Leyton Orient dropped out of the League Two play-off spots after losing 4-0 at home to leaders Northampton Town this afternoon.

The Cobblers took the lead, following an even first half, after 54 minutes with a spectacular overhead kick from defender Rod McDonald.

Northampton doubled their advantage ten minutes later with a stunning Ricky Holmes volley before James Collins added two late goals to seal a comprehensive win.

The O’s named an unchanged side from the team which won 1-0 at Portsmouth seven days ago. It meant midfielder Nigel Atangana had to settle for a place on the bench.

Northampton had the first sight of goal when a cross found Collins but he fired his close-range effort into the side netting.

Orient’s first opportunity of the game fell to player-boss Kevin Nolan after a ball in from Sammy Moore but his flick-on lacked power and went into the arms of goalkeeper Adam Smith.

The hosts went close when Nolan teed up Jobi McAnuff but the midfielder’s low strike was well saved by Smith.

The O’s had a let off when goalkeeper Alex Cisak’s poor clearance fell straight to Holmes but he blasted his effort high and wide.

Orient stepped up the pressure with Nolan and Moore having shots blocked by defenders before Jay Simpson headed wide of the far post.

The Cobblers had a late chance in the half through McDonald but his header flew over Cisak’s bar.

Northampton opened the scoring early on in the second half with a stunning overhead kick from McDonald.

The O’s fell further behind after 64 minutes when Holmes struck a spectacular volley past a helpless Cisak.

Armand Gnanduillet was brought on for Calaum Jahraldo-Martin shortly after the second goal in a bid to spark a comeback for Orient.

The substitute almost set up a goal but Gananduillet’s cross-shot was too far in front of his team-mates.

Orient nearly pulled one back through Simpson after he turned in the area but the striker’s low shot crept past Smith’s post.

The hosts made another change with Bradley Pritchard replacing Moore.

Ruthless Northampton punished the O's in the 84th minute Collins netted from close range.

Ollie Palmer was introduced late on for Jack Payne as the hosts tried to score a consolation.

There was worse to come for Orient as the visitors broke away and Collins rifled in a fourth goal in injury time.

It was a dominant second-half performance from the Cobblers as Nolan suffered his second defeat in charge of the O's.

Leyton Orient: Cisak; Shaw, Baudry, Brisley, Hunt; McAnuff, Moore (Pritchard, 77), Payne (Palmer, 84), Nolan, Jahraldo-Martin (Gnanduillet, 66); Simpson

Subs not used: Grainger, Clohessy, Essam, Atangana

Northampton Town: Smith; Moloney, Diamond, McDonald, Buchanan; Holmes (Taylor, 80), Rose, O’Toole, Martin (D’Ath, 64); Collins, Richards (Cresswell, 87)

Subs not used: Adams, Hoskins, Clarke, Prosser

Referee: Paul Tierney

Attendance: 6,131