Leyton Orient could only manage a 1-1 draw at fellow strugglers Crewe Alexandra in their crucial League One relegation battle this afternoon.

The visitors got off to a terrible start after Lauri Dalla Valle slid the ball home for an early Crewe lead. But Orient levelled the game on the half-hour mark when Darius Henderson volleyed home.

Orient created most of the opportunities in the second half but poor finishing and impressive goalkeeping by Paul Rachubka meant they had to settle for a point.

The O’s made four changes from the side held at home to Gillingham. Nathan Clarke returned to captain the side with Andrea Dossena named on the bench.

Marvin Bartley replaced Lloyd James in midfield while Jobi McAnuff was recalled with Dean Cox sidelined through injury. Henderson was also selected ahead of David Mooney in attack.

Crewe had the first effort on target as Ryan Colclough neatly cut inside before firing a low shot straight at goalkeeper Alex Cisak.

But the hosts grabbed a crucial lead in the tenth minute when Greg Leigh’s cross was turned into the net from close range by Dalla Valle.

Ryan Hedges had the chance to respond for the O’s but the winger could only rifle his effort wide of the post.

McAnuff had an opportunity from the edge of the area but he fired his ambitious volley wide of the home goal.

Fabio Liverani’s side grabbed an equaliser after 30 minutes when Marvin Bartley’s cross was powerfully volleyed home by Henderson.

Colclough was looking a threat for Crewe and he went close from distance but fired narrowly over the bar.

The O’s put together a decent attack down the left which led to Shane Lowry sending in a cross and McAnuff fired in his effort which was parried by Rachubka.

Orient had an opportunity early on in the second half when the ball fell to Mathieu Baudry in the penalty area but his weak shot was straight at the keeper.

The visitors were starting to get on top and went close through McAnuff but his effort was blocked.

Liverani’s side again threatened when Hedges set up McAnuff but the midfielder blasted over the crossbar.

Orient almost took the lead when Chris Dagnall fired in a shot but it was tipped over by Rachubka.

Crewe also went close through Colclough but his effort was well saved by Cisak.

The visitors responded and Hedges fired in a fierce effort which was parried by the Crewe keeper.

Liverani made his first substitution when he introduced Dossena in place of Lowry.

The O’s had another opportunity through McAnuff but his long-range strike was too close to Rachubka.

Orient made another change late on as Gianvito Plasmati was brought on for Hedges as the visitors pushed for a winner.

Uche Ikpeazu had a chance to for Crewe but his header was saved by Cisak.

There were four minutes of injury time but neither side could find a winner to leave both teams still firmly involved in the scrap to avoid relegation.

Crewe: Rachubka; Leigh, Davis, Tate, Turton; Atkinson (Ikpeazu, 54), Ness (Nolan, HT), Jones; Dalla Valle, Inman (Ajose, 82), Colclough

Subs not used: Guthrie, Ray, Haber, Stewart

Leyton Orient: Cisak; Lowry (Dossena, 74), Baudry, Clarke, Cuthbert; McAnuff, Wright, Bartley, Hedges (Plasmati, 85); Henderson, Dagnall

Subs not used: Grainger, James, Mooney, O’Neill, Taylor

Referee: K Wright

Attendance: 4,419 (571 Orient fans)