Tranmere v Leyton Orient preview: a tale of two struggles

(Photo: Media Image)
By Adam Ellis
Tonight’s televised National League match between Tranmere Rovers and Leyton Orient sees two teams struggling to find consistency go head-to-head at Prenton Park.
Rovers boss Micky Mellon has received timely boosts by the return of winger Ben Tollitt after a lengthy seven month absence, while striker Andy Cook is in line to start after serving a one-match suspension for reaching five yellow cards.
Tollitt has completed his rehabilitation program for damaged cruciate ligaments and was far from mellow in talking about his return to first-team action.
“I’m buzzing,” the 22-year-old told the Liverpool Echo, “my last game was in February, and I can’t even remember what I was doing in February it seems so long ago!
“I’m so excited. On a scale of ten, I’m a twenty! Double it! Honestly, I can’t wait.”
With Tollitt short of match fitness Mellon could hand a debut to winger Dylan Mottley-Henry who signed on loan from Barnsley earlier this week.
Tranmere also welcome back defender Jay McEveley as they seek to build on their 1-0 victory at Bromley at the weekend – their second win in six matches during September.
Visitors Leyton Orient endured a torrid September as defensive injuries saw Steve Davies’ side falter to four defeats in five to drop to 16th in the table – two places above tonight’s opponents.
Injuries to Josh Coulson and George Elokobi should see teenager Dan Happe start his third match of the season after signing a pro deal earlier this week, Mark Ellis should partner the 19-year-old in the middle of the defence.
James Brophy is likely to deputise for first-choice left-back Joe Widdowson who missed Saturday’s 2-1 defeat to AFC Fylde at Brisbane Road with a thigh strain.
Despite Happe impressing during Orient’s recent struggles, O’s boss Davies made no excuses that the loss Elokobi and Coulson has unsettled his side.
“For the first seven or eight games they had played every fixture and done well, so they are the heart of the team” Davis said in conversation with the East London Advertiser.
“You try to build from the back and to lose them both for a period of time has been a big blow and you’ve seen that.”