JASON DEMETRIOU celebrated his return from suspension with the only goal of the game, as Orient s magnificent run continued at the County Ground on Monday. Demetriou, who had been sent off against Leeds and missed Saturday s win over Colchester, returned

JASON DEMETRIOU celebrated his return from suspension with the only goal of the game, as Orient's magnificent run continued at the County Ground on Monday.

Demetriou, who had been sent off against Leeds and missed Saturday's win over Colchester, returned to the starting line-up and netted after just three minutes.

It was enough to give O's their sixth win in eight games and it finally banished their relegation worries.

After the match, boss Geraint Williams, said: "I think the win was a reward for a hard-working performance.

"We didn't play as well as we wanted to and you have to give Swindon credit.

"But, to a man, the effort and the will to win the game was fantastic."

Williams revealed that after the recent home defeat by Walsall, he had a meeting with the players.

"We had four big games coming up and knew we had to eat correctly, sleep right and do our jobs on the pitch," he said.

"To come through that period unbeaten with 10 points is a fantastic testament to the professionalism and attitude of the players."

In their two previous games, O's had fallen behind, but this time they had Demetriou's early strike to cling on to.

Indeed, O's could not have scripted a better start. Paul Terry began the move and Wayne Gray, back in the starting line up in place of Simon Church, set up Demetriou, who lashed a right-footed effort into the top corner past goalkeeper Phil Smith.

Swindon pressed hard for a leveller, as they are still involved in the relegation dogfight, and were twice denied by the woodwork.

But O's were strong at the back, with Tamika Mkandawire again in excellent form.

Williams added: "I quite enjoyed the feeling of us scoring the first goal in the game. It was nice at half time to be able to say that we can play better, even though we were 1-0 up.

"It was an excellent strike from Jason. He came back into the side with Wayne Gray and they were both fresh."

O's have the best defensive record of any side outside the top six and Williams said: "We defend from the front and everyone works hard.

"When Swindon did get through Jamie Jones pulled off a couple of fantastic saves, and he has done that in almost every game since I have been here."

Leyton Orient: Jones 7, Purches 7, N Mkandawire 8, Spence 7, Daniels 7, Melligan 7, Thornton 7 (Smith 53 mins), Terry 7, Demetriou 7, W Gray 6, McGleish 6 (Church 53 mins). Subs: Morris, Saah, Boyd.

Orient bookings: Terry.

Attendance: 7,735.