Only Forbes misses derby duel because of suspension

ORIENT will be looking to bounce back to winning ways after walking into a five-goal barrage at League One leaders Brighton on New Year’s Day.

Essex rivals Colchester United are the visitors to the Matchroom Stadium this afternoon and O’s boss Russell Slade will be looking for a positive response from his side after their eight-match unbeaten run come to an abrupt halt at the Withdean Stadium.

“It was the worse possible start to the year and it can only get better from here,” said Slade.

“To be beaten 5-0 was really disappointing and I didn’t see it coming.”

Orient will still be without defender Terrell Forbes, who serves the final game of a three-match suspension after being sent-off in the FA Cup second round replay against Droylsden.

Forbes apart, Slade should have a full-strength squad to choose from after goalkeeper Jamie Jones, winger Dean Cox and midfielder Adam Chambers all returned on Saturday and on-loan defender Andrew Whing is also available.

Slade insists that Orient can put things right and said after the Brighton defeat. “We will go back and work harder. We have to work harder, I have to work harder, the team has to work harder, that’s the only way to turn things around.”