The first-team boss will be in attendance for Orient’s important under-18 match after watching them at Rushden & Diamonds recently

Leyton Orient’s under-18s are preparing for a big tie in the first round of the FA Youth Cup this week and they will once again be watched and supported by O’s manager Justin Edinburgh.

The 48-year-old has followed the club’s academy in both of their two cup matches in the competition to date and will also be keeping an eye on them on Thursday night.

Southend United are the visitors to the Breyer Group Stadium and will provide the young Orient team with a big test, but confidence is high.

After a tough start to the campaign, O’s under-18s are unbeaten in two after winning 3-2 away to AFC Rushden & Diamonds in the last round of the FA Youth Cup and having drawn 1-1 at Stevenage in the Youth Alliance South East division on October 20.

Edinburgh said: “I’m really looking forward to seeing them at home and it will be a massive occasion for them.

“They have done very well, they have had some difficulties with injuries and results, but it was a very dogged performance at Rushden & Diamonds.

“Hopefully they can put on a show against Southend and I look forward to seeing them play again.”

As stated, it has been a hard campaign for O’s academy so far, but the FA Youth Cup has been a welcome break from life in a tough Youth Alliance South East division.

The 2-1 win over Romford in the second qualifying round on October 2 was Orient’s first triumph of the season.

Since then, O’s have put in a good display at home to Luton Town (2-1 loss), gone down 5-2 at Barnet, won at Diamonds and held Stevenage to a draw at Whitbreads Sports Ground in their last competitive match.

Orient’s teenagers have not played since October 20, so they should be fresh ahead of this encounter with Southend, who have already beaten them this year.

The clubs faced off in the Youth Alliance South East League on September 22 and the Blues claimed a 5-0 win.

It was a frustrating defeat for the O’s though, as they had two goals ruled out and also conceded twice late on which gave the scoreline a slightly unfair look.

Yet this tie will give Orient the opportunity to get revenge over their local rivals and continue the club’s strong form in the competition this season.