The O’s will look to get off the mark this evening following a poor showing at Sutton United on Saturday

East London Advertiser: Leyton Orient manager Steve Davis during Billericay Town vs Leyton Orient (Pic: Gavin Ellis/TGS Photo)Leyton Orient manager Steve Davis during Billericay Town vs Leyton Orient (Pic: Gavin Ellis/TGS Photo) (Image: ©TGS Photo tgsphoto.co.uk +44 1376 553468)

Leyton Orient head coach Steve Davis believes his team need to earn the right to be called a big time in the National League ahead of their second game of the season at home to Solihull Moors tonight.

The O’s were below-par on Saturday and deservedly suffered a 2-0 defeat away to Sutton United.

While Orient were struggling at Gander Green Lane, Solihull were kicking their heels after their National League opener at home to Chester was postponed due to safety issues, so the big question is will Liam McDonald’s team be fresh or undercooked.

Davis said: “I am not sure how they will be. We will soon find out. It will depend on what they have done between Saturday and the match day.

“They will obviously be frustrated to have the game off, but eager to come to Orient for the first time and play against a team that carries the fact we are a big club in this league.

“We learned a lot from Saturday and we have got to earn the right even if we are a big club, so the defeat was a good lesson and the players would have learned a lot.”

After any loss the immediate thought turns to the next match and whether the team and players can bounce back.

Orient will be determined to do just that this evening and avoid any more potential panic if they were to go a second game without a win.

Davis is well aware the earlier they get a W next to their name in the league table column the better everyone will feel.

He added: “You just want to win that first game and the quicker you can do it the better because it settles people down and builds confidence. The players will be eager to put that right and try and get a result against Solihull.”

Sutton boss Paul Doswell was delighted to defeat Orient on the opening day, but does expect the east Londoners to improve as the season progresses.

The experienced U’s manager admitted his team caught the former Football League club at a good time.

But that said, the south London club were full value for their 2-0 success, as Orient struggled on their non-league debut.

Doswell, speaking to official club website, said: “The first-half was dominated by our front two and Kenny Davis, Craig Eastmond and Kieron Cadagan got around the pieces and we played some decent stuff as well.

“It was a high tempo and you could see how fit we are, but I think we were lucky to get Orient at this stage.

“I do think they will get better and better as the season progresses and by his own admission, Steve said they are two weeks behind in his preparation time and we did feel that was a chance for us.

“Saturday was a great occasion and I thought the players were magnificent and one to 11 they all did their jobs. We were strong and hungry and showed some ability in that final third.”