John Coleman is looking forward to locking horns with Ian Hendon in an early promotion battle tomorrow.

Orient are sixth in League Two with Stanley seventh, with one point difference, and the Reds are looking to leapfrog Hendon’s side.

It’s a first visit to Matchroom Stadium for Coleman’s men who have been stronger on their travels this season.

“It should be a great game, they play attractive football and I know Ian Hendon well,” said Coleman.

“They are a big club who expect to be in the play-offs or in the automatic places but people are starting to take notice of us now.

“I expect an open game, it will be a really attractive game and hopefully we will come out on the right side.”

Hendon was boss at Barnet and has also been coaching at West Ham before taking over at Orient.

“He lost his job at Barnet after we beat them and I know how much that hurt him. It’s nice to see him back as manager.

“The expectations are high at Orient that they can bounce straight back into League One. They started strongly, have had a wobble but have come again.

“As we have said all along it’s the teams who are consistent who will be up there.”

Injuries are clearing up for the Reds but they will be without Adam Buxton (hip flexor) and Gerardo Bruna (hamstring).

“Dean Winnard is back from illness, Liam Wakefield is fit and Tom Davies has been at St George’s Park for a rehabilitation programme and he is back in contention for tomorrow.”

Orient have former Reds keeper Alex Cisak in goal for them.

“Alex was a good keeper and did well for us and we will have to find a way past him,” added Coleman.