Striker Scott McGleish struck midway through the first half to give O’s the upper hand

Orient 1 Brentford 0

ORIENT stiker Scott McGliesh fired home his third goal of the season to give Orient the lead at half time in a high-tempo derby duel against Brentford.

McGleish struck after 25 minutes to give O’s a precious advantage as they looked to climb off the foot of the table.

It was no more than the home side deserved as they made a bright start and almost grabbed a third-minute lead when Dean Cox found fit-again McGleish, who saw his fierce shot pushed away by Bees keeper Ben Hamer at his near post.

The exertions of Tuesday night looked as if it may have taken its toll on Brentford, as Orient continued to press and Alex Revell almost netted on eight minutes when a clearance cannoned off him and skidded past the post.

But Orient’s pressure was rewarded midway through the half when McGleish fired home from close range after Revell had touched on a Charlie Daniels cross from the left.

Dean Cox went close to adding a second, and might have done better, but shot wide from 15 yards.

Brentford responded and came within a whisker of a leveller on 39 minutes when Jamie Jones failed to deal with a free kick curled in from the right by Craig Woodman and Michael Spillane knocked the ball against the woodwork with the goal gaping.

Then, on the stroke of half-time, Nicky Adams went close for the visitors when he fired an effort from 25 yards just over the bar.

Orient: Jones; Omozusi, Chorley, Forbes, Daniels; Chambers, Dawson, Spring, Cox; McGleish, Revell. Subs: Butcher, Brown, Jarvis, Cestor, Smith, Walker, M’Poku.

Orient bookings: Omozusi (13 mins foul), Spring (45 mins foul).

Brentford: Hamer, O’Connor, Woodman, Balkestein, MacDonald, Weston, Spillane, Adams, Diagouraga, Osborne, Alexander. Subs: Lee, Bean, Forster, Cort, Hudson, Wood, Legge.