Leyton Orient got their League Two promotion bid back on track with a 3-2 home win over struggling York City.

The O’s deservedly took the lead through captain Mathieu Baudry’s header after 21 minutes. Jay Simpson added the second but a deflected effort from Vadaine Oliver gave York hope.

Orient extended their lead in the second half when Simpson scored his 13th goal of the season. Oliver headed in his second to set up a tense finish but the O's held on for the win. 

The squad were forced to spend this week at a hotel after last weekend's defeat to Hartlepool but it did not appear to have any adverse effect as the hosts claimed their eighth league victory of the season.

Midfielder Jobi McAnuff received an unexpected recall to the bench. The Jamaica international has not featured at all this season but Ian Hendon brought him in from the wilderness due to the club's recent injuries.

New signing Jean-Yves M'Voto made his debut in defence in place of Alan Dunne while loan signing Cole Kpekwa was on the bench.

Sammy Moore returned to the midfield in place of Lloyd James and goalkeeper Alex Cisak was available again after international duty with Australia.

The O’s almost got off to the perfect start in the first minute but Jack Payne’s superb long-range strike smashed against the upright.

John Marquis set up a chance for Moore but the midfielder’s strike flew over Scott Finders’ crossbar.

It was a lively start from the hosts and Simpson should have done better in the penalty area but George Swan nicked the ball off the striker.

Orient were dominating the early exchanges and Simpson was only denied the breakthrough after his shot was blocked on the line by Eddie Nolan.

Their pressure led to the opening goal when Moore’s corner was powerfully headed home by Baudry.

But the O’s skipper picked up an injury and was forced off which resulted in an early debut for Kpekawa.

Orient doubled their lead just before the break when Marquis played the ball into the six-yard box and Simpson tapped home the second.

But the visitors gave themselves hope with the last kick of the half after Oliver’s deflected strike beat Cisak.

York had the first opportunity of the second period but Bryn Morris curled a shot from the edge of the area over the bar.

Bradley Pritchard sent a header towards goal but his effort was comfortably saved by Flinders.

But Orient made it 3-1 after 64 minutes when Simpson cut inside and fired in his second of the game.

Cisak was called into a rare save when he pushed away Oliver's header to keep the O's 3-1 ahead. 

There was a big cheer from the crowd when McAnuff was given his first appearance of the season as he replaced Pritchard. Blair Turgott also came on for Marquis.

York set up a tense finale when Oliver netted his second of the match to leave the hosts on edge. 

There were four minutes of injury time and Oliver could have levelled the game but his header was straight at Cisak as Orient held on for a nervous win. 

Leyton Orient: Cisak; Clohessy, Baudry (Kpekawa, 25), M'Voto, Shaw; Payne, Pritchard (McAnuff, 82), Moore; Marquis (Turgott, 82), Palmer, Simpson

Subs not used: Sargeant, Dunne, James, Kashket

York City: Flinders; Nolan, Swan, Boyle, Ilesanmi; Godfrey (Tutonda, 56), Greening (Sinclair, 57), Morris, Coulson (Straker, 80), Berrett; Oliver

Subs not used: Ingham, Hyde, Collins, Turner

Referee: Lee Collins

Attendance: 4,897