ORIENT could not have had a quieter Christmas.

The expected busy festive period did not materialise for the O's, with both of their Christmas matches (MK Dons and Hartlepool United) falling victim to the weather.

It means Russell Slade's side have not played since December 11, when they saw off Tranmere Rovers at Prenton Park.

Now the attention turns to the two matches over New Year.

Orient travel to Brighton & Hove Albion on New Year's Day (Saturday) and then entertain Colchester United on Bank Holiday Monday.

It is a tough start to 2011.

Both of their opponents are in the promotion frame.

Slade will particularly look forward to Saturday's match on the south coast.

As a former manager of the Seagulls, Slade knows the Withdean Stadium well and will relish the opportunity of putting one over his former club.

Dean Cox is another former Seagull.

He had a disappointing time at the Withdean and it was his summer move to Brisbane Road which revitalised his career.

Cox has been one of the star players so far this season and attracted interest from other clubs.

Gus Poyet's Brighton got their campaign off to a storming start and at one point were well clear at the top.

Though their rivals have closed the gap, Brighton still remain in the driving seat.

The Seagulls are currently top of League One - three points clear.

Colchester are also gunning for promotion and Monday's home clash will be another tough one.

Of course, Orient can go into both of the weekend's games with much optimism.

The O's have been in good form of late.

They have taken 20 points from 12 games and Slade said: "We're in the process of a decent run and we need to continue it."

Orient fans will also be waiting to see whether Slade brings in any new talent during the January transfer window next month.

The manager said he would be looking to 'wheel and deal'.

Supporters will just be hoping he can hold on to his star players, such as Cox.

Go to www.guardian-series.co.uk/sport for all the Brighton & Hove Albion v Orient action on Saturday and all the Orient v Colchester United action on Monday. And go to www.twitter.com/guardiangoblin for goal flashes.