LEYTON ORIENT 0 HARRIERS 0

ONE of Harriers' best away displays of the season would seem to suggest they have snapped out of their bad run of early 2001.

A point and clean sheet at promotion-chasing Orient, a tough side to beat at home, was a tremendous result after five defeats on their travels this year.

And boss Jan Molby was a trifle disappointed not to pick up a victory as Carl Griffiths' 65th minute dismissal reduced Orient to 10 men.

Despite a lack of goalmouth incident, it was an entertaining clash and no-one could question Harriers' determined efforts cheered on by a vocal away support.

The league table shows it would take a superb run to take Harriers into the Division Three play-off zone alongside Orient.

Molby admits he is very much building for next season and wants to see what his team is made of in the remaining games.

And they certainly did themselves justice in north-east London, looking the better side in the first half with some impressive passing and movement.

However, the nearest Harriers came to breaking the stubborn deadlock was six minutes before half-time.

Dean Bennett's towering header, the product of a right-wing Adie Smith cross, forced a fine save from keeper Ashley Bayes.

Harriers were often restricted to long-range shooting by a solid Orient rearguard.

Midfielders Neil MacKenzie and Daire Doyle, brought into the side for Andy Ducros, were both close from distance, while Drewe Broughton found rare space but could not guide MacKenzie's cross on-target.

Orient boss Tommy Taylor made a brave half-time decision, bringing on all three subs although one, Sasha Opinel for the injured Matt Joseph, was forced.

It quickly paid dividends as the home side were far more lively but one of the replacements, Steve Watts, headed a good chance wide on 51 minutes.

If Harriers could be faulted, it was for allowing too many free headers in their area and another, from the industrious Ahmet Brkovic, forced a flying claim from Tim Clarke on 63 minutes. Harriers' keeper was at his best moments later to block a very good chance for Watts with his legs.

But Orient's hopes took a nosedive when forward Griffiths was dismissed for a late lunge on Smith. Opinions were divided between the two managers - Molby welcomed the decision.

The Dane later withdrew the yellow-carded Broughton, fearing one assistant referee was about to even up the game by shopping the determined target man.

The dismissal let the visitors back in and a good move on 81 minutes resulted in Smith sliding a low shot just wide. But Harriers had to be happy with their first clean sheet since Boxing Day in the end.