Leyton Orient goalkeeper Dean Brill praised “superb captain” Jobi McAnuff after his goal helped the O’s to a 1-1 draw away at Hartlepool United.

McAnuff scored after 22 minutes on the weekend following the celebration of the midfielder making 700 career appearances, and Brill was delighted for his teammate.

Speaking to the club’s website, he said: “He’s always in the right place, he’s a superb captain, he’s a great guy and we’re lucky to have him.”

Despite the captain’s goal, Justin Edinburgh’s side went into the break on level terms after Nicke Kabamba’s equaliser seconds before the half-time whistle.

Brill said: “We’re disappointed with the way we conceded the goal and as experienced players we’d have liked to see it through until half-time. We pride ourselves on having one of the best defensive records in the league.

“I wouldn’t say we were comfortable because we’re never comfortable, like I said, it’s a hard league, but I thought we dealt with what they put to us quite well. Once you let people inside your box, there’s always a bit of danger they could get a bit of luck and score and that’s what they did.”

The draw still leaves the O’s at the summit of the National League but their lead has now been cut to just a point after Solihull Moors’ win. Brill, though, still sees the Hartlepool result as a point gained rather than two dropped.

He said: “I think you have to look at it as a point gained, away from home in a tough league but to be in front and to concede in the way we did, we’re not very happy with that.

“It was a tough game and if we can keep a run going then hopefully that will see us through until the end of the season.”

The O’s will have an opportunity to extend their advantage at the top of the league on Saturday, February 16 when they host Maidenhead United at the Breyer Group Stadium.