Not the best start to the new year especially after we had won our two previous games.

In the first half Fleetwood Town seemed fresher and quicker on the ball than we did and it was no real surprise when they went ahead straight away in the second half.

We spent the rest of the game encamped in their half but somehow they held on and you have to say that it was an away performance that would please everyone connected to Fleetwood.

Where does this leave us? Well we have to be realistic and hopefully all talk of finishing in the play-offs will be put on the back burner, as we are in the middle of a relegation dogfight. I hope I am wrong, but on Saturday’s evidence we will be until the end of the season.

It has been a frustrating time to be an Orient fan this season, with many changes at the club allied with some poor results.

It has tested the patience of even the most loyal supporters. However for the most part the crowd have got behind the team, supporting them even when the game has been going away from us. There have been a few exceptions, mainly at away games when one or two players have had to endure a torrent of vile abuse from a small minority of idiots.

This is totally out of order and only makes things worse and one can only hope that fellow O’s fans and stewards will step in to apprehend the miscreants if it happens in the future.

At one recent home game, which we won, our goalkeeper was subjected to ironic cheering when he was clearly struggling for confidence. This made me feel embarrassed to be an Orient fan. One can only hope our custodian will come back stronger for the experience.

There is no hiding place for a keeper when confidence is low. So a little support, which is after all why we are here, can go a long way. It is going to be a long season so please make an effort to support the players; they really do appreciate it.

Finally this Friday the Supporters Club will be open to show our televised match at Preston, doors open 5.30pm and admission is free to all.

We are also running a coach to the game and if you want to join the hardy souls on their travels, feel free to contact our away travel secretary on 07722135970 for this or any other game.