The 34-year-old praised the job Justin Edinburgh has done at Brisbane Road after Saturday’s draw in the National League

East London Advertiser: Leyton Orient attacker Josh Koroma scuffs an effort towards goal against Ebbsfleet United (pic: Simon O'Connor).Leyton Orient attacker Josh Koroma scuffs an effort towards goal against Ebbsfleet United (pic: Simon O'Connor). (Image: Simon O'Connor Photography)

Ebbsfleet United boss Daryl McMahon paid tribute to his opposite number at Brisbane Road on Saturday after he saw his teams four-match winning run in the National League end with a 1-1 draw against Leyton Orient.

The Fleet headed into the clash in E10 full of confidence after an excellent set of results in February and began impressively with one-time Dagenham & Redbridge ace Corey Whitely firing them in front with 15 minutes played.

Justin Edinburgh’s O’s responded well though, and forced an equaliser in the 32nd minute when James Brophy’s cross was deflected in by Dave Winfield.

Orient had the majority of the ball in the second half, but chances were few and far between and both sides had to settle for a share of the spoils in E10.

McMahon, who led Fleet to a 2-1 home win over O’s on November 11 – a result which saw Steve Davis sacked and later replaced by Edinburgh – said: “We did try to kick on after Corey’s goal.

“We missed an opportunity to do so, but listen Orient are a good side and Justin has done a good job since he’s come in.

“He had a great February in terms of league performances and they had the loss at Dover (Athletic) earlier this month, but they are hard to beat.

“They are compact, they defend deep and (Macauley) Bonne’s an outlet for them.”

The Fleet boss, who spent three years as a player at O’s and helped them secure promotion in 2006, went on to praise the points tally his newly promoted club have recorded against Orient across the season.

Although he would have wanted to complete a double over the east Londoners, he was happy enough with a 1-1 draw at Brisbane Road.

“It was a good finish from Dave,” joked McMahon, when discussing O’s equaliser.

“Listen, Brophy’s a good player and spent most of last season in League One with Swindon Town and this is a big football club and we’ve come here and taken a point.

“We’re happy with a point, it is four across the season against Orient and that’s a good return for our club.”

The two teams look set for a mid-table finish this term, but with more quality added in the summer, they will both be among the clubs hoping to target promotion to League Two next season.