It seems to be a strange thing to say, but somewhat symptomatic of what’s been a very strange season, that we have the relief of an away trip tomorrow. It’s just five wins at home, as against 6 away. Only Brighton in our Division have managed the trick of winning away more often than at home this season and you have to say that it is more than just co-incidence and there has to be a logical reason for it. This probably isn’t the time to go into the lack of creativity in the side which stops us from breaking down sides at the Bescot, compared to the relative pace we have up front and on the flanks, which enables us to hit teams on the break away from home, but I do think that’s a large part of the answer.

Whatever the reason, the season is as good as over, with us now standing 16 points behind the play offs and 12 points clear of the relegation zone, so this ought to be the time to start looking towards next season and experimenting a little. To counterbalance that, however, with the Early Bird season ticket offers now out, we could also do with going on a decent run in an attempt to coax some supporters back. A difficult balancing act for Chris Hutchings, then.

One decision that ought to be made, however, is to give Gilmartin another chance after last week’s howler. He is the future, for the time being at least, and should keep his place ahead of Ince, who will be likely to leave at the end of the season.

Westlake is another who should get a runout tomorrow, as Weston has a calf strain and will miss two weeks. That leaves the rest of the positions across the back between Smith (rumoured to be a target for Norwich City), MacDonald, Hughes, Vincent and Richards.

In the middle of the park, Jones will be on one flanks and Gray on the other, with two out of the returning Mattis, Taundry, O’Keefe and Bradley in the middle. If we are going to experiment, I’d go for thee in the middle (Mattis, Taundry and Bradley or O’Keefe or Richards), with Jones playing off the front two, in a 4 3 1 2, but I don’t think Hutchings will go down that route.

Up front, Deeney and Nicholls are likely to keep the starting berths, with Byfield and the now fit again Parkin in reserve.

As for Orient, they’ll be sweating on Ben Chorley’s fitness ahead of the game. The centre-half missed Tuesday night’s 2-0 defeat at Oldham with a hamstring injury and needs a late fitness test.

Luke Ashworth deputised for Chorley at Boundary Park and will be on stand-by again.

Veteran striker Scott McGleish was rested in midweek and should be back in the starting line-up alongside Jonathan Tehoue, who this week signed a long-term deal with the club.

Left-back Charlie Daniels came through the full 90 minutes unscathed against the Latics after a groin injury and midfielder Sean Thornton is pushing for a start after dropping to the bench.

Predictions?

Orient go into this game in 16th place, just 6 points above the drop zone. They have been suffering, according to their camp, from a shortage of goals, which is effecting their overall position. That puts our record into perspective, as they’ve scored just one less than we have! At home, they’ve won six and drawn six, so they’ve won the same number at home as we have away. I’d expect a point at least from this, but there has to be a very good chance of sneaking all three.