Ex-AFC Wimbledon man full of praise for National League team, but feels the east Londoners will be ready for the new campaign

Sammy Moore believes Dover Athletic gave Leyton Orient a good test at the weekend and one that will help them in the long run.

The 28-year-old was introduced against his old club at half time with the O’s trailing 1-0 to the National League outfit.

Unfortunately the Whites went on to score a second as they triumphed 2-0 over Andy Hessenthaler’s men.

Moore, who spent two years with Dover, felt playing a team that reached the National League play-offs was great preparation for the new campaign.

He said: “On Saturday we played a typical League Two side. I know a couple of their players and they go man for man all over the pitch.

“If the centre midfielder runs on, somebody will go with him because that is the way they are and I know the manager quite well.

“Dover are a well drilled side and don’t forget they got to the play-offs last year and just fell short. They have lost a couple of players, but most of them have played so they are know what they are doing.

“But we’re a good side and on our day nobody will be able to match us if we do the right things. Saturday was a good test, the result wasn’t what we wanted, but we want to win on August 6 and hit the ground running.”

Orient have not had the best of results in pre-season so far with defeats against Italy’s under-19s first and now Dover.

They did beat Wealdstone last Tuesday, but it’s worth remembering wins during the summer don’t always mean a strong start to the league.

During pre-season for the 2011/12 campaign, the O’s won four games, drew two and lost just once to a Tottenham Hotspur XI.

But they were beaten in their opening five matches in League One and didn’t claim a victory in the division until October 1.

Pre-season is really all about making sure you feel ready for the new campaign in terms of fitness. Moore added: “I feel good and the fittest I’ve been for a long time.

“It has been a really good pre-season so far – injury free. Running-wise it has been tough, but there has been some good sessions with the ball and really enjoyable.

“All the lads are buzzing, but on Saturday we felt there was stuff we need to work on and highlight. We’ll do that, we are an honest bunch and will make sure we’re ready for August 6 because that is what it is all about.”

Orient will continue getting ready for their League Two opener by sending strong squads to Woking and Canvey Island this evening – both 7.45pm kick-offs.