ORIENT boss Russell Slade is not giving up on the play-offs, but already has one eye on next season.

The O's were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw at home to Carlisle United on Tuesday night.

But Slade still thinks his side can do it, provided they beat Exeter City in Devon this Saturday.

"We need more than a point at Exeter if we are going to do anything," he said. "It will be a tough game there and if it's not to be this season, and that’s not to say I’ve given up, because we never give up, then hopefully we can push on again and make one or two signings and be that little bit stronger (next season)."

However, with a number of key players already out through injury, another blow was dealt this week, with the news that Jimmy Smith could be out for the rest of the campaign too.

“I fear Jimmy’s season could be over,” reported Slade.

“He’s probably damaged some ligament cartlidge in his knee.”

Smith played no part against Carlisle, when hosts Orient sorely needed some cutting edge.

The east London side still lie just three points shy of a play-off place going into this weekend’s trip to Exeter, however.

Rivals Rochdale have moved up into the final play-off spot, as Bournemouth continue to slide.

Amid bad news about injuries, Matt Spring returned to action against Carlisle, after his three-match ban.

Spring said: "We huffed and puffed in the first half without the quality to really open them up. Maybe we had a few chances in the first half, there were a couple cleared off the line and a couple of penalty claims. We’re disappointed we didn't nick it in the end.

"I'm back now, I only had a week to wait and it's good to be back playing again. There's still a long way to go and games to play, so we will see where we end up."

Slade added: "It was a frustrating night but they (the players) never give up and they were working their hearts out. It was one of those strange games, it could easily have ended 5-4 to someone. They (Carlisle) had some good periods of possession and played with no fear. Their season is concluded really: they’re going to finish mid-table...so they played with real freedom. We tried everything and tried really hard to turn it around.

"We had one chance with Coxy’s (Dean Cox) header, but I don't know if he knew whether to head or volley it."