Justin Edinburgh praised his side’s 'decisive' display, as Leyton Orient returned to the National League summit with a 4-0 win over Havant and Waterlooville.

The O’s were in full control at the break thanks to first half strikes from Josh Coulson and Charlie Lee as well as an own goal from Theo Lewis.

Macauley Bonne then added further gloss to the score-line in the second half when, just minutes after hitting the post, he made it four when he fired low past Ben Dudzinski following Craig Clay’s pass.

Such a commanding win, coupled with Salford City and Wrexham’s inability to pick up three points, ensured the O’s returned to the top of the National League.

Following last week’s FA Cup exit to Maidstone United, head coach Edinburgh was pleased with the team’s reaction and felt his side should have won by a larger margin.

Speaking to Leyton Orient’s website, he said: “I’m pleased with the performance. It was a positive start and I thought we looked a threat and were worthy of the win.

“We spoke in mid-week and did a lot of work on the training ground and I think the players responded to that.

“I thought if we had got a couple more it would have been justified but credit to Havant as they kept going and never gave in. They never died on their manager and I thought they gave everything they had until the end.

“But we were a very good unit today. I thought we moved the ball well and we always looked decisive in the final third.”

Orient took the lead in the 13th minute on Saturday when Coulson was first to react after Dudzinski had saved Lee’s header from a James Dayton free-kick to stab home from close range.

Moments later and the O’s doubled their advantage when Jobi McAnuff’s corner was diverted past his own man by Lewis.

But the pick of the goals came five minutes before the break, when Lee did well to win back possession on the half-way line before driving forward and unleashing a powerful drive from 20-yards which found the bottom corner.

Orient’s dominance continued following the re-start as Dayton’s effort with the outside of his boot went just wide, before Bonne’s strike from just inside the area smacked the edge of the post.

Bonne wouldn’t have to wait long to add his name to the scoresheet, as he beat Dudzinski at his near post following Clay’s pass to increase the O’s advantage.

Lee and Clay were particularly impressive for the East London side during Saturday’s game and head coach Edinburgh was full of praise for the duo’s performance.

He said: “I’m pleased for Charlie. He’s had an assist today and scored another. It was a very good strike and I think it caught the keeper off guard. He probably didn’t expect him to be pulling the trigger from there but it was well dispatched.

“I thought Craig Clay was immense today. He played on the front foot and with Jobi (McAnuff) and (James) Dayton there was some real intricate play. But like I say, it was a positive performance.”