LEYTON Orient got no late Christmas present at Brighton today, so it is as you were near the foot of the League One table.

The 0-0 result does not benefit either side and O’s boss Geraint Williams goes into the last game of 2009 too close for comfort to the drop-zone, just one place and three points above Hove Albion.

Orient could be fighting it out for survival against the Seagulls come May, and it is hard to pick which side will triumph after this game Brighton played with ten men for 20 minutes after Andrew Crofts got a second yellow card for his foul on Jason Demetriou.

But Orient could not make their numerical advantage count, as they ended the match without recognised first-team striker on the pitch Feisty Adrian Patulea got a rare start up front with Scott McGleish but his main contribution was to give away free-kicks.

Orient toiled for an opening with Andros Townsend on the wing. The 18 year-old loanee struggled to carve out chances.

Orient’s goal-scoring threat was dealt a blow when McGleish had to leave the field, to be replaced by Loick Pires.

Hosts Brighton Hove Albion appeared reluctant to hammer home their home advantage and, but Jamie Jones in goal for the visitors did not have much to do.

He was on hand to save shots from Nicky Forster in the first half and Liam Dickinson close to half time.

Close to the end of a disappointing Boxing Day duel, Townsend’s blocked shot in extra time briefly raised hopes, but came to naught.

Now the visit of Southend on Monday is even crucial.