Stevenage look to continue a positive start to their Sky Bet League One campaign as they travel to East London for a clash with Richie Wellens’ Leyton Orient…
Boro’s attention turns back to league football this Saturday after they were knocked out of the Carabao Cup on penalties against Exeter City earlier in the week. Before that, a goalless draw at The Lamex Stadium with Portsmouth meant that Stevenage picked up a valuable point in the league.
Stevenage are unbeaten in their last five meetings with Saturday’s opponents, with the most recent encounter being a memorable one. Orient travelled to a sold out Lamex Stadium as league leaders and were completely stunned as Boro picked up a marvellous 3-0 victory.
Opposition Lowdown
Leyton Orient have had a mixed start to their campaign after claiming the Sky Bet League Two title at the end of last season. So far, they’ve picked up just one win, one draw and three losses in the league, meaning they sit eighteenth in the table after five matches.
Their only win of the season so far came last weekend as the O’s hosted Cambridge United, picking up a 2-0 victory in front of a home crowd. Summer signing Shaq Forde and League Two winner Theo Archibald grabbed the goals that afternoon.
Orient’s dangerman is Tunisian midfielder Idris El Mizouni. The 22-year-old has played every minute of their League One campaign so far after re-signing on loan, following a successful season in the fourth tier for The O’s.
The Manager
Richie Wellens took over as Leyton Orient manager in March 2022 and led his side to League Two glory in his first full season in charge. He previously managed Oldham, Swindon, Salford and Doncaster, so has plenty of experience in the EFL. As a player, Wellens made over 600 appearances in midfield, most notably for Blackpool and Leicester City.
The Stadium
Orient have played their home fixtures at Brisbane Road since 1937. The ground has a capacity of 9,271 with away supporters typically being housed in a section of the ‘East Stand’. The nearest London Underground station is Leyton, which is less than a ten-minute walk from Brisbane Road.
Officials
Scott Oldham has been appointed Match Referee for Saturday’s fixture with Leigh Crowhurst and Andrew Hickman as Assistants and Adrian Tranter as Fourth Official. Oddly enough, Oldham’s most recent Boro fixture was that memorable 3-0 victory over Leyton Orient last season.
Fan Behaviour
Supporters are reminded at all times that the throwing of objects, taking drugs, tragedy abuse, using pyros and discriminatory behaviour all risk a criminal record and a club ban, dangerous and illegal behaviour will not be tolerated by Stevenage Football Club.
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