LEYTON ORIENT boss Russell Slade enjoyed a happy return to the south coast after goals from former Seagulls’ favourite, Dean Cox, and Ryan Jarvis sent the east Londoners into the next round of the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy on Wednesday night.

The east Londoners had to sustain early Albion pressure and Glenn Murray nearly profited from slack marking on 18 minutes, but shot wide of Jamie Jones goal.

Only two minutes later Orient’s debutant Aaron Brown was harshly cautioned for a foul on Murray, but from Gary Dicker’s free-kick, the O’s cleared their lines and a breakaway lead by skipper Stephen Dawson, saw the Irishman play in Cox whose drive was deflected by Tommy Elphick and over former Leeds keeper, Kasper Ankergren, into the roof of the Brighton net.

Only three minutes later another Dawson-inspired move saw Cox again try his luck, but Ankergren was in luck as the ball struck the underside of the bar.

Orient were clearly enjoying a purple patch and Jarvis headed wide from Matt Spring’s 27th minute corner.

Brighton then hit back and the Orient goal lived a charmed life for the remainder of the half as a combination of missed chances and inspired Jones goalkeeping – especially from a clean-through Ashley Barnes on the stroke of half-time - when the Orient stopper made a superb save with his feet.

The expected Brighton onslaught failed to materialise after the break and the O’s took full advantage when an unmarked Jarvis lost his marker and rose to glance home Spring’s 47th minute free-kick.

An entertaining cup-tie took another twist only three minutes later Brown was adjudged to have fouled Murray – who looked suspiciously outside the box when the initial challenge was made. Justice appeared to be done when Murray stepped up and Jones guessed right and superbly palmed away the spot-kick.

Orient then had the luxury of sitting on their lead and Brighton never threatened until stoppage time when Elphick was denied by man-of-the-match Jones.

Indeed, Orient could have had a third soon after, but Smith and Chambers were both denied by brave blocks.

Slade said: “I received a standing ovation – which was almost embarrassing. But, I have great memories of the place – I had some great times here. But, we all move on in time and the game took place and obviously we have come out with a really positive result.

“Our first goal took a slightly fortunate deflection in all fairness, but Cox’s next strike has hit the underside of the crossbar – that did deserve to go in the back of the net. In all he could have had a brace. But, he’ll be delighted he managed to get on the scoresheet.”

The former Brighton boss added: “Jarvis’s goal was a really sweet header. Matt Spring put a great ball and Ryan got in front of his marker and scored. And we had a wonderful opportunity to get a third goal – but we tried to walk it in – but unfortunately that didn’t happen. However, we had to be resolute at the back as that was a strong Brighton side we played tonight. They wanted to get through the competition like ourselves. It was a good, competitive game from that point of view.”

Goalkeeper Jones said: “We came out with a great attitude tonight. We had a great game on Saturday and passed Exeter off the park and we tried to do the same tonight. The result and the performance showed. From one to eleven everyone did their jobs tonight. I looked at the way the kicker placed the ball and just made the save.”

Jones is looking forward to this Saturday’s east London derby – the first-ever meeting of these clubs: “Dagenham will be a different game on Saturday. They like to stick the ball in the box and we’ll have to deal with that and hopefully come out on top.”

Goalscorer Cox admitted: “I had some great times down here and it was great to score, but I didn’t want to give it the ‘biggun’ and just jogged back to the halfway line.”

Cox – who hit the winner against Exeter last Saturday – added: “My celebration last Saturday was down to not playing much football for eight months. So, I haven’t had that feeling for a long time. So, obviously now it’s two in two – long may that continue.”

The winger concluded: “The side seems to be gelling now and bring on Dagenham on Saturday.”

• Orient travel to Dagenham & Redbridge this Saturday, kick-off 3pm.

How they lined-up: Brighton & Hove Albion: Casper Ankergren – Liam Bridcutt, Tommy Elphick, Adam El-Abd (sub. Jamie Smith 53 mins), Gary Dicker – Elliott Bennett, Marcos Painter, Ashley Barnes (Gary Hart 67), Inigo Calderon (captain) – Glenn Murray (Cristian Baz 53), Matthew Sparrow. Subs (not used): Mitchell Walker (GK), Agustin Battipiede.

Leyton Orient: Jamie Jones, Elliot Omozusi, Aaron Brown, Terrell Forbes, Jimmy Smith – Adam Chambers (Ben Chorley 83), Matthew Spring, Stephen Dawson (captain), Dean Cox (Mike Cestor 57) – Ryan Jarvis, Jonathan Tehoue (Alex Revell 33). Subs (not used): Lee Butcher (GK), Scott McGleish.

Referee: Mr Iain Williamson
Assistant Referees: Mr Mike Bull, Mr Andy Davies
Attendance: 3,124 (84 away fans)