Leyton Orient finally claimed their first home win this season after a 2-0 victory over Northampton Town in their Johnstone’s Paint Trophy area quarter-final.

The O’s made a bright start and were rewarded with a first-half opener through Jay Simpson. There were a few nervous moments during the second half but a late strike from Marvin Bartley ensured Mauro Milanese picked up his first win in charge. 

Goalkeeper Adam Legzdins made his first appearance in the team since August after recovering from his thumb injury.

There were three other changes from the side beaten by Oldham in the FA Cup. Elliot Omozusi, Gary Sawyer and Bartley started ahead of Scott Cuthbert, Mathieu Baudry and Shaun Batt.

The hosts had the first chance of the game after Simpson set up Chris Dagnall but his shot was well saved by keeper Matt Duke.

Dagnall had another opportunity from the edge of the area but the striker’s effort drifted well wide of the post.

Orient continued to threaten and forced another effort on goal after Dean Cox teed up Simpson but his shot was straight at Duke.

Simpson was looking lively and the former Arsenal forward hit a powerful strike over the bar from 25 yards.

The visitors put the ball in the net with their first attack but Ben Tozer’s header was ruled out for offside.

Orient opened the scoring midway through the half when Dagnall released Simpson and he raced clear to slot the ball past Duke.

The O’s almost extended their lead after Cox released Dagnall but the Town keeper managed to block his effort.

Orient had a chance at the start of the second half but Dagnall blasted his shot well wide.

The hosts were forced into an early change with Simpson going off injured and young attacker Scott Kashket replacing him.

The hosts still looked the more dangerous side and another attack led to a half-volley past the post from Bradley Pritchard.

Orient made a second change with Batt thrown on in place of Omozusi with Pritchard switching to right back.

The visitors rarely threatened but should have equalised when Kaid Mohamed headed wide from close range.

Dagnall came so close to sealing the victory when Batt broke down the wing and set him up but his effort deflected off the outside of the post.

The visitors fancied their chance of snatching an equaliser but substitute Marc Richards wasted their opportunity with a tame header over the bar.

Northampton were pushing forward in the final ten minutes and went close again but Richards curled his free-kick over the bar.

Any late fears were eased in the 89th minute when Bartley kept his composure and drilled a shot into the far corner to get Orient off the mark at home.

Leyton Orient: Legzdins; Omozusi (Batt, 69), Clarke, Lowry, Sawyer; Pritchard, Wright, Bartley, Cox; Simpson (Kashket, 52), Dagnall (Baudry, 90)

Subs not used: Plasmati, Woods

Northampton Town: Duke; Alfei, Tozer, Cresswell (Langmead, 57), Collins; O’Toole, Ravenhill (Hackett, 57), Carter; Nicholls, Sinclair (Richards, 56), Mohamed

Subs not used: Snedker, Byrom

Referee: Andy Davies

Attendance: 1,966