MATT LOCKWOOD showed a steely nerve from the spot for the second week in succession to notch the only goal of Saturday's tense victory over Mansfield and the O's left-back is thrilled to have fired his side back into the top three.
Orient had been out of the division's automatic promotion slots since January, but having regained control of their promotion destiny with their 1-0 success at Field Mill, he is determined not to relinquish the opportunity.
"When you come in and hear that Grimsby have drawn and that we've gone top three it brings home just what a massive result this is," he said.
"It may not have been the best performance in the world but, as I've said before, it's all about results now and we've gone and nicked a 1-0 win - that's all you need to do.
"The gaffer said going into today that we had five games left and that we wanted to win all five. This is one of them and it takes a little pressure off Monday's game, which nevertheless is still going to be massive."
The O's had failed to impose themselves in a first half that Mansfield dominated, but they improved after the break and Lockwood was happy to take command of the situation with his spot kick 15 minutes from time.
He continued: "Like last week the penalty was so important because it was the first goal. Obviously there was pressure on me but as soon as a penalty is given I'm always confident.
"I've only missed one this season and that was because I slipped and scuffed it, but today I saw the goalkeeper diving early so I put it the other way and it was nice to see it go in the back of the net.
"By taking the lead it gave us something to hold on to - they went three up front and just whacked it long but that played in to our hands because John and Adam were doing well in the air.
"It was a shame that Gaby got injured but Adam Tann came on and did fantastically. We've kept another clean sheet and it just shows the strength we've got in the squad."
Orient's three point haul lifts them above Grimsby in the table ahead of Monday's clash betweeen the clubs and Lockwood insists that the Mariners will be under greater pressure for the Brisbane Road fixture.
"We've gone above Grimsby with today's results so the pressure is on them to get back in the top three.
"They have to come to us and try to win and that may suit us, turning it into a sort of away game where they are attacking and we have to hit them on the break.
"It's going to be a big game and we'll probably have our biggest crowd of the season, so fingers crossed we can go and get the win that will put four points between us with three games to go, which will be a very nice situation to be in."
by Leo Tyrie
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