Leyton Orient out of relegation zone with win over fellow strugglers Northampton

Leyton Orient moved out of the bottom four in League One with their first away win since November as they beat relegation rivals Northampton 2-1 at Sixfields.

Dom Ballard’s 16th goal of the season gave Orient a half-time lead and James Morris made it two early in the second half before Tom Eaves pulled one back.

Hesitation in the home defence allowed Favour Fawunmi to go close in the first minute but his well-struck effort was saved by Ross Fitzsimons.

The visitors took the lead after 10 minutes when Dylan Levitt’s ball over the Northampton defence found Ballard and he finished smartly.

Eaves skewed well wide and Cameron McGeehan had three efforts in quick succession blocked, before the visitors strengthened their position within two minutes of the restart when Ballard turned provider, teeing up Morris to slam home.

Northampton responded quickly, Eaves glancing in Dean Campbell’s cross on the hour to halve the deficit.

The Cobblers applied late pressure, but Orient goalkeeper Will Dennis saved well from Sam Hoskins as the visitors held on.