GARY KARSA suffered his first defeat as youth team boss as the young O's went down 1-0 at QPR on Saturday.

In a top of the table clash, a single goal was enough for Rangers to gain revenge for their defeat to the O's earlier in the season, as they cut Karsa's side's lead at the top of the South-East Conference to four points.

Nevertheless, the stand-in coach remained upbeat, and pleased with the attitude his players had shown.

"QPR were a big, physical side who sat deep and didn't give us room to play, he said.

"We weren't creative enough on the day and lacked a bit of flair but I was pleased that we kept our discipline and played with maturity.

"They had two players sent-off for violent conduct and scored the only time they bothered us, with a cross mid-way through the first-half that got in behind us.

"It's a setback for the lads, but they'll put it out of their minds for the FA Youth Cup game on Wednesday and hopefully bounce back to form."

With regular goalkeeper Paul Jones on 'work experience' at Exeter City, Karsa handed a trial to West Ham goalkeeper Sam Long, whilst Shane Oakley, who underwent a serious heart operation in the summer, started his first game of the season.

Orient: Sam Long; Jason Demetriou, Bryan Glover, Joe O'Cearuill, Aidan Palmer; Scott Wallis, Tom Ziepe, Tommy Laxton, Prince Toku; Nuno Gourgel, Shane Oakley.
Subs: Jamal Fyfield for Gourgel (HT), Alan Matthews for Oakley (70).

- THIRD year scholar Greg Tiffin played for Ryman League Division One side Bromley on trial on Saturday. Tiffin, a right-back, started at Dulwich Hamlet and completed an hour as he helped Bromley on their way to victory.

- DON'T FORGET to come down to Brisbane Road on Wednesday evening and support the youth team in their FA Youth Cup third round match against Shrewsbury Town. Kick-off is at 7.45pm with South Stand admission priced £3 for adults and £1 for concessions.