Mauro Milanese’s first game in charge ended in defeat after Leyton Orient lost 2-0 at home to second-placed Preston at Brisbane Road this evening.

The visitors grabbed an early lead through Callum Robinson although the O’s were denied an equaliser by several excellent saves from former Orient keeper Jamie Jones.

But Preston doubled their lead in the 75th minute through a simple finish from close range by Paul Huntington to leave the O's still searching for their first win at home this season. 

Gianvito Plasmati made his Orient debut tonight against Preston in Milanese's first game in charge.

The Italian striker replaced the suspended Darius Henderson in attack while Dean Cox and Bradley Pritchard also came into the side for the injured Nathan Clarke and Chris Dagnall.

The visitors made a bright start and had the first effort through Chris Humphrey but his fierce strike flew just past the far post.

Gary Woods did well to come off his line and claim the ball before Paul Gallagher could reach it after Preston broke quickly.

Preston threatened again through Robinson but his low shot was well saved by Woods.

The visitors opened the scoring after 19 minutes when Humphreys set up Robinson for a simple tap-in.

But the O’s almost equalised straight away when Cox released Jay Simpson and his shot was tipped over by Jones.

The hosts kept the pressure on and were unlucky not to score when Simpson’s low effort was cleared off the line by a defender.

Plasmati had a quiet first half hour but came to life when he broke down the wing following a ball from Cox although his cross came to nothing.

The visitors had the chance to double their lead but Joe Garner headed straight at the keeper.

Orient came agonisingly close to a goal when Jobi McAnuff crossed and Simpson’s shot was blocked by Jones before Plasmati’s follow up effort was superbly saved by the keeper.

The O’s made a tactical switch for the second half with Shane Lowry moving into the centre of defence and Scott Cuthbert at right-back and Elliot Omozusi on the left.

Josh Wright came on for his first appearance in his latest loan spell from Millwall in place of Pritchard.

The O’s spurned a decent attacking position when Cox blasted a free-kick high and wide from just outside the area.

Milanese made his second change when he brought on Shaun Batt in place of tiring debutant Plasmati.

Substitute Kevin Davies went close for the visitors but he could only deflect a free-kick narrowly past the O’s post.

Preston extended their lead with 15 minutes remaining when substitute Tom Clarke headed on for Huntington to tap into the net.

This goal killed off Orient's hopes and in truth they struggled to create decent chances during a disappointing second half as Milanese began his spell in charge with a defeat. 

Leyton Orient: Woods; Omozusi, Baudry, Lowry, Cuthbert; Cox, Pritchard (Wright, 56), Bartley, McAnuff; Simpson (Kashket, 90), Plasmati (Batt, 65)

Subs not used: Lee, Grainger, Dagnall, Ling

Preston: Jones; Buchanan, Huntington, King, Wiseman; Robinson (Clarke, 73), Kilkenny (Browne, 85), Gallagher (Davies, 52), Welsh, Humphrey; Garner

Subs not used: Laird, Reid, Stuckmann, Brownhill

Referee: Carl Berry

Attendance: 4,560 (771)