Carlisle United manager Chris Beech has described his pride at his side's energetic display in the 1-1 draw against Leyton Orient at the weekend.

The wait for a maiden home win of the season goes on for Beech's team after a second half equaliser for Orient put a dampener on an otherwise impressive Brunton Park display.

The Blues boss explained that he was particularly impressed with the team's first half performance during which they were rewarded for their hard work with an opener from new signing Tristan Abrahams.

Beech stated: "We did really well first half especially. I've said to the boys 'well done'. We've got to make more of our chances to make sure there's that end product. We need a Premier League pass, a good touch or shot from that moment."

For him, his side deserved to take home all three points especially after the way in which they rallied following an equaliser from Orient's Harry Smith against the run of play with just over 15 minutes left to play. 

He praised his side's character, offering that the Cumbrian outfit were unlucky to have not won the game.

"Of course, second half we had loads of space down the left. Brenan overcooked his crosses a little today but we kept going and kept plugging away. We were so close, especially with Zac Clough's ball in at the end. Manasse [Mampala] probably should've put that away and got us that winning goal that we thoroughly deserved.

"Credit to Leyton Orient, they kept going. They've got a good manager, a good team and they're well supported. I must say that League Two standard looks like its really gone up this year. I feel for everyone, though, because I really felt we deserved all three points.

"I said to [Orient manager] Kenny Jackett before the game that everyone is still optomisitic at the moment. I'm not going to look too deep into it, we were very frustrated not to get three points for everyone but with a little bit more quality, we were probably only a mistake away from the win."

Beech did reveal that with time left in the summer transfer window, the club could still do business, especially given the recent loss of Aaron Hayden to free-spending Wrexham.

"We have to stay concentrated. I'm very happy with our midfield but, of course, you are open eyed to ways in which we can be better. It would be daft not to be like that. I'm open to difference if I feel a player is ambitious and the right sort of character for this group but I'm also not going to say there's an iminent need to go out there and sign two centre midfield players. 

For now, however, Beech did point out that an emphasis also need to be paced on the hard work of the players that are already at the club, particulalry in light of the gutsy display his side gave at the weekend.

"Tristan Abrahams was brilliant, he's been like that since he came in. Obviously he went on loan to Orient and he knows half that squad so he'll be pleased today with his goal. What we need to try and do is serve that final third area with a bit more quality but we've got a lot of opportunities to improve. In terms of looking at it overall, I feel we're on the right lines.

"Zac Clough was excellent when he came on today, gave us great energy and he has that quality as well to change a game. He's obviously had the problem with his injury but he's working through that and I'm confident he will make a difference for us."

In a final word for the supporters, Beech vowed that the draw had all the hallmarks of the kind of character he wishes to see from his group on a weekly basis.

He said: "I'm very proud of the players and the staff who help us to acheive that. We have to represent the supporters with the same characteristics they give to us of never giving in. You could see that at the end, we were fighting and we were centimetres from the win I believe today."