ORIENT manager Martin Ling is disappointed that he will have to go against his principles and adopt a more defensive approach following Saturday's defeat against Grimsby, writes Peter King.
The O's boss is, however, delighted that striker Gary Alexander will possibly return to the squad for the weekend's trip to Rushden and Diamonds, although his main concerns still lie at the other end of the pitch.
He said: "We have conceded far too many goals lately and the table certainly tells the same story.
"While we are the second highest scorers, only Kidderminster have conceded more and that isn't good enough.
"We have been playing with five at the back away from home and it has been working for us, so while it may not come as a surprise that we probably set-up that way at Rushden I will probably try it out at home as well.
"I do prefer to be more attacking, although this system can still work like that because if things are going well the two wing backs can push on." Reflecting on the possible return of captain and last season's top-scorer Alexander, who has been out of action with an ankle injury since October, Ling added: "It will be a real bonus to have him back.
"He has been working really hard and the fact that his bad ankle is now actually stronger than his other one shows the kind of effort Gary has been putting in to get back."
While Gabby Zakuani will still be ruled out for the trip to Rushden with a knee ligament injury, Ling is optimistic that Andy Scott should return in time for the weekend after he hobbled off against Grimsby.
Rookie striker Efe Echanomi is also likely to start.
Meanwhile on-loan Watford striker Scott Fitzgerald, who is suspended for three matches after he was red carded on his debut on Saturday, will be remaining with the O's even though he can only play in two more games now.
