JIMMY Smith got the new year at home off to the perfect start with the goal which has put Orient on top in this game.

He headed home with a looping effort over stopper Ben Williams from a cross by the busy Dean Cox, just five minutes from half time at the Matchroom Stadium.

The midfielder earlier saw an effort cleared off the line.

The goal was rich reward for the hosts from a period of dominance, after a dangerous U's side ruled the opening period of this League One clash.

The visitors looked organised and dynamic in attack but missed the cutting edge and faded in the face of a improving Orient performance that got better as the half wore on.

But Orient defended deep at times, with memories of the 5-0 New Year's Day drubbing fresh in the memory.

Jamie Jones was called into action on eight minutes to stop Andrew Bond's long range effort.

He was diving to stop Ian Henderson soon afterwards during a spell of pressure by the U's.

Loan man Andrew Whing had his hands full at right back all through until half time.

The good stuff by Orient came on the opposite flank where Charlie Daniels and Cox linked up foraging forward.

Captain Stephen Dawson's surging 18th minute run there into the box was the first move to real attacking intent by the hosts.

Released by the busy Dean Cox, he piled toward the touchline and cut back for McGleish.

The veteran's shot bulged the net but on the wrong side of the post.

Orient nearly took the lead on 32 minutes during a period when Utd were on the back foot. The visitors were pressed into the final third by the hosts close quick passing game.

It was all happening in the penalty box from Cox's cross when Jimmy Smith sent a low shot goalward only for Lee Beevers on the line to save Williams.

Smith did hit the net on 41 minutes when he sent a looping header into the far corner from Cox's cross.

Revell's close control was integral to making the goal, which was reward for good spell by Orient. who can be satisfied with their hard fought half-time advantage.