Former Burton Albion captain reflects on spirit of the team and how important Alex Cisak’s save at 1-0 was to the final result

East London Advertiser: Leyton Orient forward Ollie Palmer finds the bottom corner to put O's 2-1 up at Hartlepool United (pic: Simon O'Connor).Leyton Orient forward Ollie Palmer finds the bottom corner to put O's 2-1 up at Hartlepool United (pic: Simon O'Connor). (Image: 07958 573219 simon.oconnor@virgin.net)

Robbie Weir has challenged Leyton Orient’s squad to kick on and put an encouraging run of results together after Saturday’s win at Hartlepool United.

Sandro Semedo cancelled out Josh Laurent’s opener before Ollie Palmer’s double gave Alberto Cavasin a first victory in charge of the O’s.

It looked bleak at half time, although an improved display after the equaliser ensured Orient claimed a victory for the first time since September 3.

“We worked on a lot of things this week and regardless of whether we did double sessions or not, amongst the lads we knew we had to win,” said Weir.

“We don’t want to be where we are in the table. At the end of the day we’re all professionals and want to push for promotion and that is the key.

“That has been said from day one and everyone in the dressing room wants that so it was time we turned it around.

“Hopefully we’ve done that, but we can’t get carried away and can’t think we’re a good team because we’ve won away to Hartlepool. We have to kick on.”

A crucial moment in the match occurred in the 52nd minute when Pools went close to doubling their lead.

Lewis Hawkins’ powerful low header was brilliantly saved by Alex Cisak and Semedo hit the leveller three minutes after.

While Orient’s captain was disappointed with the opener following another corner kick, he was happy with the response.

“The manner of which we conceded the first goal was very sloppy and it has been something this season. We have been working on set pieces,” insisted Weir.

“Alex made a fantastic stop and if it was 2-0 then it was an even bigger mountain to climb, but we went on and scored. That gave us a bit of a release but we didn’t sit back, we kept on going and got the 3-1 win.”

The ex-Burton Albion ace conceded the week leading up to the match at Victoria Park was difficult.

Although it was worth it in the end after getting the three points, the Northern Irishmen knows Orient have a long way to go.

Weir added: “It was a must three points and we’ve had a tough week, we’ve had double days and no day off so we’ve put the graft in.

“Saturday has proved it was worth it, but we can’t get carried away because it is only one win.

“We’re nowhere near where we need to be yet, we’re still climbing the table, but a lot of confidence has come from the win and we need to kick on.”

Orient are still 19th in League Two and as Weir said, a long way from where they aim to be, but Saturday’s second half display was a step in the right direction.