Sean Thornton bagged a late winner as Leyton Orient moved out of the drop zone with a 2-1 victory over Brighton.

Thornton the hero as Slade starts Seagulls stint with a defeat

Sean Thornton bagged a late winner as Leyton Orient moved out of the drop zone with a 2-1 victory over fellow strugglers Brighton on Saturday. New Albion boss Russell Slade took charge for the first time and his side included five debutants, with one of them playing a key role at both ends. Matt Heath scrambled the ball home in the 17th minute after goalkeeper Jamie Jones had failed to deal with a free-kick conceded by centre-back Jordan Spence. But Orient equalised from the penalty spot through striker Scott McGleish in first-half added time after Heath had upended striker Simon Church. McGleish hit the framework and midfielder Thornton had a goal disallowed for offside during early second-half Orient pressure. Just when a draw looked likely, Thornton weaved his way in from the left and found the top corner with a fine right-footed shot.