Leyton Orient stayed top of League Two despite losing for the first time this season after being thrashed 4-0 at Exeter City.

The Grecians took the lead after just five minutes when Tom Nichols scored a penalty after being brought down in the area by Charlie Grainger. It got even worse for Ian Hendon’s side in the 37th minute when Alex Nicholls struck an excellent shot into the net.

The visitors’ hopes of a comeback were hit after the restart when Alan Dunne conceded another penalty and Nichols made it 3-0. Exeter rounded off the scoring in the 77th minute when David Wheeler netted to complete a miserable afternoon for Orient.

The O’s were forced into changing the starting line-up for the first time in the league this season. Goalkeeper Grainger made his league debut with Alex Cisak away on international duty while Dunne came into the side in place of Frazer Shaw.

Orient got off to a terrible start when Grainger conceded a penalty for bringing down Nichols and he picked himself up to convert the spot-kick.

It was the first time this season the O’s had fallen behind in a league game after their exceptional start to the campaign.

The visitors fired in their first effort of the game midway through the half but Bradley Pritchard’s strike sailed high and wide of the target.

Orient came within inches of an equaliser when Jay Simpson’s header was cleared off the line by Matt Oakley.

The Grecians extended their lead in the 37th minute after a superb strike by Nicholls from the edge of the area flew past Grainger.

Cox had the first opportunity of the second half but the League Two player of the month fired harmlessly over the bar.

The hosts were awarded a second penalty of the match after 56 minutes when Dunne tangled with David Wheeler and Nichols fired his spot-kick straight down the middle to make it 3-0.

Hendon acted almost immediately and introduced Blair Turgott in place of Sammy Moore.

Exeter should have made it 4-0 when Ryan Harley’s strike struck the crossbar and Grainger pulled off an excellent save to keep out Nichols’ rebound effort.

An unhappy afternoon for Dunne was brought to an end with just over 20 minutes remaining when Scott Kashket replaced the defender.

The O’s could have netted a consolation but Sean Clohessy volleyed the ball over at the far post.

Kashket had a chance after running at the home defence but blasted his effort over the bar.

Orient made their final change when Ollie Palmer was brought on up front in place of Paul McCallum.

There was still time for a fourth Exeter goal as Harley’s shot was parried by Grainger but Wheeler followed up and tucked the ball into the far corner.

It was an afternoon to forget for Hendon's side as their 100 per cent record came to a shuddering halt at St James Park.

Exeter City: Olejnik; Ribiero, Tillson, Brown; McAllister (Woodman, 80); Oakley, Harley, Nicholls, Noble (Oyeleke, 88); Nichols, Wheeler (McCready, 83)

Subs not used: Pym, Butterfield, Morrison, Reid

Leyton Orient: Grainger; Dunne (Kashket, 68), Baudry, Essam, Clohessy; Cox, Moore (Turgott, 58), James, Pritchard; McCallum, Simpson

Subs not used: Sargeant, Shaw, Payne, Maguire

Referee: Kevin Johnson

Attendance: 3,648 (505 Orient fans)