MARTIN LING conceded that the better side had won following Orient's 2-0 defeat to Leeds on Saturday.

The Yorkshire club controlled the contest from start to finish and Ling said his team are suffering from a lack of confidence.

"It was a fair result," he said. "The better side won - they had more purpose to their play and we look like a team lacking in confidence.

"We had a couple of chances first half, but let's be fair, we always looked like we were defending on the stretch.

"When chances come along against sides like Leeds, you need to take them. The gulf in the size of the clubs showed today.

"It wasn't good defending from a set play to give them the lead and once they got the second, we never looked like coming back.

"We said at half time that we needed to get a head of steam up and give it a go but the second goal killed it off."

Ling said that his side need to get out of their rut and finish the season with a bang, starting with a better performance at Oldham next week.

"I think the lack of confidence is part of it," he continued. "We've now lost four in a row and that means that confidence is low.

"There is a good passing team in there, but today we over-passed in poor areas and that means we're not playing with a purpose.

"Lack of confidence is certainly part of that we need to raise them up for the Oldham game next week."

Ling also had praise for the O's supporters, who got behind the side throughout Saturday's game.

He added: "I think the fans do realise that it hasn't been a bad season. They stuck with us really well today and the fact is that although the season has drifted a bit, we have improved on last year."