Chesterfield manager Martin Allen feels his side were the better team but takes heart from performance despite a 1-0 defeat as he believes Leyton Orient will be challenging this season.

East London Advertiser: Chesterfield manager Martin Allen (pic: Joe Giddens/PA Images).Chesterfield manager Martin Allen (pic: Joe Giddens/PA Images). (Image: PA Wire/PA Images)

The Spireites dominated the balance of play but ended up with nothing to show for it as the O’s James Dayton netted in the 78th minute to earn his side all three points at the Proact Stadium.

“We were the better team today (Saturday),” Allen told the club website.

“But everyone of them works for the team, contribute when they haven’t got the ball, they’re well drilled, good on set-plays, long throws into the box from both sides.

“Today they got that 1-0 nick and that’s why they’ll be right up there in that top three, top four next season.

“It’s quite clear we’re not going to be champions, that was my aim, that’s obvious.”

The former Barnet boss did praise his side’s performance and feels it was the best they’ve played this season – despite falling to a fifth consecutive defeat.

“The performance I thought was one of the best we’ve had so far this season,” he said.

“We were good with the ball, competitive, we played well.

“The last goal we conceded with 12 minutes to go, I suppose we could have defended that better.

“Overall I would say it was a much improved performance.

“I enjoyed watching it, that’s for sure.”

Chesterfield’s major problem at present appears to be taking chances, having caused Orient problems in both halves without finding the net.

“We had some good chances but never managed to take those,” said Allen.

“If you don’t get the goals when you’re on top, against a decent team, then they will eventually strike.

“We had good discipline and good work, so to concede that goal is a hard pill to swallow, when the players have given everything.

“It’s not as if we’re a million miles away and we’re absolutely pants.

“We’re not far off of it.”

Allen hinted that changes to his squad may be a possibility if players are unable to bring the results they need. “I’m not going to go down that route at the moment, I’m not going to talk about that.”