SEAN THORNTON returned to action for the first time since a summer hernia operation, when he played for the final half-an-hour of Orient s pre-season friendly at Ebbsfleet on Tuesday night. But although boss Geraint Williams would have been pleased to wel

SEAN THORNTON returned to action for the first time since a summer hernia operation, when he played for the final half-an-hour of Orient's pre-season friendly at Ebbsfleet on Tuesday night.

But although boss Geraint Williams would have been pleased to welcome back his midfielder, he saw the O's suffer their first pre-season defeat, when the Blue Square Premier side Ebbsfleet twice came from behind to win 3-2.

Jason Demetriou and Scott McGleish were the Orient scorers in the first half.

With Thornton back in action, it leaves just Ryan Jarvis (groin) and Adam Chambers (calf), currently on the treatment table.

Ben Chorley and trialist Dominic Casciato netted for the O's as they continued their pre-season campaign with a 2-0 win at Kildare County on Friday night.

After the game, boss Williams hailed the four-day training camp in Ireland as a big success and was delighted with his side's clean sheet, as O's had leaked four goals in the first pre-season friendly at Billericay.

"We worked hard and it was a good performance," said Williams.

"We didn't move the ball as quickly as we did against Billericay attacking-wise, but we've kept a clean sheet, which is a positive.

"It has been a pleasing performance and we've had three excellent days in Ireland.

"The lads have been getting to know each other, so it has been a very successful trip."

The O's continue their build-up when they travel to Bishop's Stortford, tonight (Thursday), before Saturday's high-profile clash with Newcastle United.

Next Tuesday the O's go to Hayes & Yeading and two days later take on St Albans City, before winding up their pre-season friendly campaign with a trip to Dagenham & Redbridge on Saturday, August 1.