Orient midfielder Dean Cox thinks teams are raising their game against the O’s following their outstanding start to the season.

Cox scored his side’s second goal in the 2-2 draw against Bristol City at Ashton Gate and thinks they’re now seen as a scalp.

The result sees Orient drop to second in League One, a point adrift of Wolves.

“Teams at the top of the league are there to be shot at,” said Cox. “I’m not sure Leyton Orient have come across this situation very often because no-one expects us to be up there.

“We’re disappointed to drop two points having led twice, but I suppose it just shows how far we’ve come.

“Teams are a bit more defensive against us, especially at Brisbane Road, and I’m sure it will be the same against Sheffield United on Saturday.”

Top scorer David Mooney gave the O’s the lead halfway through the first half with his 15th goal of the season, an exquisite curled finish from the edge of the area.

City captain Sam Baldock equalised after the break before Cox put Orient back in front, profiting from a fumble by home goalkeeper Elliot Parish.

But almost immediately Scott Cuthbert put a Baldock cross into his own net, and neither side could find a winner in the remaining 17 minutes.

Orient boss Russell Slade thinks City played above their recent performances for the visit of his side.

But he added: “We’ve had two tough away games and taken four points, and sometimes you’ve got to be satisfied with that.

“Our expectations have risen. We’re disappointed because we feel we should be winning games like this but fair play to Bristol City.”

Cox’s goal was his eighth of the season and he is on course to break his record of 12 he set in his debut season at Brisbane Road in 2010/11.

He admits Orient’s firepower always gives them a chance, which has seen them score 52 goals in all competitions – matched only by Manchester City this season.

Cox said: “That was probably one of the easiest ones after a mistake by the goalkeeper.

“With people like Dave Mooney in the team you’re going to score a lot. Anything that’s dropping to him in the box is ending up in the back of the net.

“We’re also sound at the back so with those two things combined you’re going to have a chance.”

The midfielder added that the players aren’t thinking about automatic promotion at the moment and they’re not feeling the pressure of being up at the top.