Norwich City centre-back Michael Nelson admitted the defence must take collective responsibility for their latest League One setback at Leyton Orient.Sean Thornton twice escaped City's back line inside the opening half an hour as Orient won 2-1 at Brisbane Road to dent the Canaries' promotion push.

Norwich City centre-back Michael Nelson admitted the defence must take collective responsibility for their latest League One setback at Leyton Orient.

Sean Thornton twice escaped City's back line inside the opening half an hour as Orient won 2-1 at Brisbane Road to dent the Canaries' promotion push.

Nelson admitted Paul Lambert's men must rediscover their miserly streak ahead of Saturday's trip to promotion rivals Charlton after conceding seven goals in the last four outings.

City travel to The Valley with a seven-point cushion over third-placed Millwall in the race for automatic promotion - although the Lions can cut the gap to four points with victory at Huddersfield tomorrow night.

“You have to take responsibility - unless the player puts one in the stanchion from 30 yards there is always something you can do,” said Nelson.

“We do take responsibility for the goals. I don't think I've conceded any goal which wasn't disappointing. All I can say is if they smash one in or whether they are tap-ins, its hurts to concede. It wasn't great the way they went in and we were not happy with it but hopefully we can move on to Saturday and rectify that.

“I wouldn't say we are nervous. We're still top of the league and anyone in the division would swap that with us in a matter of seconds. It's in our hands and completely up to us to make sure we get enough points to get us over the line and hopefully sooner rather than later.”

City slipped to defeat in East London without the twin attacking threats of Grant Holt and Wes Hoolahan - but Nelson refused to hide behind excuses.

“Of course you miss players like that who not only bring goals but so much quality to the side,” he said.

“It's a long season and you do very well to keep lads like that fit and away from suspensions for 46-odd games. It's a squad game so you can't say that is the sole reason why we have lost a game like that. Last time Grant was out we coped with his suspension very well.

“Give Orient some credit. They are down there fighting for their lives, the same as Tranmere were, and that is what you are going to face. Teams at the bottom have to scrap and battle, teams at the top are trying to get in the play-offs and get promoted and teams with nothing to play for have a freedom and no pressure to go out and express themselves.

“That is what this stage of the season brings so it is up to us to stick together, be resolute, and make sure we get the job done.”