ORIENT lead in Cumbria thanks to a goal by Jonathan Téhoué.

The Frenchman struck with a fizzing shot on 36 minutes which bounced in off the post, leaving stopper Adam Collin with no chance.

A neat ball in by Dean Cox, dangerous as usual, played in Téhuoé who burst in from the channels to hand play-off chasing Orient a crucial lead.

But it could all have been so different for the visitors, who nearly suffered a nightmare start to the game after their epic journey from London.

Lee Butcher superbly saved a penalty by Bennett with just six minutes on the clock. Butcher has had few chances to stake his claim for a starting berth, but his save spoke loud and clearly.

Elliot Omozusi conceded the spot kick for a push on dangerman Matty Robson, who posed a threat all through the first half.

But Téhoué looked dangerous on his own up front. Another shot by him blazed just past the woodwork, after Orient had soaked up pressure from the hosts.

Defender Adam Barrett placed a header just wide of the foot of the post.

With results elsewhere in League One going Orient’s way at present, the play-off dream is still alive for the east London outfit.