Macauley Bonne bagged for the third home-game running, as his first half header meant Leyton Orient beat play-off chasers Wrexham 1-0 at Brisbane Road this afternoon.

Bonne converted just before the half-hour mark, as he headed home at the far post from Jobi McAnuff’s cross to secure Orient their third home win on the bounce, in a match which also saw Charlie Lee make his long awaited return from injury as a late second half substitute.

Justin Edinburgh made two changes to the team which lost to Hartlepool United in mid-week, both of which were enforced. George Elokobi and Joe Widdowson were both ruled out due to injury, meaning that Dan Happe and Myles Judd came into the side, with the latter making his first appearance since December.

On the bench, there was a welcome return for captain Lee, who featured in a match-day squad for the first time since suffering a knee injury in training back in August.

Meanwhile, Wrexham’s Andy Davies made just the one change from last weekend’s defeat to Dagenham and Redbridge, with Kevin Roberts coming into the team for David Raven who dropped to the bench.

It was Orient who started the brighter and after some nice passages of play, Happe almost put the O’s ahead inside four minutes, when he rose highest to meet McAnuff’s free kick but Wrexham’s Chris Dunn did superbly well to tip the ball over the bar.

The O’s were playing some nice football early on, controlling possession for large parts and they created another chance just before the 15 minute mark, as Craig Clay released Josh Koroma in behind Wrexham’s defence but the young forward could only shoot straight at Dunn under pressure.

McAnuff then sent an effort comfortably over the bar from distance and the O’s skipper’s next major contribution would be telling, as Orient took the lead just before the half-hour mark.

The 37-year-old drove forward after winning the ball back in his own half, before whipping in an inch perfect cross which was dispatched by top-scorer Bonne at the far post to hand Edinburgh’s men a deserved lead against Andy Davies’ play-off chasers.

Moments later and Bonne almost grabbed a second, as his header forced Dunn to make a decent save after good play from James Brophy down the right.

Orient continued their dominance as the second half got underway, with the impressive Marvin Ekpiteta next to test Wrexham’s Dunn from the edge of the area, after a Sam Ling throw had only been partially cleared.

Back came Wrexham, though, with a quick counter-attack ending with Scott Quigley firing over from a tight angle after Ebou Adams was dispossessed.

But Orient went straight down the other end and almost doubled their lead, as McAnuff won the ball back once again inside the Wrexham half, before back-heeling to Bonne on the edge of the area, whose first shot was well blocked before his second attempt was deflected just over the bar.

The O’s continued to pile on the pressure, as Brophy’s goal-bound effort from the edge of the area was well-blocked and on the hour mark, they were inches away from adding a second once again as Koroma went on a mazy run, before cutting in and curling an effort which was pushed away by Dunn.

Another chance came and went for Orient seconds later, as McAnuff’s teasing cross was met at the far post by Brophy, whose effort went agonisingly across the face of goal.

Justin Edinburgh’s men were enjoying a great deal of success on the counter attack and after Scott Boden’s glancing header went comfortably wide for Wrexham, Orient went straight down the other end thanks to a free-flowing move which ended with McAnuff’s pile-driver being deflected just wide of the post by a defender.

Edinburgh then made his first sub with 17 minutes remaining, as David Mooney replaced Adams, who was booked in the first half. The change meant Koroma moved out to the right, with McAnuff moving into the centre of the park.

But the O’s were almost punished for their profligacy with just under 15 minutes to play, as Quigley’s header found Paul Rutherford unmarked on the edge of the area, but his volley fortunately flew over the bar.

Koroma then lashed an effort wide of the mark, before sub Mooney spurned a glorious opportunity to put the game to bed with four minutes remaining as he raced through on goal, but his effort was pushed out by Dunn for a corner.

From the resultant corner, Bonne’s header was cleared off the line and Orient managed to see out the final few minutes without any issues, to secure another win on home turf.

Leyton Orient: Brill (GK), Ling, Ekpiteta, Happe, Judd, McAnuff ©, Adams (Mooney, 73) Clay, Brophy (Lee, 90), Koroma, Bonne.

Subs: Grainger (GK), Clayden, Reynolds.

Booked: McAnuff (23), Adams (51)

Wrexham: Dunn (GK), Jennings, Smith, Pearson ©, Roberts, Macreth (Wright, 68), Wedgbury, Kelly, Rutherford, Quigley, Boden (Ainge, 72) Subs: Dibble (GK), Raven, Deverdics.

Booked: Mackreth (31)

Referee: Sam Allison

Attendance: 5,166 (655 Wrexham)