Charlie Kelman’s first-half strike was enough to secure all three points for Leyton Orient in a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Reading at the Select Car Leasing Stadium.
The match began after a brief delay due to technical issues for the officials. Leyton Orient started cautiously, with both sides feeling each other out in the early stages. Reading had the match’s first real chance, with Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan’s header forcing a straightforward save from Sol Brynn in the Orient goal. Moments later, Lewis Wing’s curling free-kick threatened the visitors, but Brynn was equal to it, parrying the ball around the post and claiming the resulting corner.
Leyton Orient gradually grew into the game, with Ethan Galbraith firing high and wide on 22 minutes after a failed clearance from the Royals. Another half-chance came from Dan Happe, who headed over from inside the six-yard box. Still, it was Kelman who produced the best opportunity of the first quarter, forcing Reading goalkeeper Coniah Boyce-Clarke into a stunning save to tip his shot over the bar.
Orient’s persistence was rewarded in the 27th minute when a ricochet fell to Kelman outside the box. His low drive slipped under Boyce-Clarke to give the visitors the lead. The O’s continued to press but could not add to their advantage before the half-time whistle, with Reading’s backline holding firm.
The second half saw Reading come out with more intent, but Leyton Orient remained solid. Galbraith again came close, firing narrowly wide from the edge of the box just after the break. Reading responded through debutant Chem Campbell, whose clever footwork left him one-on-one with Brynn, but the Orient keeper stood tall, denying the youngster before the defence blocked Tom Savage’s rebound.
As Reading pushed for an equalizer, Michael Craig struck the post with a powerful effort, but Orient remained resilient. Despite late pressure from the home side, including a powerful header from Jeriel Dorsett, Brynn’s goal stayed intact, and Orient held on for a valuable away win.
“It was a really strong performance after the first 10 minutes, where I thought they started well. After that, we dominated the first half, and I don’t think they had a shot on our goal. Toward the end, they put us under a bit of pressure and had a few opportunities, like the 1v1, but we put in blocks where needed.
“I thought Zac (Hemming) was excellent today, and that’ll do wonders for his confidence. He’s a good kid who’s growing, and as he embraces a new club, winning and feeling that support from his teammates will only help him.
“We’re grateful to him for helping secure the three points today because he was outstanding, along with several other really strong performances. We could have made it easier for ourselves, though. Our game management and decision-making at times need to improve, but as I’ve said before, we’re a work in progress.”
Writer’s View
Leyton Orient’s victory was a testament to their defensive organization and clinical finishing when it mattered. Sol Brynn’s performance in goal was exceptional, as he dealt with everything Reading threw at him. Kelman’s goal, while perhaps fortunate, was the reward for Orient’s persistence and pressing.
For Reading, the match was a missed opportunity. They created several good chances, particularly in the second half, but lacked the cutting edge to break through. Orient’s defence deserves credit, but Reading’s forwards will be disappointed not to have tested the goalkeeper more.
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