Perhaps the proverbial ‘jury’ can take a bit of a ‘time out’ after this latest win must have surely dispelled some of those ‘doubting Thomases’ and propelled us closer to a play-off spot, than the dreaded drop zone.

It certainly has been an amazing turnaround – especially as we struggled to see off Shrewsbury only two weeks ago. Couple this with an FA Cup win and three other league wins – two on the road – then our season – at last – seems to be taking off.

The league table – albeit with the O’s in 13th spot – is looking healthier for us – but we are still playing catch-up having had that poor run – that now seems an age away. But, we still have to be on our mettle as it’s becoming quite congested down there and a couple of bad results would put us back in the mire. Only Hartlepool seem to be drifting away, with the pack behind us on our heels.

Whilst it wasn’t a completely new side that started the new campaign, there were a few new faces and with loan signings coming and going, it isn’t beyond the realms of imagination that a settled side is always going to get consistency – and that’s what seems to be happening - allied to the fact that several players are all coming into a bit of form.

No doubt, if we had faced North End earlier in the season and by the way they attacked us, I am not sure whether we would have seen the same outcome.

But, Ryan Allsop – to name but a few – literally kept us in the game with some vital saves either side of the break. If you keep clean sheets, then it’s obviously going to give you a chance – and with Kevin Lisbie ‘on fire’ at the moment – and showing no signs – touch wood – of slowing down – then the sky is the limit.

They say form is temporary and class is permanent – but you still have to put the ball in the back of the net and Lisbie is showing some of the best form in his short Orient career. In some ways, his injury and subsequent recovery is a plus for us as the player appears have returned rejuvenated – it seems like we have signed a new player.

In what is becoming a very interesting season, Alfreton of the Blue Square Conference – aka the Fifth Division – are next up in the FA Cup sponsored by a beer company.

This will give the whole nation an opportunity to see the side the gaffer has been patiently assembling and if we can keep their top scorer, Paul Clayton quiet, then I am sure we can be confident of progressing to the third round in early January.

Keep the faith,

Up the O’s