JOHNSTONE S PAINT TROPHY Leyton Orient 1 Brighton & Hove Albion 0 STRIKER Adrian Patulea turned from villain to hero after his last-minute strike ensured Leyton Orient progressed to the next stage of the Johnstone s Paint Trophy on Tuesday night, writes

JOHNSTONE'S PAINT TROPHY

Leyton Orient 1

Brighton & Hove Albion 0

STRIKER Adrian Patulea turned from villain to hero after his last-minute strike ensured Leyton Orient progressed to the next stage of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy on Tuesday night, writes MIKE SIMMONDS.

The Romanian had spurned a glorious chance in the dying stages when, completely unmarked, he headed Jason Demetriou's pinpoint cross against the bar from a matter of yards.

But with time running out, Patulea latched on to a flick from substitute James Scowcroft to lash the ball past Graeme Smith.

"I was getting frustrated because I had many opportunities to score and I hadn't put any of them away," he said.

"There was the one that hit the crossbar, but I scored with the next one and I was delighted because I really wanted to get a goal tonight.

"I'm very happy that we're through to the next round because the lads all put in a great effort.

"We had the belief that we could win tonight and that's what saw us through in the end.

"We created some good chances and showed that we are a good team. We've only lost one in the last four now and we'll look to keep that going."

Patulea, whose only other goal for Orient came in the 2-1 triumph at Colchester United on the opening day, was part of a rejigged strike force, as Scott McGleish was rested.

He played the first half with Ryan Jarvis, before James Scowcroft came on at half time, and the former Lincoln man appreciated the part that both strikers played.

"With 'Scowie' you know he's gong to win the ball in the air and can flick it on for you, that's the same with Scott McGleish. Ryan Jarvis can hold the ball up brilliantly and all four of us are good strikers.

"I always want to help the team so setting up Scott (against Wycombe) on Saturday and scoring tonight is great."

Orient host Colchester at the weekend, and Patulea is now hoping he has done enough to impress manager Geraint Williams

"Whether I play or not on Saturday is down to the gaffer and I will always respect his decision," he said.

Orient: Jones, Cave-Brown, Daniels, Mkandawire, Ashworth, Baker (Townsend 65), Smith, Demetriou, Pires, Jarvis (Scowcroft 46), Patulea. Subs not used: Morris, Chorley, Summerfield.