WITH seven of their last 12 games at home, Orient skipper Stephen Purches believes the O s can dodge the drop into League Two, writes TREVOR DAVIES. The O s defender, who has recovered from a thigh injury, said: We have more games left to play at home th

WITH seven of their last 12 games at home, Orient skipper Stephen Purches believes the O's can dodge the drop into League Two, writes TREVOR DAVIES.

The O's defender, who has recovered from a thigh injury, said: "We have more games left to play at home than away and that has got to be an advantage.

"I know we have picked up more points on the road this season than we have done at home, but when it comes to the crunch, you would rather play in front of your own fans."

Orient have another crucial clash on Saturday when they take on fellow strugglers Brighton & Hove Albion in a desperate basement-battle and, as the season enters its final furlong, Purches acknowledges the games will get bigger by the week.

Talking before last night's (Tuesday's) home game against Peterborough he said: "These are two massive matches for us and all the games will become bigger and more important as we go on.

"The relegation picture will change after every game and all we can do is look to the next one and take each match as it comes.

"At this stage of the season, teams who have been struggling all season suddenly go on good runs, and there is bound to be the odd strange result.

"There's often a team that has a bad run and slips into trouble, and teams will be looking over their shoulders.

"It's so tight down there, I'm sure it will go down to the wire."

With 52 points often quoted as the survival figure, O's boss Geraint Williams and his side will be kicking themselves for not getting closer to that target on Saturday, after dominating the basement clash at Hereford for long spells, but losing 2-1.

"We were disappointed with the start we made," admitted Williams afterwards.

"We spoke about the need for a bright start and it looked promising when we had a shot cleared off the line early on. But going two goals behind in the first 15 minutes gave us an uphill task.

"Brandy's goal was a first class strike and then they got a penalty following a tangle of legs. It was the worst possible start.

"We had three or four good chances in the second half and their goalkeeper has made a couple of great saves.

"I thought our players were magnificent in the second half, but we gave ourselves too much to do with that start.