ORIENT boss Martin Ling told his side to answer their critics at half time against Swindon last night, write James Randall.

The O's were facing a forth successive home defeat, but boss Ling asked his side to prove themselves in the second half, which they certainly did to secure a 2-1 victory that has reignited their play-off hopes.

He said: "I told them at half time, that there is no one that can do it but themselves, were in a situation when we've had three games on the trot that are 1-0 defeats, and haven't got a goal.

"I looked round the room and said it will take some big men out of you lot to go and change it round, and I think there was a few answers to the critics, including me."

The O's were 1-0 down after Alton Thelwell put the ball into his own net, but a brace from Adam Boyd in the second half gave the east Londoners the three points.

Boyd - who had been booed by sections of the crowd - certainly impressed the boss after a short two-match spell on the bench.

Ling quipped: "He was getting the bird from the crowd in the first half. But he's scored 15 goals this season, so he's having a really bad time of it!

"He might be the first striker here in a long time to get 20, but as I say he's having a bad time in everybody's eyes."

Last night's attendance at Brisbane Road was 3082 - the seasons worst - but Ling doesn't think his side can do anything about this.

He continued: "There is a nucleus of fans who stay faithful and stick with it, the ones who were not here have missed a cracking game.

"We cant do anything about fans being negative, its not in my hands, and all I can do is put a team out their and try to do Leyton Orient proud."