubajo, Smith J, Griffith, McSweeney, MacDonald, Azeez with subs Butcher, Cook (McSweeney 58’), Rowlands (Griffith 79’), Symes and Mooney (Adebayo Azeez 46’). Away to Brentford Tuesday night if the snow ever stops. The Bees are fourth in the table. 22 nd January. Away at Griffin Park. We should have won this one. We went a goal up after 6’. Went 2-1 down, Mooney missed a penalty and the Bees got a man sent off. Cook grabbed us a point four minutes from time. Team:Jones; Sawyer, Chorley, Baudry, Odubajo, Smith J, Cook, Rowlands, James (Omozusi - 69' ), MacDonald (Obafemi - 79' ), Mooney. Subs: Grainger, Griffith, Symes, Lee, Vanderhyde, Omozusi, Obafemi. Cook and Rowlands were given contracts until the end of the season. 26 th January Home to Notts County who were unbeaten away from home in 22 matches. Mooney gave us the lead in the second half and three minutes later Baudry added a second. County got one back ten minutes later but it was not enough to extend their record. Team:Jones; Sawyer, Chorley, Cuthbert, Baudry, Odubajo, Cook (Cox - 85' ), Rowlands (Smith - 90' ), James, MacDonald, Mooney. Subs: Grainger, Griffith, Cox, Symes, Smith J, Omozusi, Obafemi. 29 th January Home to third placed Swindon. We had two strong penalty appeals turned away by referee Andy D'Urso and almost won it late on, but Jimmy Smith was denied by keeper Wes Foderingham from point-blank range. Team:Jones; Sawyer, Chorley, Cuthbert, Baudry, Odubajo, Cook (Cox - 66' ), Rowlands (Smith - 78' ), James, MacDonald, Mooney. Subs: Grainger, Griffith, Cox, Symes, Smith J, Obafemi, McSweeney. With the transfer window about to close we got Millwall forward Shaun Batt for a month. Why? He has started 29 (57) league games for the Lions, Crawley and Peterborough scoring only seven goals. Where has Azeez gone? Symes was loaned to Burton for the rest of the season and Chorley went on a free to Stevenage. Slade said he had been offered a better deal than was on the table at Brisbane Road. No doubt with the imminent return of Clarke he felt we could save on the wage bill. 2 nd February Away to Ben Chorley’s Stevenage. Cox started his first match in three and scored (more by luck than judgement) after ten minutes from a McSweeney cross, his sixth of the season. Team:Jones; Sawyer, Cuthbert, Baudry, McSweeney, Cox, Griffith, Smith, Odubajo (Cook - 73'), Odubajo Booked (Cook - 73'), Batt (Mooney - 65' ). Subs: Grainger, Clarke, Omozusi, Cook, Rowlands, Obafemi and Mooney. Up to 13 th in the table on 43 points along with three other clubs. Symes scored for Burton. Other ex O’s on the scoresheet were Purse for Port Vale, Alexander, on loan to AFC Wimbledon, Campbell-Ryce for Notts County, McLean at Ipswich, Ryan Dickson for Bradford, Brunt for Bristol Rovers. In the transfer window, Townsend was loaned to QPR, Lee Barnard to Oldham, Simon Dawkins to Aston Villa, Paul Rachubka to Accrington. Harry Kane has been on loan at Norwich since September but has started only three games without scoring. Keith Curle was sacked as manager of Notts County after losing away to bottom placed Hartlepool 2-1 where the scorers were the appropriately named Poole and Hartley. Colin West also left the club. So reports of Moses leaving the club were unfounded. Slade was confident he would sign another contract. In an interview for the Orientear Dean Cox said, when asked to compare Porter with Moses, “[Mo] is a hundred times better. George is another lad who has moved on but he’s sitting in the stands. Would you rather sign here for less money but play lots of games or go up to Burnley and be sitting with your Mum & Dad every week? Home to top of the table Tranmere next after the first leg of the JP Trophy at home to Southend. 5 th February Home to Southend JP Trophy 1st leg. Team:Jones; Sawyer, Cuthbert, Baudry, Cox, Rowlands,, James, Odubajo, Cook, Batt, Mooney. Subs: Clarke, McSweeney, Griffith, Smith, Obafemi. MacDonald was cup-tied. This didn’t go to plan as we lost one goal to nil. Better luck in the second leg? 7 th February Slade signed Romain Vincelot who had been released by Brighton. He signed an end of season deal. 9 th February. Fielding Jones; Sawyer, Cuthbert, Baudry, Cox, Rowlands (Vincelot - 84' ), James (Smith - 66'), Odubajo, Cook (Batt - 77' ), MacDonald, Mooney. Subs: Grainger, Vincelot, Clarke, McSweeney, Griffith, Smith, Obafemi. Batt we took top of the table Tranmere to the cleaners with a fine performance from every player. MacDonald scored his first goal for the club following a Cox cross which the goalie could only parry and MacDonald nodded home. A penalty was awarded but Rowlands fiercely struck shot was saved. He made amends after 67’ when his left foot shot from 25 yards found the bottom of the net. Rovers go a consolation goal eight minutes later. Poor defending from Sawyer failing to mark his man. Up to tenth and five points from a play off place. Bottom placed away to Hartlepool next. A banana skin if ever there was one. Symes missed a penalty for Burton. Adam Boyd scored for Spennymoor United. 16 th February. A banana skin was right as we took the lead through a dubious penalty taken by Rowlands. Two minutes from time the Pools were level from a corner. Four minutes into extra time we lost to a deflected shot off Cuthbert. Team:Jones; Sawyer (Clarke - 62'), Cuthbert, Baudry, Rowlands, James, Odubajo, Cook, Batt, MacDonald, Mooney. Subs: Grainger, Vincelot, Clarke, Omozusi, McSweeney, Griffith, Smith. 20 th February. Final chance to get to Wembley at Roots Hall having lost the first leg 0-1. Things looked good from the eight minute when Batt put us ahead. But on 61 substitute Corr put them level only for Mooney to get us back into the lead eleven minutes later. On time The Shrimpers got the equaliser to put them through to the final. Team: Jones; Cuthbert, Baudry, McSweeney, Cox, Rowlands(Griffith - 74' ) , James, Odubajo, Cook, Batt, Mooney. Subs: Vincelot, Clarke, Omozusi, Griffith, Smith.  For me both goals were down to MacSweeney but he is not a full back. 23 rd February. If Slade got the tactics wrong at Southend as was suggested to me then he got them wrong here though it was hard to work out what the tactics were. Playing both wingers in Cox and Cook they failed to stay on the wing and beat anyone. Crawley one with the only goal of the game in front of only 3463 supporters. Team:Jones; Vincelot (Smith - 79' ) Cuthbert, Baudry, Clarke, McSweeney, Cox, James, Cook(Odubajo - 57' ), MacDonald(Batt - 64' ), Mooney. Subs: Grainger, Odubajo, Batt, Omozusi, Griffith, Obafemi, Smith. Away to top of the table Sheffield United on Tuesday. We are down to 13th. 26 TH February. At Sheffield we fielded Jones; Vincelot, Cuthbert, Baudry, Clarke, McSweeney, Cox, Smith, James, Odubajo, Batt (Mooney - 56' ) , Subs: Grainger, Omozusi, Griffith, Cook, MacDonald, Obafemi, Mooney. Looking at the team before the match I told my wife we would lose this one 3-0. I was right about the zero but the Blades did not score either. Home the seventh placed Bournemouth next and they were on a three match losing run. 2 nd March. Team: Jones; Vincelot, Cuthbert, Baudry, Clarke, McSweeney, Cox, James (Smith - 77' ) , Odubajo, MacDonald(Obafemi - 90' ), Mooney(Lisbie - 70' ) . Subs: Grainger, Rowlands, Batt,, Omozusi, Griffith, Obafemi, Smith, Lisbie. Cuthbert was at full back for this one and failed to cut out a cross in the 66th minute to let Pitman to score. But we were two up by then thanks to a brace from MacDonald. Odubajo, playing as a winger danced through the defence to set up Lisbie who controlled the ball, swivelled to place the ball beyond keeper Jala. He had been on the pitch nine minutes. Daniels was out injured. Up to 11th on 50 points and away to Notts County on Wednesday. They are two points above us. 6 th March We went a goal down on 31’ but Lisbie came off the bench to score from the penalty spot after Leacock had fouled MacDonald. Team: Jones; Vincelot, Cuthbert, Baudry, Clarke, McSweeney, Cox, Smith (Lisbie - 61'), Odubajo(Cook - 61' ) , Rowlands, MacDonald(Obafemi - 77' ). Subs: Grainger, Omozusi, Griffith, Obafemi, James, Lisbie. Mooney and Batt were injured. Slade thought we had enough midfielders and allowed Griffth to return to Port Vale for the rest of the season. Lobjoit was released from his contract following his conviction from driving the getaway car (his own) in a burglary. He got an 18 month suspended sentence. Batt was signed till the end of April. 9 th March Away to Shrewsbury. Baudry put us into the lead from a Cox cross on 33’. On 52’ Lisbie made it 0-2 from the penalty spot after Vincelot was fouled. Team:Jones; Vincelot, Cuthbert, Baudry, Clarke(Omozusi - 65' ), McSweeney, Cox, Cook, James, Lisbie(Odubajo - 61’), MacDonald. Subs: Grainger, Omozusi, Smith, Rowlands, Odubajo. 12 th March On a cold Wednesday night we beat bottom placed Portsmouth 1-0 but it was a truly shocking match. If I said it looked like they took 11 players from The Marshes then it would be an insult to all that play there. Controlling the ball was a skill most seem to have lost especially Batt and heading was an art forgotten especially Batt. A bad back pass was put in front of Batt and he slotted it pass the advancing keeper on 57’. James played like a tart and my man of the match was to be Jones but not after he was booked for time wasting. Having placed the ball to his right he was warned by the ref for time wasting and then proceeded to place it to his left giving the ref no choice. My player of the match was 23 Agyemang for Portsmouth for shielding the ball time and again from the clueless Orient defenders. Team:Jones; Vincelot, Cuthbert, Baudry(Omozusi - 62' ), McSweeney, Cox, Cook, Odubajo, James(Rowlands - 79' ), Batt (Lisbie - 67' ), MacDonald. Subs: Grainger, Omozusi, Smith, Rowlands, Sawyer, Lisbie. Baudry limped off and Omozusi looked good replacing him. Players out of contract are the four on short contracts (Rowlands, Cook, Omozusi and MacDonald) plus Batt returning to Millwall. Of these I would only re-employ Rowlands, Omozusi and MacDonald. Time is also up for Mooney, Smith, Cuthbert, Jones, Butcher and McSweeney. 16 th March Down to the last eight games and we have some against opposition that are in or the near relegation zone. Bury and Oldham are in and Scunthorpe and Colchester are near, with Carlisle and Preston below mid table. We demolished Carlisle 4-1. Vincelot opened the scoring by firing in Dean Cox's cross and Shaun Batt stabbed home before the break. Then the Carlisle keeper was sent off for fouling MacDonald in the area. He had already been booked for handling outside the area. Lisbie converted the penalty. Cox made it four a minute from time. Team:Jones; Vincelot, Cuthbert, Clarke, McSweeney, Cox, Cook, Odubajo, Rowlands, Batt(MacDonald -67’), Lisbie(Mooney - 73'), Subs: Grainger, Omozusi, Smith, Sawyer, Mooney, MacDonald. Away at Preston next if the snow does not intervene. Still tenth in the table on 60 points along with Walsall and Coventry. Then Tranmere, Yeovil and Swindon on 63. Bournemouth are on 64 and Sheffield United 65 above them. Doncaster are top on 69 and Brentford two points below them. 22 rd March There was play but goaless. From what I saw on BBC we had none of the play though according to heir website we had 51% of the play. Team:Jones; Vincelot, Cuthbert, Clarke, McSweeney, Cox, Cook, Odubajo, James, Batt(MacDonald -79’), Lisbie(Mooney - 73'), Subs: Grainger, Omozusi, Smith, Lee, Sawyer, Mooney, MacDonald. Four games were postponed and above us Doncaster, Tranmere and Bournemouth won while Swindon, Walsall and Yeovil drew. Coventy lost putting us one point above them. Away to Scunthorpe on Good Friday is next. Cuthbert would be out for the season after suffering a fractured metatarsal. 29 th March If I was Slade it would have drafted Omozusi in. That is exactly what he did but it did not stop us losing in Scunthorpre 2-1. We were a goal down after three minutes and two down after 42. Lisbie headed us back into it four minutes into extra time but we could not find another goal in the second half. Above us Brentford won as did Bournemouth, Sheffield United and Coventry (against leaders Doncaster) . Not that it did Coventry any good as they had ten points deducted for going into administration. Yeovil, Walsall and Swindon all drew. Home to Bury (bottom but one) on Easter Monday. Team:Jones; Vincelot, Clarke, Omozusi, McSweeney, Cox, Odubajo, Rowlands(Smith - 75' ), Lisbie, Batt(Cook - 66' ) , Mooney (MacDonald -82’) Subs: Grainger, Vanderhyde, Sawyer, Smith Cook, MacDonald, James. Graham Westley returned to manage Stevenage with means the sign an O’s player jinx worked with Chorley. Also Simon Church was expecting a new manager after McDermott was sacked. Laird also had a new manager following the sacking of Sturrock. 1 st April We beat Bury with two first half goals. Baudry returned but had to be helped off after 12 minutes to be replaced by Omozusi but 62’ later he had to be replaced by McSweeney. Bury could have been three up in 20’ after some poor defending but we had gone into the lead after 9 from a scramble with Smith netting. From another scramble on 34’ Mooney scored. He and MacDonald should have scored in the second half. Team:Jones; Sawyer, Clarke, Baudry(Omozusi - 12' ), Cox, Odubajo, Smith, Cook(Batt - 46’), MacDonald, James, Mooney. Subs: Grainger, Vanderhyde, Omozusi(McSweeney - 74), McSweeney, Vincelot, Lisbie, Rowlands. Four points away from a play-off place and away to Colchester next. Teams above us Walsall, Tranmere, Yeovil, Swindon and Sheffield United have to play Sheff (H), Doncaster (A), Shrewsbury (H), MK Dons(A) and Walsall (A) respectively. 6 th April We needed to beat Colchester but of course we didn’t. Injuries to Baudry, Omozusi, Cook, Mooney and Cuthbert meant we named only five subs. A goal down in the 20’ was made two in 24th. Lisbie beat the offside trap to get one back on 37’ and although he was given a penalty to take he joined the likes Rowlands and Mooney in missing one. Team:Jones; Vincelot, Clarke, McSweeney, Cox, Odubajo, Smith, MacDonald(Obafemi - 84' ), James(Batt - 46’), Lisbie. Subs: Grainger, Sawyer, Vanderhyde, Obafemi, Batt. Still ninth and four points away from a play-off place. Batt was recalled by Millwall. Midweek results meant we went to tenth in the table (Swindon lost at MK Dons) Carlisle beat Doncaster and Crawley won at Sheffield United. Slade was named as League One Manager of the Month for March. Premier league teams agreed to a new financial cap. Starting from next season clubs will only be allowed to make maximum losses of £105million over three years. Clubs with total wages of over £52million will only be allowed to increase their wages by £4m per season for the next three years. Man City, Chelsea, Villa and Liverpool have £105m-plus losses in the last three years. 13th April We need to win all matches now to have any chance of the last play-of place but now, as well as Cuthbert out for the season it seemed unlikely that Baudry or Omozusi would play any further part. Only Cook came off the treatment table to play. Team:Jones; Sawyer, Vincelot, Clarke, McSweeney, Rowlands, Cox, Odubajo, Smith, MacDonald (Cook - 69' ), Lisbie. Subs: Butcher, Cook, James, Lee, Vanderhyde, Obafemi. This game had everything. Everytime MK got the ball into the net it was ruled out, Moses came close following a back heel from Smith and Jones made two crucial saves. More importantly we got to eighth in the table one point away from a play-off place but we left it late. On 81’ Rowlands lobbed a clearance goal ward which Sawyer controlled with his right foot and fired us into the lead with his left. Nine minutes plus five extra later Lisbie collected a pass in his own half and played it to the unmarked Cox who returned the pass for Lisbie to toe poke it past the keeper for his 16th of the season. Midweek matches saw us back to four points behind the last play-off place and back in ninth place with two other teams MK Dons and Walsall on 67 points. Away at Coventry next. Walsall are at home to bottom placed Bury and MK Dons home to four from bottom Scunthorpe. Not liable to lose those are they? We have a better goal difference though. From 5500 applicants in the Samsung ‘Win a Pro Contract’ competition 19 year-old midfielder Jack Sherratt was given a one year contract by the O’s. He spent 11 years on Port Vale’s books. 20th April We managed to beat the Sky Blues at Coventry but results elsewhere confined us to another year in League One. Dean Cox got the goal just before half time thanks to good work by Moses on the wing. Team:Jones; Sawyer, Vincelot, Clarke, McSweeney, Rowlands, Cox, Odubajo, Smith, Cook (James - 85' ), Lisbie. Subs: Butcher, James, Lee, Vanderhyde. Up to seventh on 70 points but four behind Swindon and Sheffield United. The Blades managed to lose as did MK Dons. Relegation issues are late in being solved in all divisions this year. Parachuting into our division is Bristol City but the other two places will be taken from Barnsley, Wolves or Peterborough all on 51 points. Bournemouth are the only club leaving us from the top half of the table with either Doncaster or Brentford taking the other automatic promotion place. They play each other in the final game. Parachuting out of our division are Bury, Hartlepool, Portsmouth and Scunthorpe though Scunthorpe’s place could be taken by Colchester if the U’s lose by three clear goals and Scunthorpe win their last match. Flying in from League Two are Gillingham and Port Vale with the other place from Rotherham and Cheltenham. Mansfield have been promoted back into the league with the other place from former league clubs Kettering, Newport, Grimsby and Wrexham. Former league clubs Barrow and Stockport county lost their Football Conference Premier status. Long standing/suffering Supporters Club Roy Clifford sent me a link to this Panorama clip. The back end of the clip consists of interviews with a coach load of Orient supporters in 1965 going to Southampton for an FA Cup tie. So far we have identified Albert (with the cap) Ray Bruce sitting next to Denis Braebrook (he was the travel organiser). Terry Baxter (he followed Denis as travel organiser) and Tim Wilson sitting next to Terry. We lost the match 3-1 with Dave Dunmore getting our goal Force the Premier League to back grassroots football. Sign the petition here. Vanderhyde and Lee were offered one-year contracts whilst Harrison Georgiou has been invited back to do pre-season with a view to earning a longer contract. Joe Foley, Sean Grace, Afolabi Obafemi and George Wickings were released. 23rd April. Former O Tony Grealish died at the young age of 56 after fighting cancer. He played over 170 games for us. 27th April This should have been a cracking match with nothing for either team to fight for but it wasn’t. It started well with Smith putting us a goal up after ten minutes following good work by Obudajo and a back flip from MacDonald which Smith thundered home. Team:Jones; Sawyer, Vincelot, Clarke, McSweeney(Cook - 73' ), Cox, Odubajo, Smith, James (Lee - 82' ), Lisbie, MacDonald. Subs: Butcher, Rowlands, Cook, Lee, Vanderhyde, Georgiou. The Second half was under a minute old when McSweeney lost possession in his own half and Sawyer ball watched rather than mark his man to let the Latics draw level and that is how it stayed. Lee was given his debut and did no wrong in the short time he was on. So we finished on 71 points three short of a play-off place. Cuthbert signed another two-year deal and Vincelot, Mooney and Omozusi were offered deals. According to the BBC website Lee Butcher, Lee Cook, Charlie MacDonald, Leon McSweeney, Martin Rowlands and Jimmy Smith have not been offered new contracts at this stage. 2 nd May Omozusi signed the one-year contract offered. June. Mike Cestor and Adam Newton have agreed terms to remain at Woking but Lock Pires was not so lucky. Darren Purse and Calvin Andrew were not retained by Port Vale. Rumours were circulating that Burton wanted to sign Symes and Port Vale were keen on Griffith. We were interested in Barnet’s Ricky Holmes. Barnet had released 13 players following their drop into the Conference along with Aldershot who promptly went into liquidation and made 13 players redundant. Bury released 16 following their drop back into League Two. Exeter did not think they would be able to offer Cureton a new contract. Chelmsford City have confirmed the departure of Aiden Palmer to Ebbsfleet who have confirmed that they have agreed a fee of £13,000 for the transfer of midfield player Daryl McMahon from Blue Square Bet South rivals Dover Athletic. Jimmy Smith signed for Stevenage. Oxford United were set to sign David Hunt after his Crawley Town exit. Slade’s first signing of the summer(?) was 19-year-old goalkeeper Jake Larkins on a one-yeral deal. I can only assume that the reason to release Butcher was cost. Hearn also made summer re-signings of Slade and the two Kevin’s (Nugent and Dearden) until the end of the 2015/16 season. Vincelot signed a three year contract for us. Hearts were in trouble putting up all their players for sale and hoping to pay off £40m debt. Coventry threatened to move from their stadium rather than pay the rent. The council who part own the company that own the ground gave them a year rent free. Ashley Bayes became coach/player at AFC Wimbledon. David Mooney signed a two-year contract with us. Jamie Cureton joined Cheltenham. Shrewsbury Town have made their third defensive signing of the summer by bringing in Tamika Mkandawire, following his release by Millwall. Martin Ling got the sack from Torquay. Didn’t think you could sack people if they were sick? Batt refused to sign another contract with Millwall sparking rumours he would join us. And he did, on a two-year contract which was probably why Holmes signed for Portsmouth. Alan McCormack left Swindon for Brentford. Luke Ashworth has put pen to paper on an extension to his contract to remain with Conference Premier club Hyde for a further year. Slade said that should Symes and Griffith depart he would attempt to sign another forward though it might be a young one and another midfileder. Symes duly departed to Burton. July. Oxford United signed Tom Newey. Bournemouth: Stephen Purches to took up a player-coach role. John Still, manager - Luton Town, has signed Luke Guttridge following his release from League Two Play-Off Final runners-up Northampton Town. Hakan Hayrettin is leaving his position as manager of Ryman League Premier Division club Grays Athletic to take up an assistant manager's position with Conference Premier side Luton Town. Derek Duncan has made the switch from Conference South side Maidenhead United to Ryman League Premier Division club AFC Hornchurch. His previous clubs include Grays Athletic, Wycombe Wanderers, AFC Wimbledon and Ebbsfleet United, before he joined Woking in the summer of 2011, making 22 starting appearances for their championship winning side. Scott Wagstaff left Charlton for Bristol City. Andy Barcham moved from Scunthorpe to Portsmouth. Ryan Jarvis went from Torquay to York. Charlie MacDonald joined Oldham in a year-long deal. 8 th The friendly at Chelmsford went well. Goaless at half time we won 0-7. Teams: (first half): Jones; Omozusi, Clarke, Sherratt, Sawyer; Odubajo, Georgiou, Griffith, Benoit; Bertrand, Mooney. Second half: Larkins; Lee, Cuthbert, Baudry, Vanderhyde; Cox(1), Vincelot, James, Lasimant (2); Lisbie (2), Batt (2). Russell Slade fielded two French trialists (Yohann Lasimant and ?) in the O's side. Jack Sherratt was handed his first start for the club after winning last year's Samsung Win a Pro competition. Baudry signed a new two-year contract. Obafemi joined Dagenham on a one-year deal. 12 th Away at Welling we won 1-4 with goals from Mooney (2) Batt and Cox. Pires scord the Welling goal. First half XI: Jones; Omozusi, Cuthbert, Clarke, Lee; Odubajo, Vincelot, Michael Clarkson (trialist), Cox; Mooney, Batt Second half Orient XI: Larkins; Lee, Cuthbert (Alex Finney - 63'), Clarke (Joe Kiszzy - trialist 53'), Vanderhyde; Cox (Alex Addai - trialist 56'), Clarkson (Georgiou - 63'), Sherratt, Odubajo (Uzun - 63'); Lisbie, Mooney (Chris Gaddi - trialist 56') 16 th Griffith rejoined Port Vale and true to his word Slade signed another midfielder in trialist Yohann Lasimant. The 23-year-old joins on a year-long contract. 17 th Away at Tamworth an early goal from Odubajo was not enough as we drew 1-1. Fielding trialist Alex Addai the team was:Larkins; Cuthbert (Vanderhyde 78), Baudry (Omozusi 67), Clarke (C), Sawyer; Batt (Georgiou 67), Vincelot, James, Odubajo; Mooney, Lisbie (Addai 67) Subs: Sherratt. George Porter joined AFC Wimbledon on a year loan. The death was announced of Phil Woosnam at 80. 20 th A game behind closed doors at Southend ended 3-3 with goals from Lisbie(2) and Mooney. 24 th Against New York Cosmos we beat them 2-1 with a goal from Mooney and a penalty from Lisbie. 26 th An inexperienced team went down to a 2-1 defeat at St Albans City. They fielded trialist Ross Jenkins from Watford. Team:: Larkins; Vanderhyde, Sampayo, Finney, Kizzi; Lee, Georgiou, Donnelly (Sandy, 21, Uzun 62), Jenkins (Louhoungou, 67), Sherratt; Djaziri. 29 th Another game behind closed doors saw us draw 1-1 at QPR. Moses Odubajo got our goal. 30 th Against an Arsenal 11 we drew 4-4. First Scott Cuthbert and then Kevin Lisbie found the net from consecutive corners from Lloyd James. Mooney scored just before the break to give us a 3-2 lead. Russell Slade made 10 changes for the second period including trialists Ross Jenkins, Johnny Gorman and George Bowerman all entering the fray. Gorman made an immediate impact scoring the O's fourth on the night, coolly rounding the keeper to slot home. So much so that he landed a years contract the next day. Arsenal found the net late on to get the draw. They also signed Burnley midfielder Marvin Bartley on a 28 day loan. Bartley joined Burnley in January 2011 making 36 (29) league appearances for them after costing £350,00 from Bournemouth 89 (24). John Gorman was a trainee at Wolves but only made one substitute appearance. He spent six years at Man Utd. He was loaned to Plymouth, Macclesfield and Cambridge Utd but made only one league appearance but six as sub. He did score a goal at Plymouth in the League Cup. So about this time I list my relegation and promotion favourites. Not that I am any good at it but here goes. Ignoring as usual the promoted and relegation into our league and us I think that the clubs with the money should be near the top so that means Wolves, Sheff Utd, MK Dons and I will go for Port Vale as I like their manager Adams. As most clubs do not get promotion at the first attempt I will ignore Wolves and substitute Brentford. Going down I fancy Gillingham, Rotherham, Colchester and Oldham. Accrington have announced the signing of Newcastle midfielder Michael Richardson on a one-month loan deal. Simon Church left Reading and joined Charlton. August 3 rd Slade targeted the play-offs and it started well at Carlisle where we went a goal up on 22’ from Lisbie and two up 15 minutes later from Cuthbert. Carlisle lost a man following a bad challenge on Clarke. After a seven-minute injury delay which ended with Clarke being replaced by Omozusi Baudry managed to give away a penalty just before half time as we went into the break 1-2 up. Team: 01 Jones, 03 Sawyer, 05 Cuthbert, 06 Baudry, 15 Clarke(Omozusi-33’), 04 Vincelot, 08 James, 11 Odubajo, 14 Batt (Cox-69’), 09 Lisbie (Gorman-83’), 10 Mooney. Substitutes: 12 Larkins, 02 Omozusi, 17 Vanderhyde, 07 Cox, 16 Lee, 20 Gorman, 21 Bartley. David Mooney's header and two shots by substitute Dean Cox sealed the win. Cox curled a low right-footed effort beyond Gillespie from just inside the area for his first and completed the scoring when a fine strike found the net via the underside of the crossbar. So top of the league after one match. Leyton Orient boss Russell Slade told BBC London 94.9: "We were strong and ruthless in front of goal and I liked that we kept going and you take any kind of win and it was pleasing. "It's my first win in 10 seasons on the opening day, and it's great to get the three points and come out on the winning side." David Button left Charlton for Brentford. Cureton scored his first goal for Cheltenham and dislocated his shoulder. August 6 th Troubled side Coventry were our opponents at home in the League Cup. They had been docked ten points for going into administration and some say the the League were lenient as it could/should have been 15. This match was either exciting or dire depending on your point of view. Coventry when into the lead, we lead at half time, our opponents for the second consecutive match had a man sent off, Jones saved a penalty and we won the match late on. Slade opted to start with the same team that finished the Carlisle match with the exception of Gorman: 01 Jones, 03 Sawyer, 05 Cuthbert, 06 Baudry, 02 Omozusi, 04 Vincelot, 08 James, 11 Odubajo, 07 Cox, 09 Lisbie, 10 Mooney. Substitutes: 12 Larkins, 17 Vanderhyde, 16 Lee, 20 Gorman, 18 Sherratt, 19 Lasimant. Batt and Bartley had hamstring injuries so Slade was unable to fill all the substitute vacancies. Coventry started brightest and Baker gave them the lead after beating Sawyer twice and firing home from an acute angle. Goals from Lisbie and Cox gave us the lead. Baker was sent off in the second half fro a rash tackle on Vincelot but then drew level. Clarke, who had been in the refs bad books then failed to score from the spot but may be down to a good guess by Jones. In the last minute of normal time Odubajo’s cross found Lisbie’s head to give us the lead and a home tie with Hull. Sawyer had a nightmare, so much so that Slade gave Cox the job of second left back. Lasimant came on for Cox on 85'. Is this the first time we have fielded three French players? Defenders Cuthbert, Omosuzi and Baudry were, except Cuthbert’s penalty, faultless. August 10 th Home to relegation favourites Shrewsbury. Rumour had it that Slade was interested in Kidderminster’s left back though they would need a fee. Clarke returned and Sawyer dropped to the subs bench. Batt and Bartley were both fit and sat alongside him. Team: 01 Jones, 15 Clarke, 05 Cuthbert, 06 Baudry, 02 Omozusi, 04 Vincelot, 08 James, 11 Odubajo, 07 Cox, 09 Lisbie, 10 Mooney. Substitutes: 12 Larkins, 16 Lee, 20 Gorman, 19 Lasimant, 03 Sawyer, 14 Batt and 21 Bartley. The first half was nothing to get excited about but twelve minutes after the restart Cuthbert crossed for Mooney to head into the bottom of the net. Six minutes later the repeated the feat when Cuthbert’s throw was headed on by Lisbie. Mooney just stooped to head into the empty net. Batt replaced Lisbie on 66’ and showed that despite his height he cannot win the ball in the air. Ten minutes later James made way for Bartley then on 88’ Lasimant came on for Cox and we looked more lively. Moses picked up the ball in his own half and ran the length of the before placing it into the net beyond the reach of the keepers left hand. The back four of Cuthbert, Clarke, Baudry and Omosuzi did not put a foot wrong. Stevenage, without a point are our next opponents away. August 17 th A goal on 29’ from Lisbie gave us the points. Odubajo provided the cross. Team: 01 Jones, 15 Clarke, 05 Cuthbert, 06 Baudry (Sawyer - 71' ), 02 Omozusi, 04 Vincelot, 08 James(Bartley - 80' ), 11 Odubajo(Gorman - 65' ), 07 Cox, 09 Lisbie(Batt - 89' ), 10 Mooney. Substitutes: 12 Larkins, 16 Lee, 20 Gorman, 19 Lasimant, 03 Sawyer, 14 Batt and 21 Bartley. Lisbie thought he should have had a penalty when the goalie bought his down. the referee thought he had dived and booked him instead. Calvin Andrew plays for Mansfield. August 24 th Heavy rain made the passing game difficult in this game of two penalties, One Lisbie missed, the other Mooney scored but Odabajo had given us the lead on 7’ following a smart pass from Cox. Team: 01 Jones, 15 Clarke, 05 Cuthbert, 06 Baudry, 02 Omozusi, 04 Vincelot, 08 James(Bartley - 76' ), 11 Odubajo, 07 Cox, 09 Lisbie, 10 Mooney(Lasimant - 83' ). Substitutes: 12 Larkins, 16 Lee, 20 Gorman, 19 Lasimant, 03 Sawyer, 17 Vanderhyde and 21 Bartley. Thus we drew level with the record set in 1910 when we started the season beating Stockport County away 0-3 (Scott, Bevan, Goffin), Derby at home 1-0 (Bevan), Barnsley away 1-2 (Scott, Parker) and Leicester Fosse at home 3-1 (Scott 2, Goffin). These were the only two goals Goffin scored for the club that season. After four years with the club his last game was in the 2-1 win at home to Blackpool on February 26th 1911 after playing a total of 66 games scoring 13 goals. In July of that year he joined New Brompton (now Gillingham) playing 78 games scoring 11 goals. His number eight shirt was filled by Bob Dalrymple. This 31 year- old Glaswegian was signed for a record £300 in January 1911 from Fulham. He scored six times in his 17 outings in 1910-11. Bevan was top scorer that season with a dozen goals. Second was Scott, three behind him. We finished fourth in 1910-11 taking 45 points from 38 games. Records for past season can be viewed on this site.Or try the Soccerbase site. That won’t give you the scorers or teams. For this you need the books on the club, Leyton Orient A Complete Record and The Men Who Made Leyton Orient. Home to Hull in the League Cup next. August 27 th We didn’t win this one but they are two leagues above us and we did take them to extra time before going out to the only goal of the game. Team: 01 Jones, 15 Clarke, 05 Cuthbert, 21 Bartley (Gorman - 69' ), 02 Omozusi, 04 Vincelot, 08 James(Bartley - 76' ), 11 Odubajo, 07 Cox, 09 Lisbie(Lasimant - 66' ), 10 Mooney. Substitutes: 12 Larkins, 16 Lee, 20 Gorman, 19 Lasimant, 17 Vanderhyde and 06 Baudry. August 27 th Charlie Hasler told me we hadn’t won a league game at Colchester for 60 years (1951) but records are there to be broken and we broke two. Cox provided the passes to Mooney (13’) before Jabo drew them level and then Lisbie (63’) to give us the points and a new record. Team: 01 Jones, 15 Clarke, 05 Cuthbert, 06 Baudry, 02 Omozusi, 04 Vincelot, 08 James(Bartley - 78' ), 11 Odubajo, 07 Cox, 09 Lisbie(Batt 76’), 10 Mooney. Substitutes: 12 Larkins, 16 Lee, 20 Gorman, 17 Vanderhyde and 21 Bartley. Bartley signed on loan till January and Slade bought in Jayden Stockley on a one-month loan deal from Bournemouth. Ex O’s: Harry Beautyman has pledged his immediate future to Conference South club Sutton United despite wanting league football. He thought he might have caught the eye having won himself an England 'C' cap in the fixture away to Bermuda. Brian Saah left Torquay for Wayne Burnett’s Dagenham & Redbridge for free. Gary Hooper [Celtic - Norwich] £5m (reported). Ryan Dickson joined Colchester from Southampton free. Accrington have announced the signing of Newcastle midfielder Michael Richardson on a one-month loan deal. Simon Church went from Reading to Charlton on a free. Ian Bogie has resigned as manager of Skrill North club Stockport County. Harrogate Towns Alan White has dual-registration to Evo-Stik League Division One North side Darlington. Since leaving the O's he played for Boston United, Notts County, Peterborough United (loan), Darlington, Luton Town, Darlington (loan), Stalybridge Celtic, Gateshead, and Blyth Spartans. September 3 rd Away to Gillingham in the JP Trophy. Slade rested Lisbie and ‘promoted’ Cox, Cuthbert and Mooney to the bench to join Larkins and Lee. In their place came Bartley, Stockley, Gorman and Batt. Batt scored from the penalty spot after Vincelot was fouled. Just before half time Batt made it two when he found the net with his right foot from a pass by Moses. On 58’ he complested his hat trick with his left foot. The Gills managed to get one back on 69’. Team: 01 Jones, 15 Clarke, 06 Baudry, 02 Omozusi, 04 Vincelot, 08 James, 21 Bartley (Cox - 90' ), 20 Gorman (Cuthbert - 81' ), 22 Stockley, 11 Odubajo, 14 Batt (Mooney - 65' ). Substitutes: 12 Larkins, 16 Lee, 05 Cuthbert, 10 Mooney and 07 Cox. We drew Coventry at home in the next round. No match on Saturday as the team we were due to play, Notts County have a player on International duty. Orient youngster De'Reece Vanderhyde has joined Skrill South side Concord Rangers on a month's loan. The defender is yet to feature this year for the O's but has been named several time on the bench for Russell Slade's troops. He has now gone on loan to the Canvey Island based outfit for a month with the aim of gaining some valuable first team experience. Rangers are currently placed 16th in the Skrill South after five games. Home to Port Vale next. September 14 th Home to Port Vale. Jones the Flap. Vale went into the lead following a non marking error from the left side of the pitch. Jones flapped at it straight to their man who stooped to head it past four Orient players. We struck back with a fine vollyed goal from Mooney after Lisbie had chested it on to him. We went into the lead thanks to Vincelot whose cross found Mooney who vollyed into the net. Vale then drew back after Jones flapped at another ball straight again into the path of Myrie-Williams whose shot hit the prostrate Baudry and flew into the top of the net. Two minutes from time a piece of magic saw us take all three points and continue our winning record. The ball found Lisbie who took the ball on despite being closely marked by four players. Dummying twice his shot flew into the net. Team: 01 Jones, 15 Clarke, 05 Cuthbert(Batt 68’), 06 Baudry, 02 Omozusi, 04 Vincelot, 08 James(Bartley - 74' ), 11 Odubajo, 07 Cox, 09 Lisbie(Stockley 89’), 10 Mooney. Substitutes: 12 Larkins, 14 Batt,16 Lee, 20 Gorman, 19 Lasimant, 22 Stockley and 21 Bartley. Notts County have not yet won a game and they are our opponents next Tuesday night. Are they our nemisis? September 17 th Magnificent Seven. There was a time that playing a team at the bottom of the league spelt trouble. Luckily not this season as we ran out 5-1 winners. Lisbie got the first when he headed down James’ cross. His second came after a Cox shot was parried into his path. Team: 01 Jones, 15 Clarke, 05 Cuthbert, 06 Baudry, 02 Omozusi, 04 Vincelot, 08 James, 11 Odubajo, 07 Cox, 09 Lisbie, 10 Mooney. Substitutes: 12 Larkins, 14 Batt(Lisbie -62'),16 Lee, 20 Gorman, 19 Lasimant(Odubajo -86), 22 Stockley(Mooney - 82' ) and 18 Sherratt. Cox made it 3-0 after 56’ but County got on back before Batt scored after being on the field for 18’. Four minutes later Stockley made it 5-1. The next two matches I believed would set us more of a workout as Brentford and Walsall were 10 th and 7 th respectively in the table. Away at Griffin Park on a Monday night due to its televisation was first. September 21 st Grr eight. Bees manager Roesler beleived he had found a weakness in the O’s team. Must have kept that to himself as we ran out 0-2 winners thanks to a penalty from Mooney after he was wrestled to the ground by their Logan and Batt after he had latched on to Obubajo’s through ball after being on the pitch for three minutes. Team: 01 Jones, 15 Clarke, 05 Cuthbert, 06 Baudry, 02 Omozusi, 04 Vincelot, 08 James, 11 Odubajo, 07 Cox, 09 Lisbie, 10 Mooney. Substitutes: 12 Larkins, 14 Batt(Lisbie -82'), 21 Bartley(Mooney - 89' ), 20 Gorman, 19 Lasimant, 22 Stockley(Mooney - 82' ) and 03 Sawyer. Sawyer returned to action after a month out through an achilles injury. Five points clear of Peterborough and Wolves. We need to win 14 on the bounce to beat Reading run of 13 in 1985/86 and win ten to equal that from 1955/56 for wins in a row. Those games: January 1956 Sat 21 Leyton Orient 2-1 Brentford Julians 2 February 1956 Sat 4 Watford 0-4 Leyton Orient Julians 2, Woosnam, Hartburn(pen) Sat 11 Leyton Orient 1-0 Reading Hartburn Sat 18 Leyton Orient 3-1 Newport County Julians 2, White Sat 25 Swindon Town 1-2 Leyton Orient Woosnam, Johnston March 1956 Sat 3 Leyton Orient 7-1 Queens Park Rangers Hartburn 4, Heckman 3 Sat 10 Northampton Town 0-1 Leyton Orient Facey Sat 17 Leyton Orient 8-3 Aldershot Johnston 3, Heckman 2, Woosnam 2, Hartburn Sat 24 Crystal Palace 1-2 Leyton Orient White, Johnston Fri 30 Leyton Orient 3-2 Torquay United Julians 2, Heckman The story goes according to Kaufman and Ravenhill in their book (see above) that returning from an away match in January (possibly Coventry which we lost 3-0) The players and directors were discussing the need for a quality striker to cement their promotion push. When asked, captain Stan Aldous suggested Tommy Johnston of Newport County. On the 24th February Harry Zussman signed Johnston after hearing Newport were short of cash. He paid £4,500 plus Mike Burgess. Tommy scored on his debut and another seven goals this season from 15 games. We were promoted that year scoring 106 goals. Defender Scott Cuthbert (hip) is set to miss out against Walsall and Mathieu Baudry needs an infected cut above his eye assessed whilst there are doubts over striker Shaun Batt (virus) and Jayden Stockley (knee). September 28 th Nein. Despite the Saddlers being down to ten men after 17’ and Mooney powering us into the lead after 38’ we were held to a a draw when they equalised on 71’. Vincelot was sent off in injury time after two bookable offences. Team: 01 Jones, 15 Clarke, 05 Cuthbert, 06 Baudry, 02 Omozusi, 04 Vincelot, 08 James, 11 Odubajo, 07 Cox, 09 Lisbie, 10 Mooney. Substitutes: 12 Larkins, 14 Batt(Cuthbert 74’), 21 Bartley, 20 Gorman, 19 Lasimant, 22 Stockley(Lisbie - 85' ) and 03 Sawyer. Away to Oldham next. I would replace Vincelot with Bartley for minimal disruption. Moses was linked with a £3m move to Spurs in the January window. October 6 th Another 1-1. Charle MacDonald put the Latics into a first half lead. It took Batt only two minutes to draw us level after replacing Cox though the Oldham boss thought it was offside. Team: 01 Jones, 15 Clarke, 05 Cuthbert, 06 Baudry, 02 Omozusi, 21 Bartley, 08 James, 11 Odubajo, 07 Cox, 09 Lisbie, 10 Mooney. Substitutes: 12 Larkins, 14 Batt(Cox 64’), 20 Gorman, 19 Lasimant, 22 Stockley(Bartley 85'), 16 Lee and 03 Sawyer. Stockley extended his loan until January 4 th . Charlie Grainger was loaned to Cray Wanderers for an initial month. October 8 th JP Trophy at home against Coventry. Slade made five changes from the starters at Oldham with Vincelot returning to replace Baudry who was serving a one match ban following five bookings. Lisbie took a rest and Cox, Mooney and Bartley got to sit on the bench. Starting were Batt, Lasimant, Stockley and Sawyer. Team: 01 Jones, 03 Sawyer, 15 Clarke, 05 Cuthbert, 04 Vincelot, 02 Omozusi, 19 Lasimant, 22 Stockley 08 James, 11 Odubajo, 14 Batt, Substitutes: 12 Larkins, 07 Cox(Lasimant 74’), 10 Mooney(Batt 65’), 21 Bartley(Stockley 83’), 16 Lee. Our first goalless game of the season. Luckily the Sky Blues could not find the net either so it went to penalties and we came ahead 4-2 with Jones saving one of them. Their manager moaned that Cuthbert should have had a red card instead of the yellow one he received. Home to MK Dons next. They are seventh in the table. October 12 th MK Done. Slade reverted to the side he put out against Walsall now that the suspensions were over. Team: 01 Jones, 15 Clarke, 05 Cuthbert, 06 Baudry, 02 Omozusi, 04 Vincelot, 08 James, 11 Odubajo, 07 Cox, 09 Lisbie, 10 Mooney. Substitutes: 12 Larkins, 14 Batt(Lisbie 73’), 21 Bartley, 16 Lee, 19 Lasimant, 22 Stockley, and 03 Sawyer. Dons went into the lead on 30’ following a backing off maneuver from Clarke on the left side of the field. Two goals of the highest calibre gave us all the points. Mooney dispossessed a Dons player in his own area and fed Lisbie who laid the ball off for Odubajo to left foot it into the net. On 67’ Lisbie laid off the ball to Mooney who returned the compliment and Lisbie slide the ball past the advancing keeper. Jones did well keeping out a point blank shot. Away to Tranmere who are in the bottom four with Bristol City, Notts County and Sheffield Utd. We have be likened to Tranmere who were also top of the table for a long period last season and slid down the table to 11 th . Peter Taylor wants the Gillingham managers job on a permanent basis following the sacking of Martin Adams. A interview with Robert Taylor from a Brentford point of view. October 19 th Dirty Dozen. According to the BBC website Tranmere needed to make nine changes and it told. Lisbie put us one up as James, yes James out run the Tranmere defence to cross for Lisbie to right foot it home on 22’. Moses fed Cox and his miss hit shot went straight to Lisbie to make it 0-2. For at least the third time this season a member of the opposition got sent off but Mooney’s penalty hit the post, hit him on the rebound and went in. Offside. Cox got on the score sheet on 78’ and Batt made it four after being on the the pitch 13’ latching onto a fine through ball from Lasimant. Team: 01 Jones, 15 Clarke, 05 Cuthbert, 06 Baudry, 02 Omozusi, 04 Vincelot, 08 James, 11 Odubajo, 07 Cox, 09 Lisbie, 10 Mooney. Substitutes: 12 Larkins, 14 Batt(Lisbie 72’), 21 Bartley, 20 Gorman, 19 Lasimant(Odubajo 81’), 22 Stockley(Mooney - 85' ), and 03 Sawyer. October 22 nd No bakers dozen. Lisbie played no part in this match and Slade signed an untested youth from QPR for a month. Frankie Sutherland is a 19 year-old central midfielder. Coventry scored on 10’, 67’ and 77’ with Lasimant getting one back on 90’. Team: 01 Jones, 15 Clarke, 05 Cuthbert, 06 Baudry, 02 Omozusi, 04 Vincelot, 08 James, 11 Odubajo, 07 Cox, 14 Batt, 10 Mooney. Substitutes: 12 Larkins, 24 Sutherland, 21 Bartley, 20 Gorman, 19 Lasimant(Mooney 75’), 22 Stockley(Batt - 69'), and 03 Sawyer(Omozusi - 82’). It might have been a different story if Mooney had scored from the penalty spot on 57’. Poor defending i.e. lack of a tackle from James and Cuthbert was responsible for the first two. Trouble is with Lisbie rested we have nobody on the bench who is a goalscorer. Ninth in the table Rotherham are the next visitors to E10. October 27 th Millers Mugged. We were still top of the league on goal difference (21) from Peterborough, Lisbie was 50/50 to start but did whereas Baudry did not start. Slade drafted in Sawyer, shunted Cuthbert into the middle and Omozusi to right back. The only goal of the game was provided by Moses whose cross was met by Cox but his shot came off the keeper and his second hit a defender then the bar then back into paly and Coxs tap was poked into the net by Lisbie. Jones had nothing to do but in the last five minutes their keeper kept out three shots to save which he did well to do so. Team: 01 Jones, 15 Clarke, 05 Cuthbert, 03 Sawyer, 02 Omozusi, 04 Vincelot, 08 James, 11 Odubajo, 07 Cox, 09 Lisbie, 10 Mooney. Substitutes: 12 Larkins, 24 Sutherland, 21 Bartley(James 68’), 20 Gorman, 19 Lasimant, 22 Stockley(Lisbie 82’), and 14 Batt(Mooney 68’). We stayed top of the league, Peterborough, our next opponents away, lost to Colchester. We are at home to Southport in the FA Cup. Sheratt and Grainger have been loaned to Cray Wanderers for a month. Lee Butcher is playing for Welling Utd. November 2 nd Out Poshed. “Every player we have is either playing or on the bench” said Slade. No change in the team with Baudry still out with a knee injury. Posh had problems and without Taylor who had been recalled to Ipswich and seven goal Lee Tomlin, suspended after being sent off last week. He also faces an FA misconduct charge after kicking out at some water bottles after his red card. We went behind after 26’ following a free kick which was allowed to drift into the box. Mooney drew us level six minutes before half time after a cross from Omozusi was flicked on by Lisbie. Mooney controlled the ball turned and as he fell struck the ball fiercely into the net. Earlier he had hit the crossbar from about the same distance. Moses found Cox from the rebound but he struck his shot wide. Four minutes into the second half Lisbie found Cox wide on the right and with the goalkeeper rushing out to cover him Cox lobbed the ball into the net evading four defenders. Nine minutes later Cox found Mooney in about the same place from where he scored and Mooney took the direct route, smashing the ball across the face of the net into the corner. Earlier a similar shot went through the keepers legs and across the face of the net without finding it. Team: 01 Jones, 15 Clarke, 05 Cuthbert, 03 Sawyer, 02 Omozusi, 04 Vincelot, 08 James, 11 Odubajo, 07 Cox, 09 Lisbie, 10 Mooney. Substitutes: 12 Larkins, 24 Sutherland, 21 Bartley(Odubajo 90’), 20 Gorman, 19 Lasimant, 22 Stockley, and 14 Batt(Cox 77’). We stayed top though if Wolves beat Carlisle away on Tuesday night they would be joint top. They didn’t and could only manage a draw. November 9 th “Emergency Ward Ten. Slade rested Lisbie and placed Jones, James, Cox, Odubajo on the bench. They were replaced by Larkins, Sutherland, Gorman, Lasimant and Batt. We only had five subs with Vanderhyde being the other. Southport’s Brown had to be sretchered off after 15’ and their goalie replaced at the same time but we were 2-0 up by then. Batt put us in the lead follow a pass from Gorman then a pass from Sawyer saw Mooney make it two with a one-touch goal reminding me of Mickey Bullock. On 38’ the stretcher had to be used again as Sutherland was taken off to be replaced by James. Seven minutes later he made it three from a pass by Lasimant but not before Southport had scored from a ball that bounced off the upright and through Larkins hands. Batt added his second on 56’ from close range following a header from Clarke(?). Cox had been on the pitch (replaced Batt) six minutes when he received a pass from Vincelot and smashed it right footed into the net. The Yellows got their second three minutes from time thanks to a mistake by Cuthbert. Team:12 Larkins , 02 Omozusi , 03 Sawyer , 04 Vincelot , 05 Cuthbert , 15 Clarke , 19 Lasimant, 24 Sutherland, 14 Batt, 10 Mooney , 20 Gorman , Substitutes, 01 Jones , 07 Cox(Batt - 61' ) , 08 James (Sutherland- 38' ), 11 Odubajo (Mooney- 75' ), 17 Vanderhyde. Walsall at home in the next round but before that away at Stevenage in the JP Trophy. Sutherland returned to QPR after suffering a anterior cruciate ligament . Slade got striker(?) Robbie Simpson a free agent on a two month deal. Last season he played 44 games for Oldham scoring four goals, collected 10 yellow cards and one red. In the league he has made a total of 88(79) apps scoring 16 goals though he has fared better in cup games 24(12) 13goals. He played for Brentford on loan, Huddersfield paid £300,00 but only played him 9 times in two and a half years and no he didn’t score for them. Before that Coventry paid £40,00 to Cambridge City for him. November 12 th We crashed out of the JPT 3-2 at Sevenage. Clark was missing for this one and Sladed decided Sawyer was the man to fill the gap. We let in three goals in the first 16’ and although Mooney made it 2-1 and James scored from the spot just before half time we failed to progress despite them missing a penalty and having a man sent off on 38’. Team: 01 Jones, 05 Cuthbert, 03 Sawyer, 02 Omozusi, 08 James, 11 Odubajo, 07 Cox, 21 Bartley, 10 Mooney, 22 Stockley, 14 Batt. Substitutes: 12 Larkins, 17 Vanderhyde. 19 Lasimant(Batt 72’), 09 Lisbie(Mooney 68’), and Simpson(Stockley 79’). November 16 th North Ended. If the Peterborough game was the best seen for a long time then this one was the reverse and we conceded top spot. Vincelot was missing from this one having been found guilty of getting a deliberate yellow card. Clarke returned. PNE scored after 33’ and that won them the match in front of the highest attendance of the season 7123. Team: 01 Jones, 15 Clarke, 05 Cuthbert, 03 Sawyer, 02 Omozusi, 21 Bartley, 08 James, 11 Odubajo, 07 Cox, 09 Lisbie, 10 Mooney. Substitutes: 12 Larkins, 25 Simpson(Mooney 81’), 19 Lasimant, 22 Stockley, 06 Baudry(James 70’), 17 Vanderhyde and 14 Batt(Sawyer 62’). Slade got Millwall midfielder Josh Wright on loan until January 2 nd . Clapton Football Club’s 17 year old striker Jerome Martelli is now on trial with us. Jerome is currently on trial with the club’s under 18s and is also getting some good training with the reserve team. November 23 rd Away to seventh placed Swindon. Baudry and Vincelot returned and Slade prefered Bartley to James. We went a goal down on 23’ but just for a minute as Mooney right footed us level from outside the box. Six minutes before half time and a minute after Odubajo made it 1-3. Results went our way with Wolves drawing at home to Brentford and Posh losing at home to Stevenage. Coventry got hammered at home 1-5 by Tranmere. Back on top by a point. Team: 01 Jones, 15 Clarke, 05 Cuthbert, 02 Omozusi, 06 Baudry, 04 Vincelot, 21 Bartley, 11 Odubajo, 07 Cox, 09 Lisbie, 10 Mooney. Substitutes: 12 Larkins, 03 Sawyer, 08 James, 22 Stockley(Mooney 92), 24 Wright(Bartley 88’), 25 Simpson and 14 Batt(Lisbie 76’). Home next to Sheff Utd who are in the bottom four despite winning away at Bristol City though they are below them. But not before we are away to Bristol City. November 26 th Away to Bristol City. We went a goal up thanks to Mooney then they drew level. We went back into the lead when a madly spinnng shot from Odubajo spun out of the keepers hands and Cox slid it home. Bad marking from the left side of the pitch lead to an own goal from Cuthbert. So we lost our top spot again. Wagstaffe played for City but Shorey was only a sub. Team: 01 Jones, 15 Clarke, 05 Cuthbert, 02 Omozusi, 06 Baudry, 04 Vincelot, 08 James, 11 Odubajo, 07 Cox, 09 Lisbie, 10 Mooney. Substitutes: 12 Larkins, 03 Sawyer, 22 Stockley, 24 Wright, 25 Simpson(Mooney 90’), 21 Bartley(James 86’), and 14 Batt(Lisbie 74’). Stockley was recalled to Bournemouth two months early and Vanderhythe was loaned to Welling until the new year. Slade must be considering who he will be offering a new contract to. By my reckoning they would be Jones, Sawyer, Omozusi, Clarke, James, Cox, Lisbie and Larkins. November 30 th Home to Sheffield United. The Blades took the lead in the 67’ despite three defenders having an attempt to clear the ball. It took us courtesy of Cox to get us a point eight minutes from time. Baudry has his worse gaem of the season.Back to the top of the league though as Wolves lost at Peterborough. Team: 01 Jones, 15 Clarke, 05 Cuthbert, 02 Omozusi, 06 Baudry, 04 Vincelot, 08 James, 11 Odubajo, 07 Cox, 14 Batt, 10 Mooney. Substitutes: 12 Larkins, 03 Sawyer, 24 Wright(James 69’), 25 Simpson(Cuthbert 72’), 21 Bartley(Vincelot 88’), and 20 Gorman. December 7 th Home In the FA Cup to Walsall. Mooney madness. Acting manager Nugent said we were down to the bare bones as Lisbie, Clarke and Cuthbert played no part in the match. Slade, who was sick watched from his flat inside the ground. Talk in the clubroom was that Clarke and Cuthbert were approaching five yellow cards and therefore a ban. If that was the case then Mooney did not read the script as he was first booked (100% avoidable) and then sent off for taking a kick at a defender. Four minutes from half time Mooney crossed the ball and Batt swung a leg at it and missed. Cox controlled it took a step to his right and lashed it into the roof of the net to send us into the next round an away tie at Yeovil who while a league above us they are only three places away. The game was lacking in someone of Lisbie’s classy weighted balls into the path of his colleagues but time and again (nine times?) we were caught offside. Team: 01 Jones, 03 Sawyer, 02 Omozusi, 06 Baudry, 04 Vincelot, 08 James, 11 Odubajo, 07 Cox, 14 Batt, 10 Mooney, 19 Lasimant. Substitutes: 12 Larkins, 25 Simpson(Cox 60’), 16 Lee(Batt 65’), 27 Ling, 26 Finney and 20 Gorman(Lasimant 75’). Omozusi played in the middle and Odubajo at right back. Presumably Bartley and Wright were not allowed to play by their employers. Finney and Ling are under 18’s players. Rumour: Jai Reason a 23 year-old midfielder with Eastleigh has been linked with us having already scored 11 goals this season. This from Cray Wanderers “Man-of-the-match Jack Sherratt, 19, marked an excellent performance with a stunning 35-yard strike” He also scored the previous week and has signed for another month. Against Wealdstone they lost 0-3 with two goals coming from Scott McGleish who has scored 15 so far this season. Stockley apparently was not recalled because they were short of strikers as they have loaned him to Torquay! .....Next page

I went to a eunuch convention last week. Seems they are all O’s Supporters.

Really? What makes you think that?