O’s are looking to get positive result against Notts County and move back into play-offs

Leyton Orient player-manager Kevin Nolan expects his players to bounce back at Notts County this weekend.

The O’s conceded four times in the second half at Brisbane Road last Saturday to lose 4-0 to League Two leaders Northampton Town.

It was an impressive display from the Cobblers and the result meant the east Londoners dropped to ninth in the table.

Nolan’s team are two points off the play-off positions prior to facing Magpies, who are 14th in the standings.

He said: “We have got to bounce back and that becomes a bigger game because of what happened at Brisbane Road on Saturday.

“At the end of the day, we were beaten by a very good Northampton side that do everything right. That is something we can learn from.”

The Orient boss hinted he may make changes to his team after they lost so heavily at home last weekend.

It was slightly surprising to see Nigel Atangana not start, but the former Portsmouth midfielder could return at Meadow Lane.

Nolan added: “Nigel has been great since I come in, but I didn’t think I could find a place for him against Northampton.

“The defeat was a rude awakening for me and something I’ve got to learn to handle, but it was going to come.

“I’m glad it came this early because at least then we can do something about it. That’s what I intend to do over the next 15 games.

“We’ve got 45 points to play for and we have got to get as many on the board to make sure we give ourselves a chance of getting out this league.”

Orient’s record under Nolan reads three victories and two defeats with both reverses coming at Brisbane Road.

The former West Ham United captain joked he may need to tell his squad they are playing away if they continue to get success on the road.

“I did ask the lads if they found it a bit more difficult playing at Brisbane Road, but why should they? I think the fans are very fair, they have been fantastic and supported us,” said Nolan.

“Even when we went four nil down I didn’t hear any badness or terrible language towards anyone. I think they have stuck behind us very well.

“I’m proud to be manager of this club because of the way the supporters have been since I took over and the way they have held themselves when we have had those defeats. I think they have been very supportive of the boys and me.

“We shouldn’t have a problem playing at Brisbane Road. We have got a fantastic stadium and pitch to play football on and that is all you ask.

“Maybe because we have had some good away wins, I’ll start saying to the lads we are away this week even when we are at home. I don’t think we should have a problem, but who knows.”

First things first they need to get back on track at Notts County this weekend.