Orient ‘must fear nobody’

Orient boss Fabio Liverani issues instructions against Doncaster (pic: Simon O'Connor) (Image: 07958 573219 simon.oconnor@virgin.net)

Leyton Orient midfielder Marvin Bartley says they cannot fear anyone as they battle for survival in League One.

O’s visit third-placed MK Dons on Saturday, before a trip to play-off hopefuls Rochdale on Tuesday, and must also face promotion-chasing Sheffield United and Swindon in the closing weeks of the season.

Goal difference keeps Fabio Liverani’s men out of the relegation zone and Bartley admitted the tension is rising at Brisbane Road.

He said: “We do feel the pressure, because we are under pressure.

“We can’t fear anybody. Four games to go, this stage of the season if you start fearing people then there’s no point going out there.

“Playing at home the fans get behind us, playing away the fans get behind us. We’ve got three away games. I’ll always believe.”

Those sentiments were echoed by Italian boss Liverani after his side’s midweek defeat against Doncaster.

And he revealed his sympathy for the fans, saying the squad will be doing everything to stay up.

He said: “It’s fair enough that the supporters are disappointed, but we are going to work even harder in training and put everything into the games to avoid relegation in the last four games.

“We’ve played against everyone, we’re not scared of any team, despite them pushing for promotion.

“Yeovil have beaten Sheffield United and it is an example that we can make points against any other team and we also have a game in hand, so I’m optimistic about the possibilities for the rest of the season.

“Determination and belief are vital in achieving the final objective. We must work hard. We’re still out of the relegation zone and we have to see this as the target.”

O’s dominated the first half against mid-table Doncaster, but Andrea Dossena put a good chance wide and Darius Henderson had a point-blank range effort saved by Stephen Bywater.

The Doncaster keeper also denied Shane Lowry, Josh Wright and Jay Simpson in the second half, after Rob Jones had headed the visitors in front from a free-kick

Liverani added: “I’m disappointed because we had chances to score first and we didn’t and over 90 minutes you end up conceding a chance and they took it. That’s why it’s very disappointing.

“I’m pleased with the performance and spirit the players put in. I’m very pleased with what they do in training and what they show me on the pitch, but we make mistakes and we are what we are with injuries, but I have to thank the players for their dedication in training and the game.

“If you look at the games we play, we might lose, win, draw, but we have spirit and create chances to score. We’re lacking in qualities in certain areas of the pitch, but the spirit is without a doubt on the pitch when we play.”

n Leyton Orient are hoping Dean Cox can recover from injury to play a part in the final four fixtures of the campaign.

Shaun Batt – having recovered from injury – was left out in midweek due to a lack of fitness after missing training for personal reasons, but Kevin Lisbie has returned from his loan spell at League Two side Stevenage, where he made three appearances before picking up an injury.