Leyton Orient boss Fabio Liverani insists his players did not have as much hunger and desire as opponents Colchester United and believes his side will have to fight until the last day of the season to avoid relegation.

The O's slumped to a 2-0 defeat this afternoon at their rivals to slip into the drop zone and leave them just two points off the bottom of the League One table.

Liverani said: "We have to fight until May 2 and the last game to avoid relegation because this is all we can fight for. Last season was great but it's passed so this season is a strong battle to avoid relegation.

"We knew that Colchester would push a lot in the first 20 minutes so we prepared the game in that way but on the pitch it was a different story. They showed more hunger and desire than us. This is what I told the players because we have to play with that spirit for the rest of the season."

Orient owner Francesco Becchetti attended the game and is unlikely to have been impressed by his team as their winless start to 2015 continued.

When asked what Becchetti would have made of the performance, Liverani replied: "You will have to ask him. I haven't spoken to him after the game."

The O's face another crucial home match next weekend when they host a Scunthorpe United side three points above them in the table.