Match Preview: Leyton Orient

2 September 2022

After getting back to winning ways with a comfortable victory over Colchester United last time out, Rovers make a trip to the capital to face Leyton Orient on Saturday afternoon.

A side-foot volley from Josh Hawkes followed by a first professional goal for Jake Burton sealed the victory for Rovers who claimed their second league win in Sky Bet League Two this season.

As for Leyton Orient, they’ve enjoyed a fantastic start to the campaign after still standing as only the second team in the division to remain unbeaten after six league games.

After winning five of their opening six games, Orient had a convincing victory last time out in league action with a 4-2 home victory over Hartlepool United.

Team News:

Kyle Jameson, Luke Robinson, Tom Davies, Kieron Morris, Charlie Jolley and Joel Mumbongo all remain absent.

Micky Mellon provided the update that Kieron Morris is back running on the grass and should be involved in training within the next couple of weeks. Tom Davies will have his protective boot removed next week for his stress fracture and will then build up to fitness.

One to Watch: Charlie Kelman

After coming through the ranks at FC Dallas, he joined Southend United where he enjoyed some great success at youth level. After scoring 61 goals in the 2017/18 season, he made his Southend professional debut in the 18/19 season and scored in his first match against Plymouth Argyle from inside his own half.

After featuring for Southend over the space of two years, he joined Queens Park Rangers on a three-year deal for an undisclosed fee and has been loaned out over the past two seasons.

Firstly, he was loaned to Gillingham in what turned out to be a fairly unsuccessful season for the Gills before he was loaned to Leyton Orient for the 2022/23 season.

After scoring three goals and one assist in the opening six games, Kelman is on for a very successful season and seems to have hit the ground running at the Breyer Group Stadium.

Manager: Ritchie Wellens

Born in Manchester, Wellens has spent the large majority of his playing and managerial career up North.

After coming through the ranks at Manchester United, Wellens spent a number of years at Blackpool as a player before having long spells with the likes of Doncaster Rovers, Oldham Athletic and Leicester City.

In 2017, he finished his playing career and entered managerial roles with the Oldham Athletic job but was dismissed after the club’s relegation to league two was confirmed.

He then took over at League Two side Swindon Town and later saw them promoted through PPG after the 19/20 season was halted due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Wellens has since had two fairly unsuccessful spells in charge of Doncaster and Salford City respectively before he joined Leyton Orient. After taking over in March, Wellens had a steady end to the campaign and has began this season brilliantly as Orient sit top of the table heading into the clash with Micky Mellon’s men.

Match Coverage:

International supporters can watch every game live by clicking here!

UK based supporters can listen to full match commentary for as little as £1 per game by getting an audio season or audio match pass here.

You can follow the action through our social media channels below, with full text coverage during the fixture, followed by a match report.

Twitter: @tranmererovers

Facebook: @trfcofficial

Instagram: @tranmererovers

Match reaction from Micky Mellon and a player will follow on our website and YouTube channel.

Match Previews

Match Reports

Leyton Orient 2-0 Tranmere Rovers

3 September 2022

Tranmere Rovers suffered a disappointing defeat on the road this Saturday against Leyton Orient.

A first half own goal and a Paul Smyth strike 15 minutes from time was enough to see the hosts beat Rovers and stay top of the league.

It was tight in the opening exchanges at Brisbane Road with both sides enjoying the ball in spells. Kane Hemmings showed the first glimpse of attacking threat when he nutmegged Happe in the box and attempted to cut the ball back to McAlear but Orient cleared.

The home side had their first chance not long after. Moncur’s corner sat up nicely for Kelman just inside the box but Turnbull got his body in the way to block.

On the 20th minute, Rovers should have taken the lead. Patient build up play resulted in Dacres-Cogley getting into the box before cutting it back to Nevitt but his side footed effort went over the bar.

Ten minutes before the break, Orient edge in front in fortuitous circumstances. Hunt crossed from the right for Orient and Turnbull stretched to cut it out before seeing it trickle into the far corner past Doohan.

With the last attack of the half, Nevitt picked out Hawkes on the edge of the box but his first time powerful drive was blocked by James.

Rovers started the second half on the front foot. Nolan worked some space on the edge of the box and stung the palms of Vigouroux who spilt it into the six yard box but Happe was there before both Nevitt and Hawkes to clear.

Orient should have doubled their lead after the hour mark. Paul Smyth crossed onto the head of Charlie Kelman inside the box but he couldn’t guide the effort on target.

With Tranmere searching for an equaliser, Orient killed the game off. Smyth picked up the ball in acres of space just inside the box and arrowed a shot into the far corner past Doohan.

Orient managed the game well and kept Tranmere at arms length for the remaining five minutes, leaving Rovers empty handed on the road.

Tranmere team: Doohan, Dacres-Cogley, Byrne, Turnbull, Bristow, O’Connor, Nolan (Hughes 64’), McAlear (Lewis 64’), Hawkes (Simeu 68’), Nevitt (Burton 68’), Hemmings

Match Reports

Ticket News

Leyton Orient ticket details

30 August 2022

Tickets for our away fixture against Leyton Orient on Saturday 3rd September are now on sale.

Rovers make the trip to Brisbane Road to face the O’s who are top-of-the-table in Sky Bet League Two off the back of a home victory over Colchester United.

Ticket prices:

Adults: £20

Concessions: £18

U18s: £8

Tickets are available on the day of the game with a £3 increase for adults and concessions.

Tickets are on sale until 11am on Friday 2nd September and can be collected from TRFC Store until 3pm that day. Any uncollected tickets will be sent to Leyton Orient for collection.

Coach travel is available for this fixture and will depart Prenton Park at 7:45am.

Both match and coach tickets can be bought in store or online by clicking here.