If last weekend's match brought us down to earth a bit, yesterday's result shows that the O's are still genuine contenders for a top six finish.If that sounds a bit pessimistic, given that we're four points clear at the top of the table, I'm not the only one not getting carried away - just try asking Martin Ling about automatic promotion and see what answer you get. All the same, coming back from two down, for the second time this season, and on this occasion not just equalising but going on to win the match, shows the sort of character that is essential for a title/promotion/play-off challenge.Even the match against Hartlepool last weekend had a bit of that about it. Many teams, having pulled back one out of a two-goal deficit, would have folded when their opponents restored the margin; our lads, to their credit, didn't give up, got back into it again, and with a little luck might have salvaged an unlikely (and in all truth undeserved) point.Next stop on out travels (this Tuesday) is Gillingham, where Leeds' 100% start came to an end on Saturday - but only due to a stoppage-time equaliser, after two red cards meant that the visitors defended their one-goal lead for 35 minutes with nine men. The accounts of the match on the two clubs' official websites make contrasting reading; the Gills version being somewhat more balanced, while Leeds' reporter lays the blame for his side's shortcomings very much at the referee's door! Hopefully Orient will show more discipline at Priestfield, though we can at least be sure that our own manager won't follow the example of Dennis Wise in being banished from the arena along with his two errant players. Not the Martin Ling style at all - though Deano can get bit animated at times! posted by MSW 9:29 pm . . .
