ORIENT manager Martin Ling has stepped up his quest to sign a left winger and central defender before the transfer window slams shut at the end of the month.

The O's boss, however claims that his search hasn't intensified just because the east Londoners have suffered heavy back-to-back defeats against Ipswich in the League Cup and Peterborough in the league on Saturday.

He said: “I have been working hard this week to fill both areas, and that is not just because of the two defeats we've had.

“I've said all along these are the two areas we need to strengthen and I suppose Saturday's performance at Peterborough highlighted that.

“Hopefully there maybe some movement before the weekend, but I'm still not going to panic and will use the whole window to work in to make sure we get the right people in.”

Ling while acknowledging that the east Londoners face a tough contest this weekend - in their home clash with Carlisle – was quick to point out that his side aren't exactly in a bad position themselves after an opening day win over Hereford.

He added: “Yes we know Carlisle finished in the top six last season and have made a good start this year, but we are still only two league games into the season.

“So at this moment in time we are only three points behind them and a win for us on Saturday will put us level.

“So while some people are a little worried after the Ipswich and Peterborough defeats, I'm not going to start panicking just yet.

“Of course I wasn't happy with the way we competed in both those games, but we will look to put that right against Carlisle.

“I'm sure it will be a tough game because they are a decent side, but we've got to look to string some solid form together at home this season because the last time we did that we got promoted a couple of seasons ago.”

For O's team news ahead of the team clash with Carlisle see our website guardian-series.co.uk