Skipper Stephen Dawson praised the character shown by Orient last night as they saw off Bristol Rovers to reach the third round of the Carling Cup for the first time in 21 years.

The O’s raced into a two goal lead but Rovers hit back and levelled in injury time, as the game looked to be heading for extra time.

However, the O’s were not to be beaten and a rousing move led by substitute Jonathan Téhoué saw Dawson fire Russell Slade’s side back in front to confirm a third round trip to Premier League Blackburn Rovers.

Dawson was full of praise for the side as they managed to pick themselves up immediately from the set back of the visitors’ leveller.

The captain said: “In the first half we played some great football, probably the best since the start of the season.

“Second half, we got a bit nervous again. It is understandable – we have not won a game all year.

“I am just so pleased. I am pleased for the manager and I am pleased for the fans because they deserve it.

“I have been hearing a lot of stuff over the last couple of days that his position is under threat and I just cannot believe it to be honest.

“I feel people have got to realise it is Leyton Orient. We had an unbelievable season last year but our main aim again is to stay in the league and then after that we can push on.

“As individuals we have let him down. I am not afraid to come out here and say it. We have not performed, including myself. It has not been good enough fitness wise. Form wise it has not been good.

“But I thought tonight after the second goal went in we showed a bit of character, because a lot of teams would have folded but we came back and won it.”