Rickie Lambert was Southampton's hero as his brace snatched a deserved 2-2 draw against Leyton Orient.

The home side were in front after two minutes when centre back Tamika Mkandawire rose to head home JJ Melligan's cross, although he picked up a facial injury in the process and was replaced by Luke Ashworth shortly afterwards.

Saints placed Orient under sustained pressure but had little to show for their efforts in the first half, with Lambert miscuing their best opportunity after good work by Papa Waigo.

Orient doubled their advantage against the run of play 10 minutes after half time when Southampton midfielder Paul Watton diverted a fierce cross from Andros Townsend into his own net

But Lambert had the final say, first applying the finishing touch to a nice move featuring substitute Michael Antonio and Adam Lallana in the 74th minute, before pouncing on a loose ball to fire into the top corner six minutes from time to extend Southampton's unbeaten run to six matches.