Orient boss Russell slade keen to keep winning habit as non-league Southport come to town

League One leaders Leyton Orient will see an FA Cup run as a “welcome distraction” as non-league outfit Southport come to Brisbane Road on Saturday.

A victory will leave the O’s one win away from a potential third round glamour tie against one of the Premier League big boys, along with £18,000 prizemoney.

The Merseyside club are 16th in the Conference Premier, but handed league leaders Cambridge United only their first defeat of the season at the weekend, and O’s manager Russell Slade is not taking them for granted.

Changes

He said: “We might make a few changes, but not too many. We haven’t got a massive squad and winning becomes a habit.

“In my time at the club the FA Cup has been a welcome distraction. We’ve played Hull, Norwich, Swansea and Arsenal, and we’ve given a good account of ourselves.

“If we reach the third round the cup is an opportunity for the O’s to test themselves against better teams in the top two divisions. It’s something we relish.”

Orient’s excellent start to the league season continued when they overcame their biggest test this season with a win at promotion favourites Peterborough United on Saturday, and Slade is delighted with the fighting spirit his side showed after going a goal down.

Double

A double from David Mooney either side of a Dean Cox’s lob turned the game at London Road on its head to clinch a fine 3-1 victory.

Slade said: “I think the pleasing part was that despite us going a goal down, we stayed in control and continued creating chances.

“It was obviously a very big test, a very big hurdle and obstacle for us to overcome but we’re always looking to play positive football.

“I thought we looked very solid, very resilient and a threat going forward.”

The manager is looking to continue their fine form, which has led to one league defeat in the first 15 games this season, when Southport visit before getting back to League One action against fourth placed Preston North End the following weekend.

“We’re working hard on our jobs this week and hopefully we’ll get a similar performance to what the players delivered against Peterborough,” concluded the Leyton Orient boss.