Gary Alexander was brought down on the edge of the area in the 18th minute, with Andy Harris going into the book. Alexander dusted himself off to take the free kick, but it hit the wall and went out for a corner.
Christie and Newton for the O's and Philpott for City all had efforts saved, before Orient thought they had made the breakthrough on the half-hour mark. Mark Greaves slipped and let Steve Watts in, who hit the back of the net with his shot, but City were let off the hook with referee Clive Wilkes claiming a foul on Greaves.
Musselwhite had to make saves from Canhem and Lockwood before the sides went in at half time goal-less.
Richard Sneekes had a chance after the interval, but couldn't make contact with Lee Philpott's pass.
Steve Watts had his second 'goal' of the afternoon ruled out when he used his hand to control the ball.
Mark Greaves had to go off in the 57th minute with a knock. Andy Holt replaced him.
Paul Musselwhite had a number of stops to make, including a 72nd minute header from Dean Smith, which 'Mussie' blocked on the line before Van Blerk got the ball away.
Adrian Caceres was brought off the bench to make his debut, coming on for fellow debutant Kyle Lightbourne 15 minutes from time.
Caceres appeared to be causing the O's problems but nothing that they couldn't deal with, and so City's poor form on the road continues.
City line-up (4-4-2): Musselwhite; Petty, Whittle, Greaves (Holt), Van Blerk; Williams, Johnsson, Sneekes, Philpott; Alexander, Lightbourne (Caceres).
Un-used subs: Glennon, Beresford, Norris.