Leyton Orient ended their five-match winless run in style after thrashing Gillingham 5-1 at Brisbane Road this afternoon. 

Orient stunned the visitors in the opening nine minutes with David Mooney and a cracking Dean Cox strike making it 2-0. Kevin Lisbie headed home the third before Mooney's second put the game beyond doubt before half-time.

The hosts added a fifth goal in the 78th minute through Chris Dagnall before a late consolation from Craig Fagan. It was just what the East Londoners needed heading into the play-offs as they reclaimed third place in League 1. 

The O's made two changes to the side which drew at Sheffield United last weekend. Romain Vincelot returned to the midfield while Mooney started up front as Lloyd James and Jamie Ness dropped to the bench.

Orient got off to a very bright start and were rewarded with an early opener. John Lundstram released Mooney and the Irish striker calmly tucked the ball into the net. 

Russell Slade's doubled their lead after just nine minutes when Mooney laid the ball off to Cox and the winger smashed a superb strike from the edge of the area past Stuart Nelson.

The hosts kept the pressure on Gillingham and went close again through Mooney but his long-range strike was parried by Nelson. 

Orient added a third goal after 35 minutes when Moses Odubajo sent in a pinpoint cross which Lisbie headed firmly into the net.

The Gills were all over the place and straight from the restart conceded a fourth goal. Lisbie robbed Michael Harriman and passed to Mooney who fired past Nelson for his 20th of the season.

Mooney had a chance at the start of the second half but his shot was straight at the keeper.

Gillingham created their first opportunity but Amine Linganzi's strike was deflected past the post.

The hosts made their first substitutions midway through the half when Ness and Dagnall replaced Vincelot and the excellent Mooney. 

Lisbie came close to netting his second of the game but his low strike was blocked by the legs of Nelson.

Orient netted their fifth goal of the game when Dagnall ran onto the ball before sending a low strike into the corner of the net.

Slade made his final change when he brought on Shaun Batt for Lisbie.

Gillingham netted a late consolation when Fagan's strike found the net despite Mathieu Baudry's attempt to keep the ball out.

It was an excellent afternoon's work for Slade's side as they rediscovered their form, especially in attack, to give them momentum heading towards the play-offs. 

Leyton Orient: Jones; Omozusi, Clarke, Baudry, Cuthbert; Cox, Lundstram, Vincelot (Ness, 70), Odubajo; Mooney (Dagnall, 70), Lisbie (Batt, 79)

Subs not used: Sawyer, James, Larkins, Simpson

Gillingham: Nelson; Martin, Lee, Barrett, Harriman (Smith, 67); Weston (Birchall, 64), Linganzi, Hewitt, Hessenthaler (Gregory, 89), Fagan; McDonald

Subs not used: Baxter, Whelpdale, Akinfenwa, Borrowdale

Referee: Carl Boyeson

Attendance: 5,128