Orient provide last test for Boro

Stevenage continued their impressive form against lower league opposition with a 3-1 win away at Northwood. Graham Westley fielded a relatively weaker 11 to the team that played on Tuesday night against Boreham Wood choosing to keep his “first team” fresh for the visit of Leyton Orient on Saturday. After a goal-less first half, Northwood took the lead when Adrian Abramian scored in the 49th minute. Boro though equalised less than 10 minutes later through Craig Westcarr. A fluke of a goal from Jerome Anderson gave Boro the lead before Lawrie Wilson made certain of another Boro win 10 minutes from time.

Orient then are next up for Boro in their last real test before next week’s trip to Wrexham. It’s also the O’s last first team friendly before they begin their 2008/2009 League 1 campaign at home to newly promoted Hereford United. I expect both teams to be at their strongest as they look to finish pre-season on a high. Boro have no real injury concerns and could field some former Orient players such as Daryl McMahon, John Martin and Ashley Bayes. Orient boss Martin Ling has spoken about the ex-Orient players.

“Of course in Ashley (Bayes), John (Martin), Daryl (McMahon) and Iyseden (Christie) there is some faces we recognise. I worked with all of them in some capacity during my time at the club so there is a strong connection there. They will probably be out to prove a point against us, although I would like to get one over them as well.”

Developments regarding the EFCO Scheme and the club’s academy are set to be announced soon. There was a meeting yesterday between Robbie O’Keefe, Bob Makin and the players themselves of which the main points from that meeting can be seen here. O’Keefe is said to have spoken to Phil Wallace today about the same subject so more news should be known soon.