A late Jay Simpson penalty means the Exiles miss out on a point at the Matchroom Stadium…
Darren Jones, who rejoined the Club on Monday, was named in the starting XI by Manager Warren Feeney, who also welcomed back Medy Elito back from injury.
In the opening ten minutes the Exiles had to rely on defender Andrew Hughes to deflect a low-driven effort by Jahraldo-Martin away from goal, as goalkeeper Mitchell Beeney looked to be beaten.
The Exiles soon settled into the game and looked to make the most of the expansive playing surface at the Matchroom Stadium. Midfielder Alex Rodman was a threat down the right, looking to cut inside at every available opportunity.
On the twenty-minute mark Yan Klukowski picked up a caution for a challenge on Jay Simpson, that more than adequately stopped the hosts from breaking into the County area.
As the game approached the half-hour mark the Exiles had to withstand some pressure from the hosts. Firstly, a whipped cross from Jobi McAnuff took a slight touch off Andrew Hughes, that was just enough to deflect the ball away from the onrushing Jay Simpson. The second chance for the hosts saw Mitchell Beeney forced into pushing a Jay Simpson shot away from danger, making a great save down to his right.
In stoppage time in the first half the Exiles had their best chance of the game, when a cross from the left dropped at the feet of Conor Wilkinson, who directed a powerful volley towards goal that was tipped over the crossbar by Alex Cisak.
Onto the second half and the O's were the quickest to get back into the swing of the game. A slack pass in front of the County defence was picked up by Jay Simpson, who burst into space before firing a curled shot narrowly wide of the post.
The Exiles made an early change in the second half, with John-Christophe Ayina replacing Yan Klukowski. The attacking winger, who scored on his debut, took up the position on the wide left.
It was the substitute that hit a slack pass that was intercepted by Jobi McAnuff, who was stopped by a well timed challenge inside the County area by Darren Jones.
Kevin Nolan, Player/Manager for the hosts, made an appearance for the final ten minutes of the game, much to the delight of the home fans.
It was the experienced Nolan that hooked a cross into the area that resulted in Jobi McAnuff going to ground under the challenge of Deane Smalley and referee Andy Davies had no hesitation in pointing for a penalty
After a delay for the protests of the County players, Jay Simpson steadied himself, before converting the penalty to put Orient in front.
In the four minutes of stoppage time the Exiles had a penalty appeal turned down, after a Deane Smalley went to ground in the area, but his appeal was turned away by the referee and the hosts held on to record a narrow victory.