ORIENT crashed out of the Johnstone s Paint Trophy on Tuesday night, but midfielder Jason Demetriou insisted there were plenty of positives to emerge from the match, writes TREVOR DAVIES. Demetriou netted a goal deep in stoppage time to force a penalty sh

ORIENT crashed out of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy on Tuesday night, but midfielder Jason Demetriou insisted there were plenty of positives to emerge from the match, writes TREVOR DAVIES.

Demetriou netted a goal deep in stoppage time to force a penalty shoot-out, but impressive Hereford keeper Adam Bartlett pulled off three excellent saves, as O's went out.

Orient had battered their League Two opponents in the second half as they created a catalogue of chances and Demetriou, who also scored in the shoot-out, said: "That was probably the best second half we have played. We have not created that many chances for a long while.

"It was amazing, if you look at the stats, we were all over them."

The O's return to league action on Saturday with a trip to Hartlepool, and Demetriou believes O's can win the game.

"It's not an easy journey, but if we play anything like we did in the second half against Hereford, we will come back with three points," he said.

"We're gutted to have lost on penalties to Hereford, but we finished the 90 minutes all square.

"It's poor not to have won the game, but it was a great team performance and everyone is working hard and it's paying off."

Demetriou, who was dropped to the substitutes' bench for the recent clash with Southampton, pressed his claims for a starting place at Hartlepool with an impressive display, especially when he moved on to the left during the second half.

Luke Summerfield and fit-again Sean Thornton also caught the eye in the middle of the park after the break and Demetriou added: "Sean's come back, Chambo (Adam Chambers) is coming back and there is Jimmy (Smith), Luke (Summerfield) and myself.

"But it's a good thing having competition, as it brings the best out of players."

Saturday's trip sees the O's come face-to-face with former striker Adam Boyd for the first time since he left Brisbane Road.

"It will be nice to meet up with him again and he always scores wherever he plays, but I'm sure we can win on Saturday," added Demetriou.

Posers

There will be some real selection posers for manager Geraint Williams, as Tamika Mkandawire and JJ Melligan should both be fit again.