Richie Wellens has hailed his Leyton Orient squad as a “special group” after they sealed a dramatic win on penalties to reach the League One play-off final.
The O’s now head to Wembley with a shot at Championship football, just six years after their return to the EFL.
Orient Triumph on Penalties to Keep Championship Dream Alive
Ollie O’Neill gave Orient an early advantage on the night, but Tanto Olaofe’s inventive back-heeled finish levelled the score after 74 minutes, making it 1-1 on the evening and 3-3 on aggregate. Extra time yielded no further goals, leading to a decisive penalty shootout.
Josh Keeley was the hero, saving from Jack Diamond before Ryan Rydel struck the post, allowing Ethan Galbraith to slot home the winning kick as Orient triumphed 4-1 on penalties.
Reflecting on the achievement, manager Richie Wellens praised the character of his squad:
“I think they’re a special group. Not just of footballers… they’re special people. I didn’t want a group of special people for their last game to be at Edgeley Park – I wanted it to be at Wembley.”
Despite the result, Wellens was critical of aspects of the performance, admitting his side had allowed Stockport too many opportunities.
“We weren’t sharp enough,” he told BBC Radio London. “We could have switched the ball better – the team was too expansive. But in these games, you have to show character.”
The O’s now await the winner of the other semi-final between Charlton Athletic and Wycombe Wanderers, with a date at Wembley looming large.
Wellens also acknowledged the broader significance of promotion, particularly when it comes to retaining key players. The likes of Charlie Kelman, Jamie Donley, and Keeley have all made big impacts while on loan, and a step up to the Championship could improve the club’s chances of holding on to them.
Not a Championship club
“I’ve got a lot of love for this football club,” said Wellens. “We’re not a Championship club – the stadium isn’t big enough, the training ground isn’t good enough. But if we get there, it’ll accelerate things.”
He added that the club’s new ownership are focused on long-term growth and that promotion would be “an unbelievable occasion” for the fans and everyone involved.
Writer’s View
Richie Wellens has managed to do more than just guide a team through a tricky play-off tie—he’s fostered a culture of unity, humility, and resilience at Leyton Orient. That spirit was on full display in Greater Manchester, where Orient weathered waves of pressure before holding their nerve from the spot.
The manager’s honesty about the club’s infrastructure highlights both the magnitude of the challenge and the ambition of the project. With Wembley now in sight, Orient have a golden opportunity not just to go up—but to evolve. Whether they lift the trophy or not, this squad has already written a chapter fans won’t soon forget.
