Kevin Nolan believes promotion contenders Leyton Orient need to learn to finish teams off during the run-in after struggling to beat ten-man Morecambe.

Since Nolan was appointed player-manager, his side have not been prolific scorers with only 12 goals in 11 matches.

Their results have largely been successful, with seven victories, but Nolan knows the play-off contenders could be punished if they fail to put teams away.

Speaking after the 1-0 win on Saturday, Nolan said: “I think it just sums up what we’re about at the moment. We can’t finish teams off and that’s what we’ve got to learn to do.

“We’re working hard on the training ground with lots of crossing and finishing so hopefully in the coming weeks we’ll start to see the ball hitting the back of the net a few more times.”

Orient relied on a late own goal in their home win and Nolan accepts his side did not play well during the game. But the former West Ham United captain insists winning without being near their best is an attribute all successful sides need.

He said: “That’s what you’ve got to do. When you’re a successful side you’ve got to win when you’re not playing well. We can’t play well every week and that’s what people have got to realise.

“No-one does whether you’re Man United, Barcelona or Chelsea. No matter what when they were winning titles and European Cups they don’t play well every time.

“What they do when they’re not playing well is make sure they don’t concede and when they get that chance, score and win the game.”