Justin Edinburgh was sent to the stands as Leyton Orient slipped to a 1-0 defeat in a heated National League clash with Hartlepool United.

The O’s boss was given his marching orders after appearing to strike the dugout in frustration and could now face a touchline ban.

Louis Laing got the only goal of a game which also saw United reduced to 10 men after Devante Rodney was sent off for two bookable offences in second-half stoppage-time.

Orient remain 14th in the table in spite of the loss which ensured Hartlepool moved seven points clear of the danger zone as the season approaches its climax.

Edinburgh made no changes to the side which started in the draw with league leaders Macclesfield Town on Saturday and saw the O’s make a bright start.

Early pressure form the visitors saw them win a succession of corners in the opening exchanges and James Brophy’s delivery found George Elokobi in space.

The burly defender was unfortunate to see his effort come back off Josh Koroma and fall into the arms of Hartlepool stopper Scott Loach.

The former Watford man was called into action once more in the 10th minute as Orient swept forward through Macauley Bonne and he played in Brophy.

After cutting back onto his right foot, Brophy tried his luck but failed to cause Loach major issue as the United keeper gathered with relative ease.

Hartlepool were struggling to cause serious concern for the Orient defence, but were inches from taking the lead with their first attack.

A Jake Cassidy header got the better of Dean Brill in the Orient goal, before Brophy got back well to clear off the line and keep the scores level at 0-0.

Orient continued to press forward and Bonne was unfortunate not to add to his 20 goals this season when his long-range strike drew the best from Loach.

Despite their overall dominance, the O’s found themselves trailing with 38 minutes on the clock.

The hosts launched a free-kick into the box and Laing got up well to send a looping header beyond Brill and into the back of the net.

Orient introduced Lemar Reynolds in place of Brophy at the break as they looked for a route back into the game in the second period.

However, they failed to replicate the productive play they produced in the first half as genuine chances dried up at either end of the Victoria Park pitch.

The frustration got the better of O’s boss Edinburgh with just under 15 minutes left on the clock as he lashed out and was sent off by referee Andrew Miller.

Orient still managed to mount a late siege on the Hartlepool goal, in spite of their manager’s absence on the touchline as the searched desperately for a leveller.

Sam Ling saw a powerful volley cleared and the loose ball fell to Marvin Ekpiteta, who immediately sent an effort goalwards.

With the ball heading for the back of the net, Josh Hawkes got back at the last to hook away and ensure Orient were left empty handed.

There was still time for Hartlepool to be reduced in number as Rodney made a late tackle on Dan Happe to earn a second bookable offence in stoppage-time.

Orient have just three games remaining this season and will look to bounce back and finish the campaign in strong fashion.

They take on play-off chasing Wrexham at Brisbane Road on Saturday before a home meeting with Maidenhead United on Tuesday.

The O’s bring the curtain down on their season away at Gateshead.