Former AFC Wimbledon midfielder discusses friendly match with the Blues and tough weekend for the Orient squad

Leyton Orient midfielder Sammy Moore felt the clubs pre-season clash with Southend United at Roots Hall yesterday (Sunday) was the perfect final game before hosting Barnet next weekend.

After a long summer, the new League Two campaign kicks-off on Saturday at Brisbane Road and O’s will go into it having won their last five games.

Moore played his part in their final pre-season game against the Blues yesterday, he played the full 90 minutes and Paul McCallum’s stunning strike separated the two sides at the seaside.

It was a tough, competitive game for both teams and was described as the “perfect” match to prepare Orient for what League Two will be like this year.

“In the first 10 minutes we want to be playing in the oppositions half and once the game settles down we want to pass the ball and move it quickly,” said Moore when asked about how the O’s will play this season.

“You have seen in the first half at Southend that we create chances and I don’t think our goalkeeper has made a save during the first period.

“But second half was the perfect League Two game. It was 1-0 to us and we are away from home so what are we going to do to grind it out? We are going to get behind the ball and one to 11 you are going to work your socks off.

“We have had one cleared off the line, but it was like a realistic game – it was a proper League Two match against Southend so perfect for us.”

It concluded a gruelling weekend for Ian Hendon’s team as they played Bishop’s Stortford on Saturday as well and won 4-2.

Almost all of the Orient squad got 90 minutes over the weekend and Jobi McAnuff returned for the O’s to find the net against Stortford.

That was a pleasing sight for all Brisbane Road supporters and competition for places seems high this year – something that will please Hendon.

Moore added: “It has definitely been a tough weekend, but that is what pre-season is for. Bishop’s Stortford was quite a difficult place to go and they were kicking lumps out of the boys, but they dug in well and got another good result.

“Everyone is fighting for places, we have a really good squad here and everybody is going to want to start on August 8 against Barnet.

“The one to 11 that go out there need to make sure they put a real good shift in and it will be up to us to keep our shirts.”

If the injury he sustained yesterday is minor, like predicted, Paul McCallum will surely start up top against Barnet on Saturday.

Moore has been impressed with the Orient forward this summer, but not surprised after working with him previously.

The former West Ham striker has scored six goals since joining the O’s in June and appears to have plenty of talent.

“Paul has been a handful all pre-season and I worked with him at AFC Wimbledon – he is a good pro on and off the field,” Moore added.

“He is getting his goals so he is getting his rewards and I am delighted for him, now hopefully he can continue this form and take it into the start of the season.”