New faces help to ease play-off pain

AT LEAST some of Leyton Orient’s demons were exorcised this week, as Plymouth Argyle were defeated on penalties in the Capital One Cup first round.

It is only two-and-a-half months since Russell Slade’s side, who arrive at SportsDirect.com Park tomorrow, fell at the final hurdle, denied promotion to the Championship by way of a shoot-out defeat to Rotherham at Wembley.

It is difficult to imagine a crueller twist of fortune for the East London club and their fans — particularly given that they had led 2-0 at Wembley at the 55-minute mark.

And after ending extra-time all-square at 2-2, the O’s even led 3-2 in the shoot-out, until Millers goalkeeper Adam Collin saved from Orient pair Mathieu Baudry and Chris Dagnall.

Slade has picked up the pieces since the last-day heartbreak, adding seven new faces to his squad.

Men of the calibre of former Arsenal and Hull striker Jay Simpson, ex-Watford and Reading flyer Jobi McAnuff and powerful forward Darius Henderson — who made 38 appearances for Championship side Nottingham Forest last season — have all been brought in thanks in no small part to the largesse of new owner Francesco Becchetti.

The wealthy Italian businessman took on the reins from Barry Hearn a month ago and immediately stated his ambitions.

“I have a vision of being a Championship club,” said Becchetti, who heads a renewable energy and waste management firm bearing his own name. “Many times dreams come true. Even this season it can happen.”

THE FORM . . .

Orient’s opening game was something of a disaster. Newly-promoted Chesterfield slipped away from Brisbane Road with a 2-1 victory, earned through goals from Romuald Boco and Eoin Doyle, with Henderson replying from close range late in the contest.

Former Athletic striker Reuben Reid almost made it a thoroughly miserable opening week for Slade, pulling a goal back for League Two side Plymouth and then scoring the equaliser which sent the first-round Capital One Cup tie to 2-2 and extra time. The game ended 3-3, Orient this time winning the shoot-out 6-5.




PLAYER GUIDE . . .


Dean Cox (far, right) is still the main danger man. The quick-footed winger signed a fresh deal in the summer and is always looking to swing in crosses for the front two.

Henderson may only be on the bench due to a slight neck strain, but fellow front man David Mooney — who scored 21 goals in 2013-14 — is far from a poor relation.




EXPERT VIEW . . .


Simon Mail, Guardian Series: “It was definitely a disappointing start from a league perspective, losing to Chesterfield on the opening day. The manager admits himself some players are not yet up to full fitness and the team has not hit top gear.”




PROBABLE LINE-UP . . . 4-4-2


Legzdins; Omozusi, Clarke (c), Baudry, Lowry; Pritchard, Vincelot, James, Cox; Mooney, Lisbie. Subs (from): Woods, Sawyer, Cuthbert, Batt, Bartley, McAnuff, Henderson, Simpson.