PRICELESS STRIKE: Trotta's goal helped Brentford edge above their London rivals [GETTY]

Team-mate Harlee Dean saluted Trotta's quality as his side secured a crucial three points that took them above their London rivals into the top two.

The on-loan Fulham striker broke the deadlock with his 12th goal of the season with a 20-yard effort on the stroke of half-time.

Brentford's James Tarkowski was dismissed after the break for a second yellow, but defender Dean came on - replacing Trotta - and the visitors held on.

Dean admits Trotta can be frustrating, but he has hailed the Italian's ability to produce moments of magic.

"He'll look like he's not doing anything for the whole game and then smashes one in the top corner," said Dean.

"That's why we've got him in the team, he's got that quality. He does it in training all the time.

"You lose your rag and think 'come on, show us a bit', but he's not that sort of player.

"I think he's improved from last year. Whereas last year he wouldn't have chased anyone, he chases people down now.

"It's still not as much as everyone would like, but he saves his energy to make that shot, and it won us the game."

With leaders Wolves drawing against Shrewsbury, Brentford are one point off the top with two games in hand over Orient.

"We've only lost one game, against Wolves, in 20-odd games so we've always had the momentum," added Dean.

"No-one really seems to take us seriously. Perhaps now, with the game being on telly, people can start taking us seriously now.

"I don't think many teams would come here and play with 10 men for 45 minutes and win 1-0."

Orient striker Kevin Lisbie rued the fact that the home side were unable to find an equaliser, despite their extra man.

"The red card didn't seem to change the game much," he said. "Sometimes you're better off leaving it 11 against 11.

"Then they come out a bit more and leave holes, but they had that goal to hold on to, which made it hard.

"I think we had more chances in the first half than we did in the second, so that was disappointing."

Os defender Scott Cuthbert remains positive, adding: "From the start of the season, when we won the first eight games, it's been an unbelievable year.

"To be up there with the likes of Wolves and Brentford, with the budgets that they have, we're doing fantastically well."