SEAN THORNTON'S 88th minute strike gave Orient a priceless victory over relegation rivals Brighton & Hove Albion at Brisbane Road on Saturday.

The O's midfielder curled a brilliant 20-yard strike into the top corner of Mikkel Andersen's net to haul Orient out of the drop zone.

Brighton took advantage of an error from Jordan Spence to take a 17th minute lead through Matt Heath, but Orient were on level terms at the break thanks to Scott McGleish's penalty.

McGleish hit the bar in the second half, and although Brighton pressed hard for a winner, it was the O's who gave their bid to dodge the drop a huge shot in the arm wih Thornton's winner. Photos by Simon O'Connor.