O’s goalkeeper coach discusses coming up against his former club and his belief that Orient can still make the play-offs

East London Advertiser: Leyton Orient goalkeeper coach Lee Harrison next to player-manager Kevin Nolan at Wycombe Wanderers (pic: Simon O'Connor).Leyton Orient goalkeeper coach Lee Harrison next to player-manager Kevin Nolan at Wycombe Wanderers (pic: Simon O'Connor). (Image: Simon O'Connor Photography)

Having spent 13 years at Barnet, Leyton Orient goalkeeper coach Lee Harrison knows exactly what to expect tomorrow afternoon.

The O’s visit the Hive for the first time needing a positive result to boost their chances of finishing in the play-off positions this season.

Kevin Nolan’s side are ninth in the League Two table, but only one point off Wycombe Wanderers in seventh.

A win against their London rivals could see them return to the top seven, but the Bees won’t make it easy.

Martin Allen’s men have already beaten the likes of Northampton Town, Bristol Rovers, Plymouth Argyle and Portsmouth at the Hive this season.

Harrison said: “When we played at Underhill we always looked at ourselves as the underdog and played on that. We would try to get in the faces of the opposition and they have a decent home record this season.

“They’ve beaten some of the top teams at the Hive and we have told the players all about what to expect. We need to stand up to them and match them for the first 30 to 45 minutes before growing into the game.

“We need to do that better than we did at York City because we didn’t start well enough last weekend.”

Harrison admits it will be strange going back to his former club, but not returning to Underhill.

The 44-year-old is a legend at the north London club having amassed over 300 appearances in the Football League for the Bees.

Even though he is looking forward to catching up with some old faces this weekend, his first focus is getting all three points with Orient.

“It is strange because I’m going back to Barnet, but it isn’t Underhill anymore it is the Hive which is where we trained,” said Harrison.

“Obviously I have a great rapport with the supporters, but I’m going there as an Orient staff member and we need a result.”

He added: “The faces don’t change, they are all still at the club. I was there for 13 years so have fond memories, but I’ve been at Orient for a long time as well.

“I’ve had three spells here so I know a lot about both teams! On Saturday I’ll be going there with Orient and we are focused on the match, but afterwards it will be good to catch up with a few people.”

The former Wycombe goalkeeper coach admits it has been a strange campaign for the Brisbane Road club.

After starting with five consecutive victories, they struggled for wins throughout September to January.

It resulted in Ian Hendon losing his job, but Harrison is confident they can make the play-offs under Nolan.

“Yes it has been a strange season. We started off so well and then struggled in the middle period before picking up again,” added the former O’s goalie.

“Now we find ourselves in a battle with four or five teams to get in those play-offs places. We’ve got six huge games left and I’m confident we can do it.”