SEAN THORNTON is confident Orient can make FA Cup progress at the second time of asking when they face Tranmere Rovers in a replay.

The O's were held to a 1-1 draw by the struggling Merseysiders at Prenton Park on Saturday and were, in the words of manager Geraint Williams, fortunate to escape with their cup dreams still intact.

Thornton set up Luke Ashworth's goal as the Irish midfielder made his comeback from a knee injury and he is sure they can deliver a much improved performance in the decider at Brisbane Road.

"We're still in the competition and that's the most important thing," he said. "We'll play them back at our place now and I think we should win that one.

"We had a couple of injuries and illnesses to deal with today, so we'll have a stronger squad when we play them again."

Orient took an early lead when Thornton's corner was met by Ashworth for the youngster's first career goal but the former Sunderland man admitted his side failed to hit their stride after making such a good start.

He continued: "It is disappointing that we didn't build on the lead we got early on. Perhaps the goal came a bit too early because we sat back off them a bit after that.

"It took a lucky goal with two deflections for them to equalise, but we know we can play better and it was a scrappy game.

"At least we haven't lost the match and we can put it right in the replay."

Thornton played the full match as he returned following three months on the sidelines and he was delighted to be back.

He added: "It was good to be back. It was nice to set up the goal, but the most important thing was to get through the 90 minutes.

"I was pleased with that because I hadn't played a full 90 minutes for about three months."