Brisbane Road outfit started life in the National League with a poor showing during a 2-0 loss at Sutton United

Leyton Orient head coach Steve Davis admitted his team need to do better after suffering an opening-day defeat in the National League away to Sutton United earlier today.

Jamie Collins scored the opener from the penalty spot after Joe Widdowson fouled Craig Dundas inside the area and Dean Beckwith made it 2-0 after finishing off Ross Lafayette’s dangerous ball into the area.

It was a frustrating start for Orient, as they struggled to create chances at Gander Green Lane or give their vocal travelling much to shout about.

Davis said: “The supporters were fantastic and I can’t speak highly enough of the fans coming out in the numbers they did.

“They will go away disappointed, like we are, and we all are naturally disappointed because we haven’t won and we want to deliver more.

“We know we need to do better for the fans and today it was a disappointment from our point of view that we didn’t come back with anything for them because they deserve that.”

The former Crewe Alexandra boss conceded Orient weren’t good enough in the final third of the pitch in south London.

Although O’s got into several good positions, they often lacked quality when it was required against Sutton.

“We are disappointed because we wanted to start the season well and on a high and it didn’t happen,” said Davis.

“The errors we made during the first half made it very difficult for us to break them down and they defended very deep and very well.

“Anything that came into the area tended to get headed out and we looked to get down the sides, but it was difficult.

“We didn’t have enough guile or quality in the final third. I felt we defended well in the second half, but 2-0 up they hung on to what they had.”

Left-back Widdowson was at fault for the opener, as he allowed Dundas to outmuscle him before accidently pulling down the U’s winger.

George Elokobi could have also done better to prevent Lafayette picking out Beckwith, who was unmarked.

Davis admitted the mood of the squad was one of frustration after the full time whistle at Sutton.

But with another game coming up on Tuesday night at home to Solihull Moors, it is a chance to put things right.

“It won’t be difficult to lift this group. The spirit is very good and was in the dressing room after,” said Davis.

“They are all disappointed and have their heads down, but are all eager to put it right on Tuesday night.”