Dean Cox believes victory over Charlton proves Leyton Orient are perfectly prepared for the season and insists they will shake off their tag as slow starters.
Russell Slade’s men needed penalties to win their Capital One Cup first-round tie but deserved to progress after having the better of proceedings.
Mathieu Baudry equalised after Scott Wagstaff’s deflected shot had given the under-par hosts the lead. David Mooney wasted a chance to put Orient in front when his penalty slammed against the bar early in the second half but the visitors held their nerve in the shoot-out.
Midfielder Cox is optimistic Orient will improve on last season’s 20th‑placed finish in League One as Slade’s eight summer signings gelled impressively.
“We thoroughly deserved to win and that’s a cracking start to the season for us,” he said. “Our poor starts are well documented so hopefully we’ve stopped that already.
“But we looked sound defensively, passed the ball well and could have won 3-1 against a Championship side, so it breeds confidence.
“The manager has brought in some really good players and we are looking to finish high up the table. Fifth or sixth and a play-off spot is always up for grabs so that is the ultimate aim for us.”
A bad night for Charlton — who rested a host of first-team players —was compounded when manager Chris Powell was sent to the stands by referee Gavin Ward for throwing a water bottle.
Powell said he may appeal any potential touchline ban, if he thought he had grounds, ahead of his side’s Championship opener against Birmingham City.
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