Leyton Orient manager Richie Wellens did not hold back in his post-match interview following his side’s 1-0 defeat to National League side Chesterfield.
It was never going to be an easy tie for Leyton Orient given that the Spireites top the National League currently, but the League One side were still expected to run out as winners.
That was however not to be the case, with one mistake from the Orient defence proving pivotal as they lost their second round tie 1-0. Idris Elmizouni’s own goal just before half-time would be the only goal to separate the two teams giving Orient fans little to cheer about on their travels home.
The defeat on Sunday continues a long winless run for the O’s, one that stretches back to the 4th of November which came against Carlisle United in the first round of the FA Cup. Coincidentally, Wellens’ last league win came against the same side in mid-October and the poor form has seen Orient gradually slip down the League One table.
Wellens’ frustration was evident after the defeat to the National League leaders and it was hardly an unfair result. Orient registering just one shot on target all game with the home side also having the majority of the possession.
In his post-match interview with club media, Wellens did not hold back his frustration following the loss.
“I thought in the first-half we were a disgrace.
“In the first six or seven minutes we were okay, I thought we were in control of the game, but then they ran a little bit harder, fought a little bit harder, and we didn’t react.”
“I spoke to the players at half-time and said try to put it into perspective. It is a freezing cold weekend and our supporters have saved up, worked overtime in the current crisis when it is coming up to Christmas. That first-half was not acceptable. Nowhere near.
“I am gutted for our supporters, for our owners, we wanted a cup run this year. We gave it a go in the second-half, we dominated territory more or less apart from a few counter-attacks, but again we needed to be brighter. We need some quality in January.”
January cannot come soon enough for Orient with no win in the league in their last seven matches. If they are not able to get some points on the board in the lead up to January, then they could creep into the relegation battle.
Writer’s View
Having knocked out Portsmouth in the first round, it was well-known just how good of a side Chesterfield are. However it was yet another lacklustre performance from Orient who are really struggling at the minute.
A six-point buffer to the relegation places, although significant, is gradually getting smaller following the recent run of form and they face a tough Derby side on Saturday. The club will need to get things right in January if they want to overturn this poor run of form.
