Leyton Orient manager Richie Wellens insists his side have the ability to handle the pressure that comes hand-in-hand with the play-offs.
The O’s late season form saw them grab that all-important sixth spot. Having won their last six matches, they enter their semi-final tie against Stockport County as the most in-form team in League One. However, the come up against a team that are also coasting at the moment and in the midst of an eight-game unbeaten run.
This saw County snatch third place, meaning they have the comfort of a home tie in the second leg. Despite that, they already hold a victory at Brisbane Road this season, having won 1-0 in February.
“We’re Here To Win Them”
The two sides clash tomorrow lunchtime before the second leg next Wednesday. Stockport finished nine points above their opponents, a fact that doesn’t interest Wellens. Speaking to BBC Radio London, he said:
“The momentum will shift to and from over 180 minutes, so who handles them and adapts it in the best way will go through.
“These are passionate games. It’s all on the line. We know after these two games there’s no tomorrow, only if you win, so we’ll make sure we handle them.
“We’ve achieved absolutely nothing yet. We’re not here for an extra two weeks, just to enjoy it and say, ‘Oh, everybody thinks Leyton Orient have done great just because they got in the play-offs.’ We’re here to win them.”
Continuing, the former Doncaster Rovers boss insisted he has a squad capable of earning a place at Wembley:
“We’ve got a lot of players that are really in good form. Players that look fresh, ready to go.
“And if they’re not, and they run out of steam after 60, 70 minutes, we have a bench that’s going to be very effective.
“You need the full quota of the squad to contribute. All of them have, and more or less every single one of them is going into these two games fresh, ready to go, full of energy, and full of belief as well.”
Writer’s View
Leyton Orient will be considered the underdogs over the two legs, plainly because of their final league position. However, this achievement is even more remarkable when taking into consideration that they were in the relegation places in November. Stockport won’t be taking this tie for granted, especially after losing 4-1 at Edgeley Park in September. This could be the most fascinating play-off semi-final across all three divisions.
