Richie Wellens says his Leyton Orient side passed a “test of character” in their late 3-2 win over Lincoln.
Sonny Perkins notched a first-half brace to give the hosts a two-goal lead but Lewis Montsma halved the deficit before the interval and then James Collins levelled the score after the break.
But Charlie Kelman netted his 13th goal of the campaign in all competitions in the second minute of added time as Orient moved back into the League One play-off places.
“It’s the first real test of character that we’ve had,” Wellens said.
“I know we were behind against Stockport and had to chase the game a little bit but it’s the first time we’ve been pegged back with a lead for some time. It tested our resilience and you have to give credit to the players because they kept going.
“We had a 25-minute spell when we kept playing in front of them, too many passes, too many touches, passing it backwards, passing it sideways and they were set up to pick up the loose ball and then counter-attack.
“When it went to 2-1, they were a threat but we had enough chances to win this game. We got a little bit blase, a little bit naive at times but it was a good result.
“But when we went 3-2 up, we could have had a couple more.
“I thought our squad today was really excellent, including the substitutes who came on and did really well. I changed the team from Tuesday but the options we have now are really, really good.”
Now without a win in four games, Lincoln head coach Michael Skubala remained upbeat.
“Football can be a really cruel game at times and there’s a lot in that today,” he said.
“Performance-wise we did really well and we deserved a point. In the final moments we should do better for sure but there’s loads to be pleased about.
“Leyton Orient are a good team and on a good run. They’re hard to beat but today we were on it. They rocked us with the two goals but we showed great character. The lads are gutted in the dressing room because of the result.
“The lads kept pushing and were angry but we fought back and then got the second but we just didn’t see the game out. One moment from the end has taken away a potential really good point.
“The quality we put into their box was much better from wide areas. I know they had chances too, but I felt a point was fully deserved and it was snatched away from us.”
