This remarkable run has propelled them to 8th place in the League One standings, positioning them just outside the playoff spots. At the end of November, Orient lost at home to Huddersfield in what was a very disappointing result. Orient missed chances and were punished for it by the former Premier League team.
The turn around came four days later, in the FA Cup. A home tie against National League side Oldham looked like a golden ticket to the 3rd round, however in added time at the end of the match, Orient were 1-0 down looking likely to be eliminated.
Step forward on loan goalkeeper, Josh Keeley. Having gone up for a corner in the last minute, he scored with a beautiful header to send the game to extra time. Dan Agyei scored in added time of extra time to book Orient’s place in the 3rd round. Since then Orient have won 8 out of 9 matches in all competitions, a spectacular turnaround for Richie Wellens and his team.
Recent Matches:
- Bristol Rovers 2-3 Leyton Orient (January 1, 2025): In a thrilling encounter, Leyton Orient emerged victorious with a 3-2 win. The match was notable for an unusual prelude when a dog ran onto the pitch moments before kick-off, causing a brief delay.
- Leyton Orient 2-0 Cambridge United (December 29, 2024): Continuing their winning streak, Orient secured a comfortable 2-0 victory at home, demonstrating solid defensive organization and clinical finishing.
- Leyton Orient 3-0 Crawley Town (December 26, 2024): The team showcased their attacking prowess with a dominant 3-0 win, highlighting their ability to control the game and capitalize on scoring opportunities.
- Barnsley 0-4 Leyton Orient (December 21, 2024): In one of their most impressive performances, Orient dismantled Barnsley with a commanding 4-0 away victory, reflecting their growing confidence and tactical efficiency whilst giving the away fans plenty to cheer after a long journey.
- Leyton Orient 0-0 Burton Albion (December 14, 2024): The only draw in their recent run, this match saw Orient maintain a clean sheet but unable to break the deadlock, indicating room for improvement in breaking down resilient defences.
- Charlton Athletic 0-2 Leyton Orient (December 10, 2024): A solid away performance resulted in a 2-0 victory, with Orient displaying tactical discipline and effective counter-attacking play.
Key Factors in Recent Success:
- Defensive Solidity: Conceding only two goals in six matches underscores a well-organized defence, providing a strong foundation for the team’s success. Goalkeeper Josh Keeley has been a top performer for the team.
- Attacking Efficiency: Scoring 14 goals in the same period highlights the effectiveness of their offensive strategies and the clinical nature of their forwards. Striker Charlie Kelmen has scored 4 times in his last 7 matches, whilst Spurs loanee Jamie Donley has scored 4 in his last 5 matches.
- Squad Depth and Management: The ability to maintain high performance levels across multiple fixtures suggests effective squad rotation and management, ensuring players remain fit and motivated.
Upcoming Fixtures:
Leyton Orient’s forthcoming matches include:
- Derby County (January 11, 2025): A challenging home game against a strong opponent, providing an opportunity for Orient to test their mettle against higher-ranked competition.
- Stevenage (January 14, 2025): A home fixture where Orient will aim to continue their impressive form and secure valuable points.
- Peterborough United (January 18, 2025): Another significant match that could influence their position in the league standings, especially in the context of playoff aspirations.
Conclusion:
Leyton Orient’s current form is a testament to their resilience and tactical acumen. The combination of defensive strength and attacking flair has been pivotal in their ascent up the league table. Maintaining this momentum will be crucial as they face upcoming challenges, with the potential to secure a playoff position if their form continues.