Allen: Orient can lead all the way

MARTIN ALLEN believes Orient are heading back to League Two after Chesterfield were beaten 3-1.

Justin Edinburgh’s side go into the festival programme four points clear at the top thanks to Dagenham inflicting a first home defeat on Salford.

Orient’s Macauley Bonne netted his 17th of the campaign from the penalty spot and rival boss Allen said: “There was no massive gulf between the two sides but I can see them being top in April.”

Goals by Dagenham’s Conor Wilkinson and Angelo Belanta blunted Salford’s promotion push 2-1 and manager Peter Taylor said: “At half-time we were very confident we could win the game.”

Injury-ravaged Aldershot held third-placed Wrexham to a 0-0 draw and manager Gary Waddock said: “The players gave everything and that’s all you can ask.”

High-flying Harrogate also slipped up, losing 2-1 at Eastleigh, who won the match with a glorious 82nd-minute effort from sub Cav Miley.

Luke Molyneux netted twice in Gateshead’s 3-2 victory at Maidstone and boss Steve Watson said: “We just got a little bit scatty towards the end and I was pleased to see the full-time whistle.”

Dave Challinor can’t wait for the festive fun to begin after watching his Fylde side beat in-form Ebbsfleet 2-0.

Challinor said: “The top sides now play each other over Christmas, with Salford and Wrexham meeting twice, so something has to give.”

Croasdale 28

Rowe 80

Aldershot (0) ........ 0

Barnet (0) .............. 2

Taylor 56

Vilhete 90

Braintree Town (1) 1

Della Verde 30

Bromley (1) ........... 1

Holland 41

Eastleigh (1) ......... 2

Williamson 27

Miley 82

FC Halifax (0) ........ 0

Att: 1,319

Hartlepool (1) ....... 1

Noble 18

Leyton Orient (1)..3

Koroma 8

Ekpiteta 62

Bonne 85 (pen)

Maidstone Utd (0)

Cassidy 79 McLennan 82

Salford City (1) ..... 1

Piergianni 13

Solihull Moors (0)

Att: 958 2 0