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."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article