Leyton Orient fought back from 3-1 down to salvage a 3-3 draw at home to Gillingham in a thrilling Easter Monday clash at Brisbane Road.

Lloyd James celebrated his first start for seven months by firing the hosts in front from the penalty spot. But it did not last long as the Gills levelled through a tap-in by Jermaine McGlashan.

Gillingham took the lead before the break when Cody McDonald headed home. The striker made it 3-1 from the penalty spot in the second half before substitute Darius Henderson sparked hopes of a comeback by pulling one back.

Goalkeeper Alex Cisak made several superb saves to keep Orient in the game and Josh Wright scored his second goal in six days, with an 85th minute effort, to rescue a precious point in their battle against relegation from League One.

The O’s made five changes from the team which won at Coventry City on Wednesday. James made his first start since September, after breaking his leg, in place of Marvin Bartley.

Andrea Dossena, Ryan Hedges, Dean Cox and David Mooney were also brought into the side at the expense of Nathan Clarke, Jobi McAnuff, Jake Taylor and Henderson.

Orient made a fast start and were only denied a first-minute opener when Dean Cox’s diving header was tipped over by goalkeeper Glenn Morris.

But the hosts almost handed the lead to Gillingham when Dossena misplaced a pass and McGlashan rounded goalkeeper Alex Cisak but could only fire wide.

Fabio Liverani’s side responded and Cox sent in a cross which was headed narrowly past the post by Chris Dagnall.

The high tempo slowed down midway through the half but Cox had another effort as his shot deflected into the arms of former Orient keeper Morris.

The O’s were awarded a penalty on the half hour mark when Hedges was brought down in the area by Max Ehmer. James stepped up and confidently blasted his spot kick into the net for the crucial breakthrough.

But the hosts conceded an equaliser within four minutes when they were caught out from another set piece. Jake Hessenthaler’s corner was flicked on by Luke Norris and McGlashan tapped home from close range.

Gillingham took the lead two minutes before the break when Bradley Dack’s cross was headed home by McDonald.

Orient were really struggling defensively and should have conceded a third goal when McDonald’s fierce strike was tipped over the bar by Cisak.

The hosts almost fell further behind at the start of the second half when Hessenthaler’s effort was blocked by Cisak and the visitors failed to put away the rebound attempt.

Gillingham went close again when Dack raced into the penalty area too easily but his shot flew high and wide of the target.

Orient conceded a penalty after 56 minutes when Shane Lowry fouled Norris. McDonald smashed home his spot-kick to extend the Gills’ lead.

Hedges fired in an effort for the hosts but his shot was parried by Morris.

Orient made a second change with McAnuff replacing Hedges.

Liverani’s side pulled one goal back midway through the half when Henderson fired home after his first effort was parried by Morris.

The visitors almost added a fourth goal through the lively Dack but his strike flew just past the far post.

Gillingham had another opportunity from Doug Loft’s free-kick but Dack’s header was comfortably saved by Cisak.

Orient should have done better when Dagnall set up Henderson but the striker headed wide of the target.

The Gills nearly sealed the points when Norris fired in a low shot but Cisak managed to block the effort.

The O’s could have levelled the game through Dagnall but he fired his effort into the side netting.

Gillingham were only denied twice as Cisak made superb saves to keep out efforts from Norris and McDonald.

It was then Orient’s turn to miss a golden chance as McAnuff’s shot struck the foot of the post.

But Liverani’s side made it 3-3 in the 85th minute when Wright kept his composure to fire into the corner of the net.

The O’s made their final change when captain Clarke was brought on in place of Dossena.

There were five minutes of injury time but there were no more goals in a gripping contest as Orient came away with a potentially valuable point which looked highly unlikely midway through the second half.

Leyton Orient: Cisak; Dossena (Clarke, 88), Lowry, Baudry, Cuthbert; Cox, James, Wright, Hedges (McAn; Dagnall, Mooney (Henderson, 55)

Subs not used: O’Neill, Simpson, Woods, Taylor

Gillingham: Morris; Egan, Ehmer, Legge (Hoyte, 78), Bell; McGlashan, Loft, Dack, Hessenthaler (A Morris, 82); McDonald, Norris

Subs not used: Nelson, Marquis,Muldoon, Dickenson, Freiter

Referee: Mark Haywood

Attendance: 6,394