Dean Cox insists Leyton Orient have not given up on automatic promotion and believes nerves could still get the better of second-placed Brentford over the last fortnight of the season.

The O’s rediscovered their best form as they thrashed Gillingham on Saturday while the Bees slipped up after losing at Swindon Town. Brentford have failed to score or win any of their last four away games although they still have a seven-point advantage over Orient.

But Cox has not given up on catching a Brentford side which suffered promotion agony on the final day last season.

The O’s winger said: “There have been a few blips this season but we’ve always scored lots of goals and we’ve done that again. We’ve been creating them and not taking them in the past but we’ve taken them today and Brentford have lost which makes it a bit interesting now.

“There’s seven points in it so hopefully there’s a bit of squeaky bum time for our arch rivals and hopefully we can pip them.

“There’s still half a chance. Never say never in this game. But if we are to be in the play-offs that’s a fantastic start and we want to gain momentum from that and keep it going.”

Gillingham were pulverised by Orient at Brisbane Road and Cox played a significant role as he scored a superb second for the hosts. The former Brighton & Hove Albion attacker admits it was a treat playing in the team and does not think any potential play-off opponents will fancy facing his side.

Cox said: “It was an absolute joy to play in the first half. We just started off really well. We wanted to press high which we did. We were unplayable at times and 4-0 didn’t really flatter us at half-time.”

He continued: “I thought we were frightening. We were clinical and ruthless. We moved the ball, got it wide and put crosses in the box. If we couldn’t cross we’d go inside. If we couldn’t go inside we’d go back to the other side. It was just a complete performance.”

Cox has already secured the best return of his career this season with 14 goals and admits this has been his most enjoyable campaign as he looks to fire Orient to promotion.

The 26-year-old said: “It’s the best season I’ve had. It’s just fantastic to be involved with - and play - in this team. The first 45 minutes was the best for us and I’ve not seen so much movement, passing, crossing and goals. It had everything and let’s not forget at the back as well.

“We were resilient in defence as well which gives the boys up front the platform to go and play and express themselves. It’s a team effort and we’re looking forward to keeping it going on Friday already.”

The O’s will head into the Easter period full of confidence after their emphatic win over the Gills but Cox knows tomorrow’s game at Crawley Town will be challenging due to the poor playing surface.

“Easter is very important,” he said. “It’s going to be tough on not a very good pitch at Crawley. I think everyone can see it’s a bit of a sandy beach so it will be difficult. But we’re going to go there and try to win three points.

“Then we come here on Easter Monday with a fantastic game against Wolves. They’ve already won promotion so maybe they might go easy on us. It’s a great game and it will be a full house again. We’re looking to put a performance on like we did here.”