Orient’s statistics speak for themselves.

Three defeats in 27 League One games while reaching 60 points 12 games quicker than it took Orient last season.

It’s been quite a season for the O’s, and the 2-0 win against Coventry kept them on the coattails of London rivals Brentford at the top of the table.

Manager Russell Slade could barely hide his smile afterwards: “We created chances and our attitude was relentless.

“It paid off because we had to be patient to break through.

“The intensity was so strong throughout the game. We can’t ask for anymore, we’re doing everything we possibly can.

“It’s a momentum thing and we need to keep it going.”

It was the fourth time these teams have met this season and when Kevin Lisbie missed a second half penalty after a foul on Chris Dagnall – the fifth time Orient have failed from the spot this season – it looked like the Sky Blues would frustrate the O’s in the league for the second time this campaign.

Coventry goalkeeper Joe Murphy made a superb low save to deny the striker, but the home side took the lead less than a minute later with Dean Cox’s low finish from the edge of the area.

Orient were the better side for most of the game and clinched the three points nine minutes from time as David Mooney celebrated his return to the side with a goal – his 16th of the season.

Murphy won’t want to see the replay as he spilled the Irishman’s long range effort into the net.

The O’s missed a succession of first half chances with Cox and Dagnall guilty of the greater profligacy.

Slade said: “Cox’s goal took the pressure of us. So often the first goal is crucial and so it proved today.

“It needs to be a good performance when you’re playing Coventry. They’re a very good side.

“It’s great for Mooney to come off the bench and get a goal, that will be great for his confidence.”

But it wasn’t all one way traffic at Brisbane Road.

Home goalkeeper Eldin Jakupovic made three crucial saves, most notably from Franck Moussa moments before Cox’s opener.

The Hull loanee has conceded once in four O’s appearances and his manager is delighted with his performances.

“Jakupovic was called on about three times in the second half and he did everything really well,” he said.

“His powers of concentration are excellent.”

Slade confirmed that the transfer window business was almost certainly done while stating no players would be heading out the Brisbane Road exit door before tomorrow’s (Friday’s) deadline: “This group will stay together until the bitter end.”