Leyton Orient is going to Wembley to contest the League One play-off final! They beat Premier League side Stockport County in a sensational match, winning 4-1 on penalties after going 1-0 down at half time. That game was played at Edgeley Park. After two legs, the two sides were tied 3-3 on aggregate, which brought it down to a surprising but very exciting finish.
The final will take place at Wembley Stadium on Sunday, 25th May. Leyton Orient will face the winners of Thursday night’s Charlton Athletic v Wycombe Wanderers tie in the final. That climactic battle will be shown live on Sky Sports Football.
A Thrilling Encounter
The final started with Stockport’s Ollie O’Neill scoring the first goal of the 2023 Final Tournament, sending Leyton Orient crashing to an early deficit. Just when it seemed like the Sounders would take a narrow lead into halftime, Isaac Olaofe produced a superb flick to equalize O’Neill’s goal. This amazing play brought the game to overtime! Scoring exchanges Each team wanted to assert themselves early and often, leading to a back-and-forth scoring battle.
In an impressive individual moment for Leyton Orient, Charlie Kelman expertly volleyed home a deep cross from the left. With his shoulder, he deflected the ball onto the inside of the crossbar. Stockport continued to attack and didn’t allow their hardships to break their spirit. Leyton’s Christine-themed goalkeeper Jack Keeley made himself the hero as he saved all three of their penalty attempts.
The drama reached its climax when Keeley saved the resultant Jack Diamond penalty, handing Orient a massive opportunity. Ryan Rydel’s effort hit the inside of the left-hand post, further complicating Stockport’s chances.
Ethan Galbraith ultimately sealed Leyton Orient’s victory by calmly converting his penalty, igniting jubilation among the traveling fans and securing their team’s place in the final.
Managerial Insights
Leyton Orient’s manager, Richie Wellens, got his side ready for what he hoped would be an attritional war of attrition. He noted that Leyton Orient had primed their opponents for a match that might extend beyond the standard 90 minutes.
“Of course it’s tough, especially the manner in which you end up losing the game, on penalties. I’m super proud of what we’ve done,” said Wellens reflecting on his team’s performance.
Wellens revealed the extent of his confidence in Keeley’s penalty taking abilities. He pointed out that the players have gotten plenty of experience from previous cup games this year, despite not training directly for this eventuality.
“When you go to penalties, it’s a lottery, but it’s our fourth time this year. I spoke to the players just before we took the penalties. I said have faith in your goalkeeper, he’s one of the best I’ve ever seen at penalties, trust that he will save a few,” expressed Wellens regarding his pre-penalty strategy.
Looking Ahead
Leyton Orient, meanwhile, prepare for the League One play-off final at Wembley Stadium, which most of you would argue is the best stadium in the world. The Storm team is clearly happy to take advantage of this critical turning point in their season. The players will appreciate a brief reprieve. From there, they’ll prepare for league matches beginning a week earlier than normal.
Jobi McAnuff, a former player and current pundit, commended Leyton Orient’s achievement, stating, “They were so evenly matched over the two legs. There was nothing to separate them. Having seen what that club has been through, to see Orient get to the final, huge credit to the owners.”
There’s enormous hope and excitement from the people of Leyton Orient heading into this weekend’s championship final. Armed with a storied past as an unstoppable underdog, the squad has been leading the charge for its own promotion to England’s second division.
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