Ex-Bristol Rovers forward determined to help Leyton Orient get back on track at Prenton Park tonight

Matt Harrold wants Leyton Orient to play with anger at Tranmere Rovers tonight to ensure they get back to winning ways in the National League.

Since beating Guiseley 4-1 on September 2, a game where Harrold made his debut and scored, the O’s have gone five matches without a victory.

It has seen them slide down the table, although most of Orient’s recent troubles have been at Brisbane Road, so their tall forward hopes they can do well at Prenton Park this evening.

Harrold said: “We know it is not a fixture where we are at home to a so-called smaller club and anything they get from the game is a bonus.

“We know Tranmere are looking to win and if they don’t there is pressure on them, so it is a good game and I’m looking forward to it.

“I am sure all the lads feel the same, especially after Saturday’s loss, so we need to get back out there, play with some anger and get a win.”

The former Crawley Town striker was reluctant to say it might suit O’s to play against one of the biggest clubs in the division.

Orient recently impressed during the second half of their 2-2 draw at then leaders Aldershot Town last month.

But after such a strong performance at the Recreation Ground, they were lacklustre at home to struggling AFC Fylde on Saturday – a game they lost 2-1.

“Maybe Tranmere is a good game for us, but it is only a good game if we apply ourselves on the pitch,” said Harrold.

“It is a tougher one on paper compared to Saturday because people would look at Orient vs Fylde at home and they’d fancy us, but that’s not how football is.

“Teams come to Brisbane Road and it’s a cup final. They sit people behind the ball and try to get the crowd against us and everyone does that.

“In League Two you go to Portsmouth and sit behind the ball, keep it tight for 20 minutes and get their fans on them, so that’s what we have to deal with.

“I think we need to be man enough to deal with that and accept and enjoy the challenge because I would rather be at this club with that pressure and enjoy the challenge than elsewhere, so that’s what we need to do.”