O’s boss Russell Slade praised the determined effort from his squad as Orient reached the second round of the Carling Cup last night.

Slade’s side were reduced to ten men at Southend following a straight red card for Jonathan Téhoué, but a gritty display saw the visitors hold out for a penalty shootout where Lee Butcher was the hero, saving two of the home side’s spot kicks.

The O’s boss was delighted with the way his side fought hard for victory despite the uphill battle they faced.

“As I say it was backs to the wall, I have got my scrappers back early in the season scrapping for everything and as I say we can build on that now, that’s fantastic.”

Slade also commended the 1,200 O’s fans who made the journey to Roots Hall.

“I know they would have wanted to win the game. We probably didn’t win it in the style I would have wanted but it wasn’t an easy night going down to ten men, but as I say, we don’t lie down, we didn’t roll over, we kept going and in the end for all that endeavour we got our just rewards.”

Orient have struggled with injuries recently, with Stephen Dawson, David Mooney and Marc Laird all unable to feature thus far.

Slade suggested his squad had no further concerns following last night’s encounter though.

“(Dean) Cox came off, that was precautionary because he seemed to jar his ankle in a tackle. There are many games ahead of us so it was important we didn’t do any further damage to him.”

As for the injured trio: “We have given them every opportunity to be stronger and ready.

“We need them back obviously as quick as we can and let’s hope they are but whatever, the boys that went out tonight, they gave everything for the cause. It doesn’t matter now because I can build on that.”