Brisbane Road boss Ian Hendon confirms John Marquis is available and reveals O’s preparation for the tie

East London Advertiser: Leyton Orient forward John Marquis battles with Oxford United's Ryan Taylor (pic: Simon O'Connor).Leyton Orient forward John Marquis battles with Oxford United's Ryan Taylor (pic: Simon O'Connor). (Image: Simon O'Connor Photography)

Leyton Orient won’t be underestimating Staines Town this weekend in the first round of the FA Cup with head coach Ian Hendon revealing they are preparing for the match like it is a League Two game.

The Swans are in the Ryman Premier and famed for being the town where fictional character Ali G, performed by British comedian Sacha Baron Cohen, is from.

But despite playing three divisions below the O’s, the Brisbane Road outfit are taking nothing for granted on Saturday.

He has already stated the players owe the Orient supporters a performance after a poor display at home to Accrington Stanley last weekend.

The east Londoners suffered a 1-0 defeat, but will look to book their passage into the second round of the competition on Saturday.

“We have had Staines watched. As soon as the draw was made, Andy Hessenthaler went down to Bognor Regis Town and had a look at them,” said Hendon.

“On Saturday we had them watched again at VCD Athletic so we do our normal work whether it is a league or cup game.

“Nothing will change, the preparation won’t, but I would just like to think the performance will this weekend compared to how it was against Accrington.”

Orient have been given permission by Millwall to play on-loan forward John Marquis and unsurprisingly Jack Payne can be involved.

He is on a season-long loan from Peterborough United, but may be rested for the match if Hendon decides to make some changes to the side.

The O’s boss added: “The FA Cup isn’t really a breather for us. There are no breathers in this game.

“John is available, Millwall have given us permission if we need him. Jack is on a season-long loan so he is fine too.”

Somebody potentially lining up against Orient that will be a familiar face to the Brisbane Road crowd is Darren Purse.

The 38-year-old started his career with the O’s and played alongside Hendon for the east Londoners between 1994 and 1996.

Stepney-born Purse, renown for his time at Birmingham City and Cardiff City, has been struggling with injuries this season.

But Hendon believes the Swans captain should recover in time to play against his former club. Speaking last weekend, he said: “I played with Darren when he was here and when he made his debut. I know him well.

“I don’t think he played for Staines against Bognor and not sure if he did at VCD either because he has had a bit of an injury.

“But if he needs any carrot to get fit I am sure it will be coming here again on Saturday.”

Orient don’t need much motivation to beat Staines, but you suspect they will be extra determined to avoid a cup shock at Brisbane Road this weekend following their poor loss to Accrington.