IT MAY have only been a pre-season friendly, but Saturday's win at Cambridge is one that will forever be remembered for Matthew Spring's spectacular 60 yard strike.

The O's midfielder struck from inside his own half to net Orient's second goal in a 3-1 victory over the Blue Square Premier outfit.

Manager Russell Slade described it as a goal of real quality and Spring himself was pleased to achieve a career first - a goal from over halfway.

He told Orient Player: "I'd never scored a goal from inside my own half before, so Saturday's was a good one.

"I could say I was thinking about it before, but I just hit it and hoped it went in. It did, so it was alright."

Saturday's victory was the O's fifth of pre-season and Spring says the start of the season can't come quickly enough for the Londoners after a successful summer.

He added: "Saturday was a good opportunity for the lads who hadn't played so much to get 90 minutes under their belts, and it was good that we won again.

"We scored three goals, which is good, and we're moving on again, so it was a decent workout.

"Our progression over pre-season has been good. We had the week in Devon and we've won a lot of games.

"Confidence is high and we're looking in good shape for next week at Yeovil."

This interview appeared first as a TV feature on Orient Player. Click here to subscribe or for more info on our premium web service - available from less than 10p per day!