Leyton Orient v Tranmere Rovers Match Preview
By Deadly Submarine
January 7 2008
We bring you all the pre-match build-up and news ahead of Rovers' long mid-week trip to London to face Leyton Orient in Coca-Cola League One in a game re-arranged from it's original Saturday slot due to Rovers continued involvement in the FA Cup where they faced Hereford Utd.
Leyton Orient v Tranmere R
Tuesday 8th January 2008 - Kick-Off 7.45pm
Coca-Cola League One at Brisbane Road
Due to the enforced cancellation of this game last Saturday due to Rovers being in FA Cup action against Hereford, Rovers' fans are instead forced into a long mid-week trip south to London to face one time high-flyers Leyton Orient at Brisbane Road.
Like Rovers, Orient were once top of the League and were the early pace-setters in August and September but now just like their visitors, Martin Ling's men sit outside the play-off zone on goal difference after an indifferent run of results in recent weeks.
Tranmere have managed to steady their shaky home form in recent weeks with three straight home wins in the League but at the expense of that it seems, their away form has become disastrous after a good start to the season on the road.
Rovers' away record now reads four defeats and two draws in the last six matches but Orient's home form is not much better with two wins, three draws and defeat in their last six.
Many Rovers fans will be looking to forward to seeing former player Sean Thornton turn out for the O's and will be sure to make their feelings known towards him on a cold Tuesday evening.
Last season, Rovers travelled to Brisbane Road with a makeshift defence due to injuries and suspensions with Gareth Taylor filling in at centre-back and Danny Harrison a right-back in a game with Rovers lost 3-1 with Chris Greenacre scoring for Rovers.
In the other meeting last season, fans were treated to possibly the most bizarre goal ever seen at Prenton Park when Rovers' Keeper Gavin Ward scored from 80 yards past the stranded Orient Keeper to open the scoring after just nine minutes. That goal was followed up by a Chris Greenacre brace as Rovers went on to win comfortably 3-0.
Despite Rovers having played a few teams twice already this season, Orient and Rovers have not yet met so it's a case of into the unknown for this season.
For anyone (like me) making the long trek tomorrow night, get behind the lads and let's hope for three points!
Leyton Orient
Goalkeeper Glenn Morris (thigh) and Clayton Fortune (shoulder) are both absent for this game whilst Alton Thelwell (knee) and Jabo Ibhere (heel) are also unavailable.
Wayne Gray does return to the squad for the home side.
Tranmere Rovers
Tranmere again have doubts over Chris Greenacre (hamstring) and Jennison Myrie-Williams (calf) after both missed the 2-2 home FA Cup draw with Hereford on Saturday.
Steve Davies and Chris Shuker (both knee ligaments) are out for the rest of the season and captain Ian Goodison is suspended.
Match Referee - Andre Marriner (West Midlands)
Useful Stats
Tranmere v Leyton Orient League Head-to-Head
At Brisbane Road:
P10 W2 D2 L6 F7 A19
Overall Record:
P20 W9 D3 L8 F29 A27
Tranmere Form Guide and Season Record
Form Guide
Overall: WDLWWL On the Road: LDLDLL
Season Record
Overall: P24 W9 D7 L8 F28 A23 On the Road: P12 W3 D4 L5 F11 A14
Leyton Orient Form Guide and Season Record
Form Guide
Overall: WLDLDD At Home: WDLWDD
Season Record
Overall: P24 W10 D7 L7 F30 A32 At Home: P12 W5 D4 L3 F14 A15
Hotshots
Tranmere Rovers = Chris Greenacre - 9 Goals
Leyton Orient = Adam Boyd - 11 Goals
Last Time at Brisbane Road
24th February 2007 - Leyton Orient 3 - 1 Tranmere Rovers
Tranmere Team: Ward, Harrison, Sherriff, Taylor, Tremarco, McLaren, McAteer (Ellison 68), Mullin, Shuker, Zola, Greenacre.
Subs not Used: Hinchcliffe, Henry, Johnston, Curran.
Goals: Miller (18) Jarvis (29 and 39) and Greenacre (34)
Attendance: 4,832
Referee: KevinStroud (Hampshire)
Information on Brisbane Road
LINK TO FOOTBALL GROUNDS GUIDE WEBSITE
Luton Town Web-Links
Leyton Orient Official Website
Leyton Orient Official Fans Forum
LOFC Online (Rivals Site)
Unofficial O's (Footy Mad Site)
Ilford Recorder (Orient News)
Vital Orient (Vital Football Site)
Hae A Good Time Tonight Mate And Keep Me Informed
GRAVY