Boss is delighted his side are back to winning ways

Orient boss Russell Slade believes his side are back in the play-off chase as they prepare for Saturday’s clash with promotion-chasing Southampton push.

O’s are now just three points behind Bournemouth who fill the final play-off position and Orient have a game in hand.

The last play-off spot looks to be a three-horse race between The Cherries, Rochdale and the O’s, with Orient currently in eighth place, just a point behind Keith Hill’s side.

Slade said: “We have got ourselves in a great position and we needed to get back to winning ways on Tuesday night against Plymouth.

“After going on a long unbeaten run we knew we would have a blip along the way. It was always going to happen, but hopefully we have got over that now.”

Orient have seven games left to force their way into the top six – four of which are at home with matches against Southampton, Carlisle United, Peterborough and Tranmere.

While they face three mammoth trips to Exeter, Carlisle and Plymouth on the final day of the season.

And O’s could look to sneak in, as Bournemouth meet Rochdale on the final Saturday of the campaign.

Orient meanwhile, face a tough test on Saturday when they entertain Southampton and Slade admits: “It’s going to be a tough game, but we will be up for it.”

The O’s will be without striker Alex Revell, who was stretchered off with a knee injury just before half time on Tuesday night.

It looked a bad injury, but Slade said: “It’s too early to say how bad the injury is at the moment

Revell has 14 goals this season, but at least Orient do have other options up front if the injury proves to be as bad as it looks.

Orient recorded their first win in five games when they beat Plymouth on Tuesday night.

Scott McGleish and Dean Cox bagged the all-important goals in the first 13 minutes.

“It was a really professional performance,” said Slade.

“We got off to a great start and to score two goals in the first 13 minutes was really pleasing, against a side that are really difficult to beat.”