Omer Riza: Leyton Orient fans can be 12th man again on Monday against Hartlepool United
Some Leyton Orient fans celebrate while others look stunned after O's fight back at Luton Town (pic: Simon O'Connor). - Credit: Archant
The O’s will suffer relegation tomorrow if they fail to beat fellow League Two strugglers
Leyton Orient boss Omer Riza issues instructions from the touchline at Luton Town (pic: Simon O'Connor). - Credit: Archant
Leyton Orient boss Omer Riza hopes the O’s supporters can continue to be their 12th man at home to fellow League Two strugglers Hartlepool United on Monday.
The Brisbane Road club will be relegated if they fail to beat the Monkey Hangers, but go into the match with confidence.
Orient produced a superb performance on Good Friday to hold Luton Town to a 2-2 draw at Kenilworth Road.
“I think the fans have been a 12th man already and they have really stuck by the boys and stuck by me and everyone at the club,” said Riza.
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“They are not going to stop doing that until the end of the season and for Monday they will be our 12th man again.
“I think our boys will have a bit more confidence going into that game, but hopefully they are not too tired.
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“Hartlepool will be in the same boat as us, so we will just go again and try to win the three points.”
After picking up an excellent point at Luton, there is great optimism going into their clash on Monday.
Orient will have to win for the first time since March 4, but Riza knows his squad will be fighting for everything against Hartlepool.
Leyton Orient forward Tristan Abrahams shows his delight in front of the travelling O's fans at Luton Town (pic: Simon O'Connor). - Credit: Archant
He added: “At the end of the day if the points are there to be won then you have always got half a chance.
“I am not going to stop. I am not going anywhere and no matter what happens I will fight until the end. I expect my players to do the same and they will.”
Riza could hand a full debut to Tristan Abrahams tomorrow after his excellent cameo off the bench on Friday.
The 18-year-old caused all sorts of problems for Luton and showed a clinical edge in front of goal.
“Tristan has been knocking on the door every day asking what he has got to do to play and they all have,” said Riza.
“The youngsters can smell an opportunity and you can’t knock them and they want to step up to the plate.
“For them to want to do that at such a young age is brilliant and Tristan is always asking what he needs to do.
“I give him the advice he needs and I had a feeling about him at Luton. I was always going to bring him on.
“Sam Dalby didn’t do anything wrong, but they are all tired and I thought I’d go with Sam first half alongside Victor (Adeboyejo) – two big boys who can hold the ball up and bring people into play.
“We put Tristan on at half time because he has that aggression about him to make things happen and he has put himself in a very good position.”
