After a run of eight games without a win, Steve Davis could afford himself a sigh of relief in the wake of beating Dagenham & Redbridge on Tuesday.

The O’s 1-0 victory, which came by virtue of a Macauley Bonne strike in the 23rd minute, saw Davis’ side advance to the first round of the FA Cup where they will face Gillingham next month.

While Orient’s poor run was nothing short of abject, Davis insists performances have remained solid after the defeat of the Daggers.

“I might have a beer tonight after that,” the Orient boss joked.

“Like every performance, I can’t fault how they have worked and how they have played in the performance.

“Tonight is no different and you need a bit of luck which we have got.

“There are lessons to be learned as always and it is an incredible group of players I have got here.”

The victory saw Davis persevere with a 5-3-2 formation, which allowed Myles Judd and Jake Caprice ample opportunity to get forward from wing-back.

Judd was particularly impressive on the left and Orient looked to be a more balanced side with the added cover of three centre-backs.

Davis believes the change of approach has aided the O’s and praised his squad for the manner in which they have adapted to the formation.

“We have changed what we have been doing and tried to get more bodies in the crucial areas. The players have picked up the system very well,” he said.

“They are buying into the system and we are still trying to play our football and are making it work.

“The wing-backs give us great width and energy up and down, and the three centre-halves have defended very well and kept their concentration.”

The defensive solidity Davis was so please d with was apparent throughout the clash as Orient kept the Daggers at bay for the second time in three days.

They played out a goalless draw when the sides first met on Saturday and are now unbeaten in their last three games.

Orient’s impressive form at the back was epitomised by a last-ditch tackle from Michael Clark which made sure his side secured the win.

The defender arrived at the vital moment to deny an almost-certain leveller in injury-time and Davis was fully aware of the importance of the tackle.

“I thought once the lad cut back he was in to be fair. Michael read it very well and came across to make a game-changing tackle,” he said.

“All the players have played their part and we move onto the next round looking forward to a trip to Gillingham in a few weeks’ time.”

Before their attention turns back to the FA Cup, Orient must look to turn a corner in the National League, where they have slipped to 17th in the table.

The league will always be the true yardstick for success this season as the O’s look to make a return to the Football League.

Their next assignment could not be tougher as they host a Macclesfield Town side flying at the summit of the league.

Saturday’s opponents have won their last four league games and are a point clear of closest challengers Dover Athletic and Woking.

Davis says Orient will still try to play attractive football, but expects a physical test against Town.

He said: “We haven’t got big six-foot-four players, so we have to play our game and can’t play the way they play.

“We have to stand up to it like we did tonight, the pressure, the long balls that try to beat you up a little bit.”

Victory could take Orient as high as 14th in the table.