Leyton Orient U18’s returned to league action for the first time in over a month but were beaten 5-0 away at Cambridge United.

The young O’s were three goals down by half-time and weren’t able to prevent the rampant hosts from adding to their advantage after the break.

Anthony Papadopolous was the only player to retain his place in the starting line-up as Orient were forced into ten changes due to injury.

The away side got the action started but quickly fell behind as a low ball into the box from the left trickled through to the feet of a Cambridge attacker and he calmly placed into the net after just two minutes.

Orient were enjoying plenty of possession after the goal but shooting opportunities were at a premium, and they were punished on the half-hour mark when a neat header at the front post doubled Cambridge’s advantage.

Cambridge, despite their lead, were missing plenty of opportunities as they upped the temp before the half’s end, but still managed to add a third on 38 minutes when the ball was nodded home after the initial strike had hit the crossbar.

The hosts started the second half with intent and Rhys Byrne was twice called into action to prevent United from adding a fourth and captain Bradley McClenaghan hooked the ball off the line.

However, Cambridge not only added a fourth but a fifth too in the final 20 minutes – firstly the ball was tapped home after Byrne had produced a stunning save and secondly when the O’s failed to deal with a powerful low cross that eventually ended up in the net.

Next up for Orient is a home game against Barnet this Saturday at 10.30am.