Three up front could work for Leyton Orient, insists David Mooney
David Mooney is congratulated by Leyton Orient team-mate Josh Coulson after netting the opening against Maidstone United (pic: Simon O'Connor). - Credit: Archant
Experienced striker discusses possibility of playing himself, Macauley Bonne and Matt Harrold in attack
Leyton Orient David Mooney believes a starting line-up including himself, Macauley Bonne and Matt Harrold can work.
The O’s have experienced a dreadful week with a 2-0 loss at Boreham Wood on Saturday followed up with a 3-0 home drubbing to Halifax Town on Tuesday.
After bringing in Harrold on a free transfer, Orient certainly didn’t expect to go two games without scoring.
Steve Davis has, so far, preferred to start two people in attack and then introduce a third forward if required.
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But Mooney is in favour of potentially playing all three from the off and it may be a tactic O’s try in training this week ahead of hosting Hartlepool United on Saturday.
“To be fair I was absolutely terrible at Boreham Wood, but I like the idea of ‘Macca’ and Harrold playing up there and me being able to run off them,” said Mooney.
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“On another day when I am better than I was on Saturday it would work better, but if it is them two playing and I have to sit out so be it because as long as we are winning I don’t really care.
“I just want this club to do well and get out of this league and everyone adheres to that, so whatever 11 are on the pitch we want to win.
“Whatever five are on the bench, we still want the team to do well and whoever is in the stands, we want the 16 in the match day squad to do well, so that is the message the manager has got across and one I am trying to stress.”
Mooney’s role after Tuesday is likely to be even more significant with Charlie Lee recently undergoing surgery on his knee and George Elokobi and Josh Coulson also sidelined.
The experienced forward is a wonderful character and it is so important he makes sure spirits are high on the training pitch.
He discussed the strong bond in the Orient squad after Saturday’s disappointing loss at Boreham Wood.
Although following back-to-back defeats O’s have now slipped to ninth in the table, a good team spirit is essential if Davis’ side are to stay near the top.
“We have a great little bond and people don’t see it as much, but during the week everyone is at the training ground early,” said Mooney.
“All of us have a laugh and a joke, but when training starts it is all serious, then after we hang around and have a chat.
“We all mix regardless of what age you are or what career you have had, so everyone is in it together. At the end of the day we are all a team, so that is what we are trying to stress.”
Following two frustrating results, we will see just how strong the character in the O’s team is now.
If they record a positive result against Hartlepool then it is safe to assume they are back on track, but if they don’t, more questions will be asked of this group of players.
