JONATHAN Téhoué was the hero in Cumbria with his first half strike to keep alive Orient’s League One play-off push, today.
The Frenchman struck on 36 minutes when he smashed his shot in off the post, after a neat pass by Dean Cox played him in as Orient capitalised on a counter-attack.
Goalkeeper Lee Butcher also distinguished himself, pulling off a crunch penalty save, with just six minutes on the clock.
Three points was exactly what boss Russell Slade wanted from this long Easter weekend. The result today follows Good Friday’s 2-1 home win over Peterborough.
But results elsewhere today did not go all the way of the east London side. Bournemouth pulled off a win against relegation-threatened Bristol Rovers, which means three points is still the gap which Orient must bridge to reach the play-off zone.
However, there were defeats for fellow hopefuls Rochdale and Exeter, each slipping to defeat.
Téhoué was immense for Orient at Brunton Park, delivering a dynamic performance from kick-off, in contrast to how he has struggled previously when starting games.
The French powerhouse could have had a bag of goals, but for wayward finishing.
Late on, Adam Chambers rattled the woodwork with his 70th minute for Orient, as Carlisle faded after making a strong start to the game.
It had threatened to be a long day for the visitors during the early stages, when Elliot Omozusi gave away a penalty by flooring Robson after a cross field pass put in the dynamo.
But Butcher palmed Bennett’s spot kick away to his right. It was superb by him, after a campaign when he has had few chances to impress ahead of first choice stopper, Jamie Jones.
Carlisle looked threatening during the first half, with Robson causing problems on the wing. But the hosts had no way past Orient, who set out to protect their lead after the break but actually chances to make the scoreline more comfortable.
Carlisle offered little in return, with Butcher quiet after his early heroics.
On Saturday, Tranmere come to the Matchroom Stadium where every O’s fan will be cheering on the drive for the play-off.
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