10:35am Thursday 13th December 2007
By Peter King
HAVING helped to shoot down his former club at the weekend, Orient winger JJ Melligan is now hoping to do the same against ex-manager John Ward on Saturday.
The 25-year-old, who came off the bench to score the O's second goal in their 2-0 win over Cheltenham, spent the three years he played for the Robins under Ward.
With Wayne Gray (thigh) set to be ruled out of action at Carlisle, there is every chance that Melligan will be given the full 90 minutes to make his mark this time.
He said: "It was great to get the goal, as it helped us secure an important win, especially after we had lost to Millwall on the Tuesday.
"I still wasn't going to celebrate after I scored, because as I said before the game I have a lot of respect for Cheltenham as I had three great years there.
"They are also right down there in the table at the moment, and while I had a bit of banter before and after the game with a few of their players, I didn't think it was right to rub their faces in it when I scored.
"Hopefully though it might help get me a start this weekend, although that is up to the gaffer.
"It is strange how it turns out because I will be facing John Ward now on Saturday, who I played under at Cheltenham.
"He was great to me while I was there, but I would certainly love to score against Carlisle if I get the chance. It is a massive game for us and I'm sure I will celebrate this time if I score."
And it is not just because he wants to get one over his former boss that Melligan wants to add to the three goals he has netted for O's.
He added: "I suppose some people will look at three goals from midfield at this stage of the season as a good return, but I certainly don't "I feel that I should have had seven or eight by now, because some good chances have come my way.
"Hopefully, though, I can make up for that and go on a little run now, because if we are going to have a real push for promotion it is important that everyone chips in with the goals and not just the strikers."
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