LEYTON Orient hotshot Adam Boyd struck to condemn luckless Cherries to their first away League One defeat of the season at Brisbane Road.

The striker made Kevin Bond's side pay for failing to make the most of their first-half superiority when he plundered his fourth goal of season in the 71st minute.

Boyd settled a thrilling end-to-end contest after the leaders had weathered a first-half storm, his effort helping the O's maintain their unbeaten start to the season.

Cherries' outstanding first-half display failed to yield the goal it so richly deserved, and, but for a world class save from Asmir Begovic, the visitors could have found themselves trailing at the interval.

Long-range efforts from Jo Kuffour and Warren Cummings both came to nothing during a Cherries-dominated opening spell before Darren Anderton's 24th-minute shot was blocked by O's goalkeeper Stuart Nelson.

The lively Kuffour was denied by Alton Thelwell's interception and then saw his first-time effort from Max Gradel's lay-off roll past the post.

But for all their pressure, Cherries were thankful to Begovic's breathtaking stop from Wayne Corden, the Canadian diving full length to his left to paw away the midfielder's shot from seven yards eight minutes before half-time.

Orient started the second half on the front foot with Sean Thornton's rising drive just clearing the crossbar four minutes after the restart.

JJ Melligan fired straight at Begovic when well placed before Corden clipped the outside of the post after latching on to Wayne Gray's cross.

But disaster struck for Cherries when Boyd finally broke the deadlock, finishing with a low drive from 12 yards after being fed by Corden's pass.