Sunday 1 January 2012 10:10, UK
Manager Russell Slade was left in jubilant mood after watching Leyton Orient defeat Charlton Athletic 1-0 at Brisbane Road.
Matthew Spring scored the only goal of the game against his former side who spent 84 minutes with only 10-men after goalkeeper Ben Hamer had been sent off when he handled the ball outside the penalty area to deny David Mooney a goalscoring opportunity. "It was a lovely way to end 2011 and it was a game packed with excitement," Slade said. "It was a good local derby and I thought that we thoroughly deserved the win." Concerning the dismissal of Hamer, Slade said: "I've had a look at the replay and the ball has connected with his hand, the referee had to decide whether it was intentional or not. "The ball was going goalbound although I don't know whether it had enough pace to have gone into the net. The referee was in a great position to judge and he's sent the player off. It could have been deemed as harsh but it's the letter of the law. "We squandered a few opportunities after the break and while it was still 1-0, they were always in the game. Charlton are top of the league and not used to losing and they are going to keep going and credit to them because that's why they are top."
