Leyton Orient were denied a victory at League Two leaders Plymouth Argyle after conceding a late equaliser in their 1-1 draw.

Orient got off to an ideal start after four minutes when Jay Simpson hit a superb strike for his 14th goal of the season.

Plymouth struggled to create chances but the hosts snatched a fortunate point after Curtis Nelson’s 81st minute equaliser.

The O’s made one change to the side which defeated York City. Captain Mathieu Baudry was ruled out with a hip injury and Cole Kpekawa made his first start for the club.

Ian Hendon’s side got off to a superb start as Ollie Palmer nodded the ball on and Simpson struck a terrific strike into the top corner from the edge of the area.

The O’s went close to doubling their lead through Jack Payne but his strike flew just past the far post.

Orient remained on top and went close through Jean-Yves M’voto but the defender’s header was saved by goalkeeper Christian Walton.

Jake Jervis fired in an effort for Plymouth but his strike was deflected over for a corner.

The hosts wasted a glorious chance to equalise when Craig Tanner set up Jervis but the striker somehow fired wide from in front of goal.

Simpson received a yellow card after a rash challenge on Oscar Threlkeld which forced the Plymouth midfielder off injured.

Plymouth had a chance from a corner but Carl McHugh’s header was blocked by a visiting defender.

Josh Simpson went close for the hosts when through on goal but blasted his shot high and wide.

The O’s made their first substitution and it was a surprising one with Lloyd James replacing goalscorer Simpson.

Gregg Wylde launched a counter-attack but he ended up wasting the opportunity as he fired wide of Alex Cisak’s post.

The O’s had a chance at the start of the second half through John Marquis but his strike was parried by Walton.

Orient had another opportunity but Sammy Moore could only blast his shot well over the crossbar from the edge of the area.

The visitors were still offering a threat on the break and Payne sent in a half-volley which was straight at the Plymouth keeper.

McHugh had a decent chance from a corner but the midfielder could not get any direction on his header.

The O’s should have extended their lead through Marquis but his fierce strike was well saved by Walton.

Orient went close again through M’voto but the Frenchman’s header flew over the Plymouth bar.

The visitors threatened again through Marquis but the forward’s strike flew just past Walton’s post.

Hendon’s side went close through Moore but his free-kick flew just over the crossbar.

But Plymouth equalised against the run of play when Luke Croll’s shot was parried by Cisak and Nelson tucked home the rebound.

There were four minutes of injury time but neither side could conjure up a winner as the O's had to settle for a point from Home Park. 

Plymouth Argyle: Walton; Mellor, Nelson, Croll, Sawyer; Tanner, Threkeld (Simpson, 31), McHugh, Carey, Wylde (Brunt, 66); Jervis

Subs not used: Cox, Harvey, Smalley, Bentley, Bittner

Leyton Orient: Cisak; Clohessy, Kpekawa, M'Voto, Shaw; Payne, Pritchard, Moore; Marquis, Palmer, Simpson (James, 38, Kashket, 90))

Subs not used: Sargeant, Dunne, Moncur, McAnuff, Turgott

Referee: Andy Woolmer