Lloyd James admits it is not nice being on the bench but he is determined to keep making an impact for the O’s after rescuing a point for the team at York.

The Orient midfielder was brought on as a substitute in the 66th minute on Saturday and made a telling contribution after netting the equaliser in their 1-1 draw.

Since returning from his Achilles injury last month, James has made three appearances but all have been from off the bench.

James said: “When you’re on the bench you obviously don’t want to be. It’s not nice to be on the bench but you’ve got to get your head down, work hard and try to get in the team.

“When you get your chance you’ve got to try to take it. As soon as you get out on that pitch it’s down to you to try and make an impact.”

James knew it would be difficult getting back into the side with so much competition for places in midfield but he hopes his contributions can help earn a place in the team.

He said: “It is nice [to make an impact]. I’m working as hard as I can to try to get back in the team. But we’ve got a good squad of players.

“I knew when I came back from my injury it wasn’t going to be easy but I’m working hard to get back in the team and we’ll see from there.”

James netted his fourth goal of the season in the York draw but admits the equaliser was something of a bonus after his recent finishing practise.

The 28-year-old said: “It’s funny really because we did a shooting drill on Thursday and I’ve literally rolled it into Hessy [Andy Hessenthaler] and he’d chip it up and you have to hit it on the half volley. Me and Frenchie [Mathieu Baudry] were out there for hours and it was just two of us left and they were going everywhere.

“Obviously one was set up there today. I’ve hit one on my left foot and luckily enough it’s gone in.”

Despite their three game winless run, the O’s are just one point outside the play-offs with six games remaining.

James said: “You’ve got to be in and around the [play-off] mix and we’ve done that. Like I said before the gaffer’s come in and consolidated things and we’re in and around the play-offs so what more can you ask for?

“We’ve just got to push on that little bit now and try to get a win.”