Charlie Kelman’s early header proved decisive as Leyton Orient edged past Stevenage 1-0 at Brisbane Road to move within touching distance of the League One play-off places.
The 23-year-old, on loan from Queens Park Rangers, continued his prolific run by scoring for the third consecutive game, taking his tally to 19 in all competitions. His 12th-minute glancing header from Sean Clare’s cross was enough to seal the win in a cagey contest short on clear chances.
O’s ride pressure to secure vital win
After a dominant opening spell, Richie Wellens’ side struggled to build on their early lead. While the O’s failed to muster another shot on target after Kelman’s effort, Stevenage gradually grew into the contest, enjoying the bulk of possession and opportunities in the second half.
Josh Keeley was called into action late on, producing crucial stops to deny substitutes Harvey White and Elliott List, as the visitors pushed hard for an equaliser. Despite the pressure, Orient dug in defensively to record a second consecutive win and maintain their resurgence in form.
“We didn’t play our best stuff but we showed a different side tonight – character, organisation and resilience,” said manager Wellens. “It’s a big three points and keeps us right in the mix.”
The victory lifts Orient to eighth in the table, just two points off sixth-placed Huddersfield Town with eight games remaining. After a blistering run of 12 wins in 15 matches either side of Christmas, a slump of five straight losses had threatened to derail their promotion push. But back-to-back wins over Blackpool and now Stevenage have reinvigorated the east Londoners.
Stevenage, meanwhile, stay 13th, despite a spirited second-half showing in which Dan Kemp, Brandon Hanlan and Jamie Reid all had half-chances to equalise.
The only concern for Orient came late on when Kelman appeared to pull up off the ball and was forced to leave the pitch. However, he was seen walking unaided post-match, giving hope the issue is not serious.
Writer’s view
Orient weren’t at their fluent best, but this was the sort of gritty win that can define a promotion chase. Kelman’s form is carrying them right now, and if the injury scare proves minor, he could yet be the difference-maker in the final run-in. With five of their next six games against teams in the bottom half, the O’s have a golden chance to sneak back into the top six – and possibly stay there.
