Leyton Orient looking forward to tough Stevenage test

O’s welcome their rivals to Brisbane Road, after winning the League Two title ahead of them last season.

But the two clubs have had contrasting starts to the current campaign, with Stevenage taking 10 points from their first five fixtures to sit in fifth place.

Richie Wellens’ side lost their first three matches, in comparison, and then followed a goalless draw at Blackpool with a 2-0 home win over Cambridge United last weekend.

And experienced midfielder Pratley told the club website: “We should be going into the game with confidence, coming off the back of that one against Cambridge, similar sort of style if you like, same sort of shape.

“Difficult game. It’s one of the teams that came up with us last year, very good side, good at what they do.

“Steve Evans has everyone working so we know it’s going to be tough.

“But we’re excited, we’ve had a good week again this week and we’re looking forward to the game.”

New loan signing Shaq Forde opened the scoring against Cambridge, with Theo Archibald sealing the points in the second half.

And Wellens felt it was a deserved victory for his side.

“The win was because of the performance. It was a good win, we needed it for everybody’s confidence,” he told the club website.

“Performance levels have been coming, they’ve been growing. And I think to a man, every single player contributed – fast, energetic, attacking football.

“There was so much pace, the ball speed we played at was exceptional, so now it’s about continuing it, not getting complacent and continuing to get better, wanting to improve.

“We’ve had a tough start with some of the fixtures and what has been thrown at us, but we’re getting a good squad now.

“You looked at the bench on Saturday and there is a couple of thousand games on the bench.

“We’ve gone through that little stormy period and probably never looked as bright since I’ve been here in terms of the team we’re putting out.”