Port Vale manager Lee Sinnott conceded relegation was a forgone conclusion despite seeing his side beating play-off hopefuls Leyton Orient 2-1.David Howland's last-gasp winner kept alive Vale's slim hopes of survival and put another dent in Orient's slim hopes of reaching the play-offs.

Howland scooped the ball into the roof of the net after Glenn Morris failed to hold on to a shot from Danny Whitaker. The 93rd-minute goal secured back-to-back victories for Vale for the first time this season, but Sinnott's side are still 12 points from safety with only five games remaining.

Sinnott said: "If we are to be relegated I don't want it to be here in front of our own supporters. They have had a tough season and the way they have kept with us has been magnificent.

"I thought Orient looked a good side and gave us plenty of problems. The game was a struggle, but my players showed tremendous spirit which should hold us in good stead for the future.

"I want to avoid relegation for as long as possible and the players showed they want to do the same. I asked them at half-time for a big effort and they have kept going and produced."

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