Team News: Eastleigh vs Leyton Orient
Leyton Orient head coach Justin Edinburgh at the end of the Havant & Waterlooville match (pic: Simon O'Connor). - Credit: Archant
Leyton Orient full-back Sam Ling should recover from the whack to the ankle he received on Saturday
Leyton Orient head coach Justin Edinburgh could name an unchanged team for the trip to Eastleigh this evening.
The National League leaders were on song last weekend and recorded a 4-0 victory at home to Havant & Waterlooville to return to the summit.
Everyone in the O’s side were at least a seven out of 10 and the only worry Edinburgh has going into this contest is the fitness of Sam Ling.
The full-back impressed on Saturday, but was replaced just past the hour mark after he received a whack to the ankle.
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Boss Edinburgh, however, was confident he would recover in time to face the Spitfires at Ten Acres.
He said: “Sam just took a whack on his ankle, but we don’t envisage any problems for Eastleigh. Everyone else is good, so that is a positive as well.
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“I think Sam will be fine, it was just a knock, so from the first assessment he should be fine.”
Ling was making just his second start since August on Saturday and produced a very strong showing on the right side of O’s back four.
Myles Judd, who has been the first choice right-back this season, also impressed on the opposite flank.
Edinburgh praised the pair, he added: “Both full-backs were efficient and excellent defensively and always looked a threat going forward.
“I am pleased for Sam. He lost his place and had to be patient, but it was a very, very assured performance. He was excellent.”
The only reason Ling got his chance at Maidstone United on October 20 in the fourth qualifying round of the FA Cup, and then on Saturday, was because of the red card given to Joe Widdowson in the goalless draw with Hartlepool United on October 13.
He will serve the final game of his three-match suspension tonight and then hope to win his place back in the team for the trip to AFC Fylde this weekend.
Given Widdowson’s brilliant form this season, it would be justified if he started on Saturday, so both Ling and Judd will be out to consolidate their spot this evening.
