Leyton Orient have taken a step toward securing a ninth successive League One victory, with David Mooney giving his team a 1-0 half-time lead over 10-man Walsall.
The hosts were given huge impetus in a bid to extend their 100% record, as defender Andy Butler was dismissed on 18 minutes for a lunging tackle on Romain Vincelot.
Russell Slade's men struggled to adapt to their numerical advantage initially, with the O's failing to replicate the type of form which has seen them net 23 times in their opening eight fixtures.
Mooney was recipient of the best opportunity in the first half, dragging wide of the mark following a neat pass from Dean Cox. However, the 28-year-old would soon atone for the miss.
Goalkeeper Richard O'Donnell punched Kevin Lisbie's cross to the feet of Mooney, who fired into the right-hand corner to give his team a slender 1-0 lead at the interval.
Shane Callaghan
