MARTIN LING has called on his side to reproduce their sparkling early-season form for the final 12 games of the season.

The O's boss thinks his side will need 24 more points in order to reach the play-offs and he is aware that will require a shift in their recent fortunes.

They travel to Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday looking for just a third win in ten games, and Ling wants a more forceful performance than the one which saw them slip to defeat against Nottingham Forest last week.

He said: "Last week was disappointing.  It was a nothing game that looked like it was going to be a draw because both defences were on top.

"We ended up losing the game, after we said we needed to bulld on that win against Luton by getting back-to-back victories.

"It's getting to the stage now where we feel that wins are massively important.  We probably need 24 points from our last 12 games to reach the play-offs and draws aren't going to get us where we want to be.

"That means we will go to Brighton with a positive attitude and we will try to win the game. We didn't create anywhere near enough chances against Forest, so we will be looking for a lot more action in the attacking third for us.

"Our next three games are against teams who are in the chasing pack for the play-offs and these are the important games for us."

Brighton's Withdean Stadium in unique in that the supporters are cut off from the playing area by an athletics track, but Ling expects his players to be unfazed by the surroundings.

He added: "The Withdean is unique, but I was there as a player for a short time and I didn't find playing there a problem.

"I suppose the distance from the pitch of the supporters and the lack of atmosphere could cause problems, but you have to deal with that.

"It just seems to be one of those places that hasn't been a happy hunting ground for me as a player or manager - but none of the new players know anything of that situation.  We have to go there and get three points."

Ling's only injury absentees for the trip to the South Coast are Tamika Mkandawire (hernia) and JJ Melligan (foot).