IT WAS back down to earth with a bump for the O's on Tuesday after Saturday's heroics against Newcastle: an evening game away at non-league Hayes & Yeading.

Orient travelled to take on the Blue Square Premier League newcomers in what was the sixth warm-up game of the team's pre-season campaign, and it was no thriller, writes Norman Lewin.

Boss Geraint Williams picked a strong team for this encounter, and gave youth its chance in midfield.

Loick Pires, Harry Baker and Darryl Sydes were all given starts.

The 1-1 result, after Hayes had taken the lead, seemed to confirm what the manager has said all along about friendlies: results mean nothing.

For the Orient supporters among the 261 spectators, there was no repeat of Saturday's drama.

Hayes made all the early running as Orient began quietly.

Ryan Jarvis and James Scowcroft started up front, another shuffle of the pack.

Each had early chances.

Pires went closest of all in the early stages. His header into the net was ruled out by the referee on 22 minutes.

Soon afterwards, Hayes took the lead through Page's header from a cross from the left side.

The lead was short-lived, though.

Scowcroft levelled in the 34th minute when he headed home, after the Hayes keeper fluffed his catch.

Pires was denied again in the second half, this time by a goalline clearance.

Orient created most of the chances during the latter stages of the game.

Jarvis could have settled matters in the 82nd minute from the penalty spot after he was felled as he latched on to Baker's through-ball.

But his spot kick was saved, and the final whistle sounded soon afterwards.

Orient are one step nearer to the big kick-off now, and Jarvis' recent displays are cause for optimism.

The O's take on St Albans on Thursday, and then League Two Dagenham & Redbridge on Saturday.