SIMON GRAYSON is backing his Huddersfield Town players to bounce back from their Carlisle no-show with a big performance at Leyton Orient tonight.
After a first defeat in nine League I games under his command in Cumbria, the promotion-chasing boss knows the importance of collecting three points in the East end.
Frozen off in February, it’s Town’s game in hand on three sides above them in League I – leaders Charlton, whom they trail by 14 points, Sheffield United (eight) and Sheffield Wednesday (six).
The third-placed Owls come to the Galpharm on Saturday, and with a trip to Bournemouth on Easter Monday, Grayson knows the League I standings could soon look very different.
“We are trying win every game and there is even more riding on tonight’s match because of the Carlisle result,” admitted the manager, who refuses to give up hope of clinching one of the two automatic promotion berths.
“Saturday was hugely disappointing, and we were off the pace, but this is a good group of players, and an honest group, and remember they have lost just four games in more than 60.
“We have to make sure our preparation for tonight’s game is right and get back to playing the way we did against Charlton (beaten 1-0 at the Galpharm the Saturday before last).”
Grayson, whose side had a work-out at Tottenham’s training ground after heading South yesterday morning, could make changes after naming an unchanged side against Carlisle, who won 2-1 with an injury-time strike.
Versatile full-back Calum Woods is in contention after a groin niggle kept him out against Carlisle.
“It’s a busy spell and we do have options,” added Grayson. “It might well be that we get some fresh legs out there.”
Orient are equally desperate for a win after slipping to 18th, just three places and five points above the relegation zone, after Saturday’s 2-0 loss at Charlton.
Boss Russell Slade has on-loan Southampton defender Ryan Dickson available after suspension.
