Ward's free-kick from just outside his own penalty area was assisted by a swirling wind and bounced over his opposite number Glenn Morris.

Chris Greenacre doubled the home side's lead when he converted Chris Shuker's cross with a 12-yard right-foot finish.

Greenacre then hit the post before he scored from a rebound when his initial shot was saved by Morris.

Tranmere: Ward, Sherriff, McCready, Goodison, Stockdale, Shuker, McLaren (McAteer 76), Mullin, Ellison, Taylor, Greenacre.
Subs Not Used: Tremarco, Jennings, Davies, Achterberg.

Booked: Greenacre.

Goals: Ward 9, Greenacre 12, 80.

Leyton Orient: Morris, Tann, Saah, Fortune (Chambers 45), Lockwood, Tudor (Connor 77), Simpson, Barnard (McMahon 77), Keith, Alexander, Steele.
Subs Not Used: Demetriou, Corden.

Booked: Alexander, Saah.

Att: 6,446.

Ref: D Whitestone (Northamptonshire).