Leyton Orient 2 - 0 Cheltenham Town
Coca-Cola League One

ORIENT got back to winning ways with a comfortable 2-0 victory over struggling Cheltenham Town at Brisbane Road on Saturday.

Adam Boyd scored his 11th goal of the season to give the O's a first half lead, and although Cheltenham exerted a little second half pressure, former Robin JJ Melligan made the points safe 14 minutes from time.

Following Tuesday's defeat to Millwall, it was vital that Orient bounced back positively and three points was just what the doctor ordered.

The first chance of the game fell to Cheltenham's Steven Gillespie, who headed Alan Wright's corner towards goal.  Jason Demetriou was on hand to clear off the line.

Orient took a while to find their feet and it wasn't until the 17th minute that they forced their first shot on goal.  Jason Demetriou was fouled by Jerry Gill on the left hand side, and the winger took a clever free-kick to Charlie Daniels on the edge of the box, whose scuffed effort was blocked by Damian Spencer.

Demetriou was involved again five minutes later, sending over a cross from the left which Boyd headed into goalkeeper Shane Higgs' arms.

Boyd then wriggled clear of a couple of challenges, but saw his shot saved by Higgs, and as the ball bounced out to the left, Demetriou sent over a teasing cross that found Wayne Gray, who hit the post from close range.

Morris had to make a couple of saves from Gillespie shortly afterwards, but Orient were starting to take control.

The hosts continued to probe for an opener and, after Adam Boyd passed square to Demetriou on 39, the young midfielder cut inside and curled a right-footed shot just past the post.

Two minutes later, Orient finally moved into the lead.  Adam Chambers' burst from midfield was only half-halted and the ball broke for Gray on the right wing.

The former Yeovil man had the time and space to measure a perfect cross for Boyd, who planted his header beyond Higgs and into the top corner.

It was the hosts who also fashioned the first chance of the second half, and Cheltenham were lucky not to fall further behind when Chambers' drive was blocked on the line by Gavin Caines and Boyd scooped the rebound over.

But Orient's position wasn't secure at 1-0 and Damian Spencer headed into Morris' arms after Wright delivered a free kick from the left.

Cheltenham were putting up a good fight and they made a glorious chance to level 18 minutes from time when Connor broke the offside trap and ran through on goal.

Demetriou got back to tackle, but the ball fell to Gillespie and Morris had to be alert to save his close range shot.

The O's desperately needed the insurance of a second and they were happy to claim it in the 76th minute.

Melligan was the man to finish, nodding in from close range after finding space at the far post from Demetriou's left-wing cross.

Ibehre then took the ball around Higgs but couldn't hit the target from a tight angle as Orient looked for a third, but their job was already done and victory over Cheltenham moves them up to second in the table..

Leyton Orient: Morris; Purches, Thelwell, Mkandawire, Daniels; Gray (Melligan 63), Chambers, Terry, Demetriou; Ibehre, Boyd, Ibehre
Subs: Nelson (GK), Saah, Corden, Barcham

Goals: Boyd (41), Melligan (76)

Cheltenham: Higgs; Gill, Caines, Duff, Wright; Lindegaard (Vincent 67), Sinclair, Bird (Madjo 74), Spencer (D'Agostino 88); Connor, Gillespie
Subs: Brown (GK), Gallinagh

Booked: Caines

Referee: Graham Salisbury (Lancashire)

Attendance: 4,156 (199 away)