Leyton Orient remain in the League One relegation zone after falling to a 1-0 defeat at Peterborough this afternoon.

The first half was devoid of entertainment or incident with the exception of the hosts’ fortunate goal. Jon Taylor sent in a hopeful cross and it somehow managed to beat goalkeeper Alex Cisak ending up in the corner of the net.

Orient had their chances in the second half to equalise, with Peterborough ending the match down to ten men after a late dismissal for Marcus Maddison, but frustratingly could not find a goal and the side stayed fourth bottom of the table.

The O’s made three changes to the side beaten by Bristol City on Tuesday. Gary Sawyer and Scott Cuthbert returned to the defence in place of Andrea Dossena and Shane Lowry.

Bradley Pritchard also earned a recall in midfield with Ryan Hedges not featuring. Darius Henderson was also named on the bench for the first time since scoring against Scunthorpe in January.

It was a forgettable start to the match and the first effort on goal fell to the visitors but Sawyer’s half-volley bounced high over the bar.

Peterborough had not impressed in the opening 25 minutes but grabbed the opening goal in an unusual fashion. Taylor sent in his cross from the right wing and goalkeeper Cisak did not move for it but the ball, possibly aided by the wind, curled into the far corner of the net.

The O’s had an opportunity before the break when the hosts conceded possession but Chris Dagnall’s shot was charged down.

Orient had a chance early on in the second half when the ball fell to David Mooney but his shot was straight into the arms of Ben Alnwick.

Fabio Liverani’s side went even closer from their next attack when Pritchard’s cross was met by Jobi McAnuff but his effort was pushed over the bar by Alnwick.

The O’s made their first substitution with Henderson brought on up front in place of Mooney.

Henderson had his first opportunity from Luke O’Neill’s cross but the striker’s shot was saved and the offside flag went up.

Orient made their second change with Dean Cox introduced midway through the half in place of McAnuff.

Substitute Luke James nearly doubled Peterborough’s lead from a rare attack but his strike was saved by Cisak.

Cox went close to levelling the game up with a low strike from the edge of the area but it drifted just past the post.

The visitors were forced into the final change when Romain Vincelot was injured and stretchered off. There was a long delay before the Frenchman was taken off and Marvin Bartley took his place.

The Posh were reduced to ten men when Maddison was sent off for a late challenge on O'Neill.

There were ten minutes of injury time, due to the long stoppage to take off Vincelot.

Orient could not take advantage of the extra man and time though and slipped to back-to-back defeats in their battle against relegation. 

Peterborough: Alnwick; Smith, Zakuani, Santos, Ntlhe; Taylor (Vassell, 73), Payne, Bostwick, Newell (Maddison, HT); McLean (James, 66), Washington

Subs not used: Henry, Burgess, Norris, Beautyman

Leyton Orient: Cisak; Sawyer, Baudry, Cuthbert, O’Neill; McAnuff (Cox, 64), Vincelot (Bartley, 83), Wright, Pritchard; Mooney (Henderson, 55), Dagnall

Subs not used: Woods, Clarke, Simpson, Dossena

Referee: M Brown

Attendance: 6,525 (597 Orient fans)