Experienced defender admits remaining matches in the division are massive ahead of Oxford trip

Leyton Orient defender Nicky Hunt believes they have enough quality in their squad to dominate Oxford United this weekend.

The 32-year-old appreciates the Yellows will provide a stern test at the Kassam Stadium tomorrow (Saturday).

But the former Bolton Wanderers ace has hailed the ability in Kevin Nolan’s team prior to facing a side that are second in the table.

After starting the League Two campaign with five consecutive victories, Orient would have hoped to be in the automatic promotion spots now.

Hunt, however, admits the division is extremely difficult and knows it well having spent the last four years in the fourth tier of English football.

“I don’t think there are any easy games in League Two. At the start of the season, the club went on a run of five wins out of five,” said the O’s defender.

“Maybe they were thinking then ‘this division might be quite simple,’ but it’s definitely not.

“These last 11 games are absolutely massive for us. We respect every side we play, but we know we’ve got a lot in that changing room that can dominate teams.”

Since Nolan’s appointment, results have improved for the Brisbane Road outfit, but they remain eighth in the table.

Orient have done better on the road since the former West Ham United captain took charge – winning at Wycombe Wanderers, Portsmouth and Notts County as well as drawing with Carlisle United.

Even though Oxford are unbeaten in four matches, they have won just one of their last seven games at home in all competitions.

Hunt added: “We have looked a pretty solid unit away from home and been getting the one nil wins.

“It seems to be happening on the road for us more than at Brisbane Road recently and maybe that is because we go with the game plan to not get beat.

“But that’s even the same at home. You start with 0 against and you want to come off with that because ultimately, a lot of the time, that will win you the game.”

The defender has been with Orient for just under six weeks now and admits he has settled into London life well.

He, understandably, was frustrated with the 1-0 defeat to Luton Town last weekend and admits they can’t let that happen too many more times between now and the end of the season.

“I’m thoroughly enjoying it, training is always high intensity and it’s always a pleasure to come in for it,” said Hunt.

“Obviously game day is where you earn your money and recently we have been putting the performances in and getting the wins.

“We were three unbeaten before Luton and it is just one of them days at the office, but we can’t have many more of them if we want our play-off push.”