Head coach believes friendly games were ideal preparation for Capital One Cup match with MK Dons

Leyton Orient head coach Ian Hendon believes the recent friendly matches against Huddersfield Town and Middlesbrough could be key preparation for when they face MK Dons in the first week of the new season.

The O’s will travel to stadiummk on August 11 for a clash against Karl Robinson’s recently promoted side in the first round of the Capital One Cup.

Hendon’s team flew back from Spain last night following a training camp in Malaga where they pitted their wits against two Championship sides.

Although Orient lost by two-goals against Boro (3-1) and the Terriers (2-0), the Brisbane Road head coach believes it was a good exercise for his players.

“We are coming up against MK Dons in the first week of the season so it is good for us to prepare to face teams at that type of level,” said Hendon.

“The games against Middlesbrough and Huddersfield have been good because the lads have had to work hard and chase the ball.

“If you play against weak opposition in pre-season sometimes you don’t need to do that so it has been good to play against the two Championship teams.”

Hendon was happy with the performances Orient put in during the games against Huddersfield and Middlesbrough.

O’s head coach believe the trip to Spain has had a positive impact on the squad, which features plenty of new faces compared to last season.

“3-1 against Middlesbrough sounds like a drubbing, but if you were here you would see we did well and I definitely wasn’t disappointed with the performance in either matches,” added Hendon.

“It has been 90 Fahrenheit here and it has been tough for the boys, it has been sticky and they have all had to adapt to the conditions.

“It has been physically demanding. We have been in the gym, we have had a lot of sessions in the pool and done bike work so it has been good and only positives have come from the trip.”

Hendon will now look to make a decision on the number of trialists who joined the O’s out in Spain.