Orient took a brief time out from their recent cup duties for the bread and butter business of League One as their game with Crewe Alexandra ended in a 1-1 draw.

Orient dominated the first half with the O's creating good chances and with debut Charlie MacDonald and David Mooney coming close only to be denied by the woodwork. 

We hit their post, crossbar and had one off the line when on 26 minutes the O's got that well deserved goal through Lee Cook. You could say we were all over them and you'd be right except Crewe rode their luck, when against the run of play, they managed to find a equaliser.

The goal found us flat footed and stunned the O's faithful which begged the question, silent in the air, how on earth did that happen?

The second half saw Jamie Jones make a series of fine saves, as did Crewe's keeper Steve Phillips who for me was their best player. He did a good job keeping us out which kept his side still in with a shout. Both sides continued to press forward right up to the final whistle so a point a piece.

We were the better side and we should have buried them in the first half. Strange but true, the last time Orient drew this season was also against Crewe.

Tuesday night against Yeovil in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy was a ball and credit to all for the great cup atmosphere and a great result. So it's Southend in the area final over two legs. Our old mucker rivals and we've got two efforts at them with no love lost so let battle commence.

Another contest is on Tuesday night, weather permitting, in our FA Cup replay with Hull City. We were the better side in the first game and were robbed in extra time. The winners play Barnsley and we are without Kevin Lisbie who could be out for weeks. MacDonald is cup tied but the good news is both Ben Chorley and Martin Rowlands may well be ready for a swift return.

Next up after that is Doncaster Rovers away. They were the best side early in the season to grace the Brisbane Road turf. Right now the way we are playing we fear no one. We have a good team sprit and a positive attitude so bring it on,

Up the Os.