Matchwinner Ian Westlake is backing Cheltenham Town to climb away from the danger zone in the New Year after his first goal for the club ended their nine-month wait for a Coca-Cola League One away win.

On-loan Leeds midfielder Westlake finished off a one-two with Barry Hayles in the 78th minute to bank a 2-1 win at Leyton Orient on Saturday.

It was the Robins' third League and FA Cup win in a row, and they have lost only once in six games, and sit two points adrift of safety in League One, suggesting they can climb to safety.

"I don't see why not," said Westlake, who ended the day with six stitches in an injured hand. "The quality in the squad is good enough, and we have got good competition for places.

"Alan Wright is a great player but Lee Ridley is keeping him out, and in attack Barry Hayles has the position, but we have Lloyd Owusu, Paul Connor and Elvis Hammond waiting for a chance.

"The gaffer has got the spirit going at the moment and it is a very enjoyable place to be.

"I was delighted to get the winner as the manager has been on at me to have more shots, and we have all been in early for extra finishing practice."

The win was achieved despite Cheltenham being reduced to 10 men for the last 20 minutes after Ashley Vincent was shown a second yellow card, and manager Martin Allen hailed his sides' spirit.

"The referee made his decision and we respect it and have no argument," said Allen. "Ashley put in a fully committed performance.

"That's the kind of tenacity I want and for an attacking winger to show that commitment was great, and we deal with the decision and cope with it.

"We passed the ball superbly in tricky conditions on a wet pitch and played some great football.

"The last 12 minutes saw people putting their bodies on the line and we were organised and solid. There was no panic.

"It was a great finish from Ian Westlake and it was a brilliant move to get him in. Barry Hayles took his goal well and that's what he can bring us. I wanted to improve the starting 11 and Barry has done that."

"The supporters were brilliant too. I could sense they had belief that the team was going to win and that positive attitude does get through to the players.

Match report: Page 25