Slade wants side to bounce back against the league leaders

Orient manager Russell Slade has demanded a reaction from his players following Boxing Day’s disappointing 3-0 defeat at the hands of promotion-chasing MK Dons.

However, with the O’s facing league-leaders Charlton Athletic on Saturday and then travelling to sixth-placed Stevenage next Monday, it’s not going to be easy for Slade to enjoy a Merry Christmas.

Charlton won 3-2 at Yeovil on Boxing Day when Danny Green scored a stoppage-time winner and Chris Powell’s side go into Saturday’s game with a massive eight-point lead at the top of League One.

“We could not have a tougher game and we are really going to have to roll our sleeves up,” said the Orient boss.

“We need a reaction and we need it quickly after the result against MK Dons.

“Fortunately, the game against Charlton comes quickly, so that’s a blessing, as it gives us a chance to get the poor second-half performance out of our system.

“We need to bounce back from the defeat that’s for sure.”