GOALKEEPER Glenn Morris has experienced plenty of ups and downs since he signed for the O s eight years ago, writes Trevor Davies. But on Saturday he was back to his best, as he turned in a five-star show when he made his first league start of the season.

GOALKEEPER Glenn Morris has experienced plenty of ups and downs since he signed for the O's eight years ago, writes Trevor Davies.

But on Saturday he was back to his best, as he turned in a five-star show when he made his first league start of the season.

Had it not been for Morris, who pulled off several fine saves, it's likely O's would not have picked up their first home point of the season.

Morris was given the selection nod after Jamie Jones, who has started the season as first choice, was ruled out with a hip injury suffered against Stoke City, and now the 25-year-old keeper is hoping to keep his place in the side.

"I thought I came on in the Stoke game and did okay, and I got another chance as Jamie is injured and I've really got to take it," said Morris.

"A similar thing happened last season. Jamie came in when I was ill and played really well and that's the way it goes, you have got to take your chance when it comes along."

Although boss Geraint Williams has a wafer-thin squad, there is genuine competition for places between the two keepers and the manager admitted: "We know 'Cat' is a good goalkeeper, he shows it every day in training.

"There is good competition between him and Jamie. It's good for them, and I had no worries about putting the 'Cat' in. I knew he would do a good job for us."

Morris is hoping to keep his place for tomorrow (Friday's) derby duel at Southend and added: "It's a local derby and both teams will be up for it."

The keeper is the club's longest-serving player, but admits that Orient's disappointing home record in recent times is something of a mystery.

"I don't know. It has been like it for a few years now. We have struggled here. Maybe we get a little too tense," he said.

"Away from home we counter attack well and look dangerous. Maybe there is a little less pressure away from home, I don't know."

The keeper was also mystified by Orient's slow start on Saturday.

"We didn't start well, perhaps we were a little too deep in the first half. But we came back in it during the second half. It seems we just can't get over the line at the moment," he said.

"Their goal in the last minute summed it up. But we showed a lot of character to get back into the game.