DEAN Court old boy Stephen Purches believes Cherries must match Orient's never-say-die spirit and high work ethic to stand any chance of ending their Brisbane Road jinx.

Newly-appointed captain Purches is hoping to lead the O's into battle against his former club as Kevin Bond's charges look to derail the Orient express on Saturday (3pm kick-off).

The versatile 27-year-old, who spent seven years with Cherries before joining the O's in the summer, faces a race against time to shake off a nagging hamstring injury.

But he is desperate to play a part against his old club as the surprise early-season pacesetters bid to stop Cherries claiming their first league victory at Brisbane Road since 1948.

Purches, who has played a key role in helping Orient to the top of League One, told the Daily Echo: "We are a hard-working team unit and the crowd really get behind us.

"Like Bournemouth, we've got a lot of new players and it made a big difference going to Ibiza on a pre-season tour because all the lads got to know each other.

"Everyone has bonded really well and we've taken that on to the pitch. The fans are seeing what we're all about and we don't give up on situations.

"For a small squad, everyone is chipping in with goals, and, when you look through our team, we've got a number of threats and everyone is playing for one another.

"We've had a great start but nobody is getting complacent. We've just got to keep winning, keep our feet on the floor and keep being difficult to beat."

Like Cherries, the O's were among the favourites for the drop this season. But Martin Ling's troops have made a mockery of their odds by winning three and drawing one of their first four league games.

Purches added: "The bookies' prices were based on what happened last season. Both clubs have had a clearout so that all goes out of the window.

"Yeovil were among the favourites for relegation last season but they reached the play-offs and there's no reason why us or Bournemouth can't do the same this season.

"We've got to make sure the bookies have got it wrong. Winning becomes a habit and if you can get a run together then who knows where it could take you in six months?"

Purches played against the O's when Cherries went down 3-2 at Brisbane Road 12 months ago but missed the Darren Anderton-inspired 5-0 victory at Dean Court in February.

"I don't think the lads will read anything into that result," he said. "Everyone is looking at what we can do this season rather than what happened last season. It was a great performance from a great player.

"Bournemouth's result is the first one I look for and they have started really well away from home so we will have that in our minds."

Despite triumphing 3-1 at Brisbane Road in a League Cup tie in 2004, Cherries' last league win at the venue came 59 years ago in a 2-1 victory.