Dean Cox insists the O’s have a score to settle with Walsall in the FA Cup this Saturday after losing their 100 per cent record in League 1 to them.

Orient failed to beat ten man Walsall back in September at Brisbane Road when the match finished in a 1-1 draw. It was the first time this season Russell Slade’s side were denied victory in the league as their eight-match winning run ended.

The two teams have been drawn against each other in the second round of the FA Cup this weekend and Cox has not forgotten about their recent meeting.

The winger said: “We owe them one, that’s for sure. We remember that one, don’t worry about that. They had ten men and maybe we should have broken them down and won that game. But they’re a good footballing side and it will be a good game. Every match in this division is difficult and with the FA Cup fever it would be nice to have a full house and go at them to try and win it.”

Orient could be just one match away from a third-round money spinner if they could draw a Premier League side. Cox has made no secret of who he would love to face but the former Brighton & Hove Albion attacker insists all focus must be channelled on getting past the Saddlers.

Cox said: “For me, I’d like Manchester United away because I’ve never been to Old Trafford, although a couple of the lads have. But we’ve got to concentrate on this game and win it and then we’ll worry about the draw after.

“We understand the revenue that comes with winning the game so it’s important. Every match is important to this football club and we’ll be going out to win. If we can put a few pennies in the bank for the gaffer to really push us on in January until the end of the season then that would be great.”

Cox scored an incredible goal during the O’s win at Walsall last season when he hit a strike from inside his own half. He added to his tally of memorable efforts on Saturday when he volleyed home their equaliser in Saturday’s 1-1 draw at home to Sheffield United.

Cox said: “It was probably not the best. I scored a cracker for Brighton but it would definitely be up there.”

The 26-year-old added: “I think we’ve played well and created chances. The only difference is we haven’t taken them. It would be a bigger worry if we weren’t creating chances.

“We’ve had those two chances for David Mooney in the first half and then the goal while Robbie Simpson had a header flicked on from a Clarkey (Nathan) cross. On another day that might go in and we win the game and people are saying we deserve to win.

“I thought we played some good football and the crowd were right behind us from the start to finish because of the work ethic from everyone from Jonesy (Jamie) to Batts (Shaun) up front. We worked tirelessly and there are going to be times like Preston recently where it’s hard to break teams down. It’s going to be like that if we want to be at the top. We want to stay there so we’ve got to counter what teams are doing with us.”

Orient still moved back to the top of League 1 despite only taking a point against the Blades. Cox believes competition for places in their squad is key to their success and no-one in the team is taking their place for granted.

He said: “We want to get promoted. I’ve been here four years now and it’s a great position to be in. It’s disappointing to only draw but we’re top of the league so we’ve got to be happy with that and push on. The pennies in the coffers that can strengthen the squad can only make competition for places better for the players.

“The ones that get the shirt have got to earn it and people can’t just assume they’re going to play every week. They have to go out there and earn the right to play in the shirt. Hopefully we do that next week and if we can bring in one or two in January then that’s great for the club.”