Russell Slade believes Albion were harshly treated by the penalty verdict that sent them heading to a potentially costly defeat at Leyton Orient today.

But the Seagulls' new manager insists there was plenty to encourage in a 2-1 setback to their League One survival rivals.

Sean Thornton hit a great late winner for the O's, who trailed early on to a debut strike from Matt Heath.

It was Heath who was pulled up for what looked a soft penalty right on half-time, seconds after Orient had claimed Al Bangura should have been sent-off for catching Charlie Daniels as they contested a high ball.

Slade said: "We didn't feel it was a penalty and I don't think Orient felt it was a penalty.

"Maybe we were slightly fortunate we kept a player on the pitch.

"Maybe he (referee Richard Beeby) was thinking about evening it up, who knows?

"It was certainly late (by Bangura) but I didn't think he caught him on the head.

"Maybe we were fortunate with that one because it was a late challenge.

"He gave the yellow card but I don't think it evens it up to give a penalty when the player is going nowhere.

"I don't really think Matty was wrapping himself around him."

Albion are now four points from safety going into Withdean fixtures with Southend on Tuesday and Slade's previous club Yeovil next Saturday.

The Seagulls boss added: "It's all about lasting 93, 94 minutes.

"I'm disappointed we didn't lock the game out and ensure we came away wth something.

"We are massively disappointed with the result because we got off to such a good start.

"In terms of application, I thought the players put a shift in.

"There were things we could do better.

"We had five new players in, of course we made mistakes.

"But there were encouraging signs there and we have got two very important games at home now."

Slade walked across the pitch before and after the game to salute Albion's travelling army of almost 2,000 fans.

He praised the big following and said: "It's a real football club."