Four points dropped in the dying embers of consecutive games is a real concern for Leyton Orient manager Russell Slade.

It’s the difference between first and third in League One as Peterborough hit the O’s with two late goals to take the points at Brisbane Road.

As Slade admitted afterwards, football can be ‘very hurtful at times.’

He said: “We managed to get ourselves in front and from that position with a few minutes to go we should see the game out.

“We haven’t conceded that many goals in the last 10 minutes of games and it’s disappointing, it’s something we need to address for sure.

“It’s part of the tapestry of the journey we’re on but we don’t want it happening again.”

Orient were minutes away from returning to the top of League One after David Mooney’s second half header gave them the lead on his return to the starting line-up.

But Posh proved dangerous opponents with their potent attack, and as Slade himself conceded, defeat would have been harsh on the visitors - despite Dean Cox hitting the post for Orient with a first half volley.

Peterborough were denied what looked like a clear penalty for handball by Elliot Omozusi and Britt Assombolonga’s curling shot was brilliantly tipped onto the post by debutant goalkeeper Shwan Jalal.

Nicky Ajose poked wide and it looked like the O’s had weathered the storm, but with three minutes remaining League One top scorer Assombalonga nodded in a free-kick before Tommy Rowe beat Jalal at his near post from the edge of the area.

Slade was forced to field his third different goalkeeper in three games after Ben Alnwick was signed off indefinitely with personal problems.

Shwan Jalal was rushed in on loan from Bournemouth and Slade said: “Ben’s got his own personal problems and you can’t legislate for someone’s wellbeing.

“We wish him a speedy recovery. I thought Jalal came in and did very well today.

“That’s the fifth goalkeeper we’ve used this season. It’s not what you want to be doing but needs must.”

Despite setbacks against Peterborough and Rotherham, Slade is confident his players can bounce back and continue their promotion push.

“This is a really good group, there are good characters in that changing room,” the O’s manager said.

“They’ll work harder, they’ll roll their sleeves up and they’ll come back battling again.

“Peterborough are a really good team, make no bones about that.”

Defender Omozusi was forced to come off after pulling his calf and Slade is not yet sure about the extent of the injury.