Nathan Clarke admitted it was a fantastic moment for his family after having the rare opportunity to lead his side against Preston captain and brother Tom Clarke.

The Orient defender made his first start in more than a month, following a layoff with a groin injury, during Friday night's 2-2 draw at Deepdale. But the significance on a personal level was more notable for coming up against his younger brother as the points were shared.

Clarke said: "I was delighted to get the nod. Obviously it was a big game for the club trying to get as many points as we can. But personally, to play against my brother and with us both being captains was fantastic and something that doesn't happen much. We'll go home and realise now just what it meant to our family and friends."

Orient's draw at Preston ensured they extended their unbeaten run to four matches at the Lilywhites and the players travelled to Lancashire with plenty of confidence.

Clarke said: "The lads were saying before the game that we always end up doing quite well here. We seem to be a bit of a bogey side for them here and end up stifling them. It gives our players a licence to do what they're good at."

The O's have been more successful away from home this season and have picked up results from some of the more difficult trips after a win at Aston Villa in the Capital One Cup and draws at promotion challengers Bristol City and now Preston. The Orient skipper believes the way the side are set up has made it easier for them to disrupt the better sides.

Clarke said: "With this draw and the Bristol City game we felt we can stifle teams and once we're in possession players like John Lundstram, Josh Wright and David Mooney can get on the ball and we've always got that threat with Kevin Lisbie and Chris Dagnall."

The Orient fans were hardly helped by the Preston fixture being brought forward to Friday night and Clarke was quick to applaud the 134 fans that made the long trip north.

"They were fantastic and cheered us all the way," he said. "When games get moved to Friday nights it means people finish work earlier and get the train and coaches.

"It hits hard on the pockets and we're thankful for them travelling miles and really value their support not just away but at home. We know it's not been a fantastic season but we're really working as hard as we can and focused on turning this season around."

The O's injury problems are still showing few signs of clearing up with Dean Cox, Elliot Omozusi and Romain Vincelot the latest casualties. But centre-back Clarke thinks the rest of the squad have given manager Fabio Liverani some more options once the other players return to fitness.

He said: "It's not working out right (with injuries) but the lads that are given the shot, when are players are missing, are really putting in a good shift and proving to the manager they're worth a game. Like you say, it's getting to double figures unfortunately and it's not something we can put our finger on but the physio team are working desperately hard to get them back and helping us as much as they can."

Orient's next match is a crucial trip to local rivals Colchester United. Their opponents sit two places and points below them in the League One table with both sides battling to avoid relegation.

The 31-year-old said: "It's obviously one of those games where it's a local one and you always want to do as well as you can. It's the next game now and we've got a full week of training with the manager listening to his ideas and what he wants from the players so we're looking forward to it."