Palmer is convinced goals will flow now
OLLIE PALMER is ready to start matching strike partner Jay Simpson’s productivity in front of goal after notching an FA Cup double.
Simpson is the topscorer in League Two with 11, while Palmer has just one league goal to his name, despite featuring in all 16 games this season.
However, the 23-year-old found the net twice in Orient’s 6-1 FA Cup demolition of Staines Town last week and the forward believes he is due a purple patch.
“Me and Jay have linked up well,” said Palmer. “Of course, a partnership doesn’t happen overnight.You have to start understanding each other and know where the other person is going to be.
“As a forward, that is what you want to do and I’ve been a bit unfortunate of late. I’m glad to get off the mark and I want to take that into Hartlepool. The main focus is getting back into the top three.
“Despite our dip in form, we are still close to the automatic promotion places and that demonstrates the quality we have in our squad.”
Standing between Ian Hendon’s side and three points are Hartlepool, under the glare of the Sky cameras.
The Pools are languishing near the foot of the table but are on a high after beating Cheltenham Town in the FA Cup, drawing Salford City in the second round and completing the loan signing of Mikael Mandron on Friday.
Manager Ronnie Moore may not throw him straight into the side but he can call upon Carl Magnay after he completed his six-match ban for spitting.
He could also have Magnus Okuonghae and Scott Harrison fit again, creating a selection headache after new loan signing Adam Jackson and Matthew Bates impressed at the back against Cheltenham.
“It’s hard having decisions like that,” said Moore, “but you have to make those calls.”