Brentwood Town vs Leyton Orient Preview
The Blues host League One Leyton Orient in their first pre-season match at the Brentwood Centre Arena. They are looking to get their fitness up in preparation for their first game in the Isthmian Premier Division.
The Visitors
The O’s had a strong campaign in League One last season, and even got the opportunity to play at Wembley. Orient finished 6th in the league after winning their last six games, meaning they faced Stockport in the playoff semi final. After an exciting 2-2 draw at home they travelled to Edgeley Park where they won on penalties. Unfortunately for the O’s they lost 1-0 to Charlton Athletic at Wembley in the playoff final.
Since then, they’ve made a couple of new additions. Their first was goalkeeper Killian Cahill, who they signed on a free following the expiration of his contract at Brighton and Hove Albion. The 21 year old played consistently in Premier League 2, and is a very highly rated youngster. Their second signing was another free agent- attacker Demetri Mitchell from Exeter City. In 61 games for the Grecians he scored 12 goals and the former Manchester United player will look to push himself even further at Orient.
Alongside their additions, they’ve had some contract extensions. Club captain Omar Beckles signed a new 2 year deal. The centre back has played 174 games for the O’s and scored 14 goals. His defensive partner, Jack Simpson also signed a one year extension, having joined Orient in 2024. He’s struggled with injuries, but when he’s played he’s looked comfortable at the back.
Manager Richie Wellens also signed a 3 year extension, committing his future to the club. He joined the O’s in 2022 and has led the club from League Two, to the League One Playoff Final. Leyton Orient provide a tough test for the Blues, but will push them to the highest level at the start of pre-season.
The Blues
Brentwood Town have been busy in the transfer market, with many new additions to the squad. Aron Pollock signed for the Blues from Billericay, Louie Johnson joined from Walthamstow, Charlie Edwards signed from Cray Wanderers, Manny Ogunrinde left Aveley for the Blues and Kymani Thomas joined from Waltham Abbey. Whilst there have been some departures, the majority of the 24/25 squad remained, and these new additions will allow the Blues to be competitive in the Isthmian Premier.
This is the first of 7 pre-season fixtures for Brentwood Town, and all of these will help the Blues prepare in the right way for the 25/26 campaign. Following this match against the O’s, the Blues play Chelmsford City at home on the 8th, Hornchurch at home on the 12th, Grays Athletic away on the 19th, Stanway Rovers away on the 22nd, Walthamstow away on the 26th and finally Tilbury at the Arena on the 2nd August.
The match kicks off at 1pm and should prove to be an exciting match up, with two sides both pushing to build on their success from last season. Tickets can be purchased HERE or on the gate.
By Matthew Trevelyan
