Well Orient away next up. Can’t see us getting owt form this but here goes…
Its our first London trip of the season and our first visit to Brisbane Road for over eleven years.
I have never been there and am not starting now as I have an appointment with Melanie, my chiropodist in New Mills. So the match report will be by my new mucker Acker of Brinnington. He’s only 21 and hasnt had much free time the last two years so the trip will do him good.
So what do we know… well the last time Leyton Orient hosted the Hatters was back in October 1994 when a goal from Kevin Francis was enough to give Danny Bergara’s men all three points in the Second Division clash. Those were the days my friends.
The O’s were relegated at the end of the campaign, County won promotion to Division One two years later, and it’s taken all this time for the two sides to again cross swords in the league.
It will be an extremely tough trip to the capital for County. Martin Ling’s men are unbeaten in their last ten games, although they have slipped up at home on four occasions earlier this season with Rochdale, Shrewsbury and Bristol Rovers taking maximum points in the league and Luton winning in the Carling Cup.
County’s recent record against Leyton Orient can inspire a little optimism, though. We have only lost one of our last twelve meetings with the Londoners and that was way back in April 1993 when we were beaten 3-0 at Brisbane Road on our way to reaching the Second Division Play-Offs.
Arthur strongly suspects nil points on Saturday and goes for a two – nil deafeat. Nothing to be worried about as Orient are going places this year.
Vital Quotes:
Get yer jellied eels no doubt
Orient Team News:
Not sure if Joe Dolan will play. County will hope so!
Player to watch: Gary Alexander
Plenty of players to choose from here. Gary Alexander has grabbed 10 goals for far this season, but look out for right-winger Shane Tudor has provided a multitude of assists. Craig Easton has found his feet since his move from Scotland and is now dictating games whilst the whole
of the back four have been putting in some immense performances recently.
County Team News:
No major doubts. Expect the team that faced Barnet in the second half although Wolski will be absent due to a virus.
Player to watch: James Spencer
Attracting interest from Prem clubs. He may keep us in the game.
Match Facts & Stats
DIRECTIONS
Exit M25 at junction 27 and follow signs to ‘London (NE), M11’ onto the M11 southbound. After 7.1 miles where the road divides, bear right (s/p A406 N. Circ. Rd West, London N and W) onto the North Circular Road. Keep in left hand lanes and take first exit after 0.6 miles (s/p
Walthamstow and City A104, then Whipps Cross A104, West End (A503)). At roundabout turn left into Woodford New Road A104. At next roundabout after 1.2 miles, take 2nd exit and follow road round to left, towards BP station, into Lea Bridge Road. After 0.5 miles, just after Esso station, turn left at lights into Leyton Green Road. Filter left after 0.3 miles and turn left at T-junction into Leyton High Road. After 1.2 miles the ground is down side streets on the right hand side.
TRAINS
There are regular trains to London but we suggest leaving Stockport at 9.53am which, after changing at London Euston and then a tube to Blackhorse Road, arrives at Leyton Midland Road at 1.47pm. For the return journey there are trains leaving Leyton Midland Road at 5.50pm and 6.20pm which both require a change at Blackhorse Road for the tube to London Euston, arriving back in Stockport at 9.34pm and 10.32pm respectively. A Saver Return ticket costs £57.00.
COACHES
Stockport County Supporters Club coaches will be leaving Edgeley Park at 10.00am, priced £19 with the usual £1 reduction for members.
Please telephone Paul Wilkinson in the ticket office on 0161 266 2700 between 10.00am and 4.00pm to make your booking.
The Fingerpost Travel Club will be leaving at 9.00am, priced £20. To book seats on this coach please contact Lou Spalding on 07970 549194.
Peels on Wheels will be leaving at 9.00am (priced £20), picking up at the Pineapple on Heaton Lane at 9.05am. To book seats on this coach please contact Caz on 07970 216696.
County Juniors leave from the Crown, Great Moor at 9.00am picking up from Edgeley Park at 9.15am. Contact Brenda Will
Match Prediction:
Defeat by two goals to nil.
