Leyton Orient player-boss Kevin Nolan described his side's 1-0 victory at Portsmouth as a "massive win" after completing the double over their promotion rivals.

The O's claimed a vital three points after Jobi McAnuff's stunning second-half strike to climb up to sixth in the League Two table.

The Orient boss praised his players and insisted their reaction to the disappointing home defeat to Cambridge United was the most encouraging aspect from today's victory.

Nolan said: "This was a massive win for us today especially after last week. I was going to use the expression bouncebackability but the actual reaction from last Saturday was most pleasing for me. I said to them and told them that's the happy medium they've got to keep whether we're winning or losing.

"We have to keep the mentality of the group and the positiveness and that's going to continue to happen now. We've had a fantastic win and we're now in the play-offs and that's where we want to be."

Nolan handed debuts to defenders Nicky Hunt and Shaun Brisley and was very pleased with their contribution for Orient.

He said: "Obviously Nicky is a good friend of mine on and off the field. We are really close through our Bolton years and still kept in touch.

"When I realised he was available and that we could get him I thought it was a no brainer because I knew the quality he has and what he could bring us in his experience and his ability on the ball as well as his defensive capabilities. I'm delighted with his performance and it's something he will only get better for as well."

The O's boss continued: "With Shaun I went a lot with what Hessy [Andy Hessenthaler] said and watched a lot of videos before we got him in. I thought he did everything we needed and wanted and what we needed as a team and a back four.

"I'm delighted with him and that we were able to get him until the end of the season. Hopefully he will get fitter now and get better so we keep on keeping clean sheets because it's such an amazing feeling when you do."