Orient look to get their season back on track

“Every games becomes more important,” says boss Slade

Orient manager Russell Slade will be hoping that his side can kick-start their season with a Carling Cup success at home to Bristol Rovers tonight.

The O’s have yet to pick up a point in League One so far this season, their only success coming by virtue of a penalty shoot-out win at Southend in the first round of the competition.

The Orient manager admits that the poor start makes it crucial that his side discover their winning touch.

“Every game becomes even more important,” he said. “Because you are searching for wins, you are searching for fluency. I’m searching for the best team, the fittest team we can possibly put out to help in an effort to get a result.

“Bristol Rovers are the next team up and it’s important for us that we react again.”

Team selection will be tough for the manager as the game provides him with the opportunity to give players returning from injury some vital pitch time. But he is also desperate to win the game.

“It’s getting the balance right,” said the manager.

“There are players that do need football, the likes of Terrell (Forbes) needs 90 minutes on the pitch. But at the same time it’s important that we win a football match and breed a little bit of confidence back into the team.”

The winners face a third-round trip to Blackburn Rovers and Slade added: “That’s the prize and that’s great.

“We enjoyed our time playing West Brom and Arsenal last year and to play Blackburn would be super if we can get that far.”