Leyton Orient boss Andy Edwards accepts the task facing his side is a tough one after they slipped into the League Two relegation zone.

A 2-0 defeat against Mansfield Town at Field Mill saw the O’s fall into the bottom two for the first time this season.

They were second best throughout the match and Edwards is fully aware of the challenge his side faces to maintain their Football League status.

“It is a difficult task. We are in the bottom two and there are a lot of teams in there that have strengthened,” he explained.

“Cheltenham have brought in six, Newport have brought in I don’t know how many and Notts County, if the embargo is lifted, I am sure will bring in a number of players.

“We are looking up now and are in the bottom two which is more than a major concern.

“We haven’t won enough, are conceding too many and haven’t created enough chances.”

The match saw familiar failings come back to haunt to O’s as they conceded twice in quick succession within 10 minutes of the second half starting.

They have now shipped 10 goals during this stage of matches and Edwards is at a loss as to why the issue keeps rearing its ugly head.

He said: “It is unexplainable. We have looked at it and the right things are said at half-time and the players say the right things at half-time.

“We have the focus and know what we are going to do with the ball, but we continue to concede which is a difficult one to understand. It is psychological as much as anything.”

The defeat also came at a cost as Paul McCallum suffered a knee injury which saw him stretchered from the field.

A prolonged absence for the striker will undoubtedly have an impact on the O’s survival hopes and they looked devoid of confidence during their latest defeat.

Edwards believes his side will be able to lift themselves and says the desire to avoid relegation is there.

He said: “Of course the morale is obviously low at the moment and when you are down there. I am not saying it is difficult to motivate and a lot of it has to be self-motivation.

“The opportunity to keep Leyton Orient in the Football League should be enough incentive.”

Orient will hope to end a five game winless run at home against Carlisle United next week.