The 5-0 defeat to Swansea seems to have spurred the team to their best form of the season. Following last week’s 2-1 draw at Leeds (sic), we followed up with a performance that was probably the best we’ve seen at Brisbane Road this season.

The first half was a little disappointing – the O’s were well on top, but only Boyd came close to scoring with a header that bounced off the top of the bar. And of course, we were punished for the lack of finishing when the visitors took the lead, Richards setting up Luke Rodgers to slot the ball past Nelson.

Second half, different story. We were level early when Brian Saah put over a fine cross to his fellow centre-back Mkandawire, who headed across the goal to beat Vale keeper Anyon. Two minutes later we had the lead – Melligan burst down the right as he’d done all game, drove in a low cross and Ibehre scored with a diving header.

By the quarter hour in the half the lead was two. Chambers went on a run into the box from the left, and cut across the keeper who brought him down, leaving the referee no choice but to point to the spot. Technically, with Chambers through on goal, the ref could have sent Anyon off, but the offence was clumsy rather than deliberate, and common sense prevailed – no card. Boyd doesn’t engender the same confidence that Lockwood did from the spot (he’s already missed one this season, Locky’s tally of failure for about five years) but he put this one away and the three points began to look secure.

All that was now needed was to do nothing silly. Demetriou almost spoiled a good performance by doing just that; getting involved in some afters with McGregor during which he “raised a hand” and was lucky to escape with a yellow card, along with the Vale defender. Again, good refereeing by Mr Thorpe (refreshing after last week), who calmed young Jason down and handled the situation well.

Chambers came closest to adding to the scoreline in the remaining minutes, beating Anyon but shooting across goal and wide of the post. Other than that, the O’s comfortably controlled the game and were rarely troubled by the visitors, with Mkandawire outstanding in a solid defence.

Finally a mention for the two ex-O’s in the visiting team. Justin Miller and Shane Tudor formed the right-side partnership but neither lasted the 90 minutes, Miller probably having the better match of the two. He also got the better reception from the O’s fans, and was warmly applauded off when substituted. Tudor attacted a few boos while on the pitch, but also got a good send-off from those who remembered his contribution to the promotion season. Nice to see them both still plying their trade in the League, though Vale’s position suggests that Martin Ling made the right decision in releasing the pair.

So here we are, back at the top of the League, though in sad circumstances, given the reason for Swansea’s match being postponed. However, there is some justice there after last week’s officiating debacle. And of course we go next to Doncaster, scene of last season’s worst defeat. Things can only get better – can’t they?