Leyton Orient score 3 times in 6 minutes to win 4-3 against Barnsley and boost their League One playoff hopes on Good Friday.
The O’s staged a thrilling comeback, trailing 3-1 in the 65th minute, then turned the game around with goals from Charlie Kelman (68′), Sean Clare (72′), and Omar Beckles (74′), following Ethan Galbraith’s earlier strike in the 51st minute.
Barnsley had taken the lead through Stephen Humphrys’ brace (11′, 19′) and a Davis Keillor-Dunn goal (64′). This win moved Leyton Orient into the final playoff spot, level on points with Reading, who lost to Lincoln.
“This was an extremely tough game but the character and the resilience was really pleasing,” said Orient boss Richie Wellens, per Newham Recorder.
“The atmosphere was brilliant and when the supporters give us that then the players can find an extra one per cent.
“The first 20 minutes, I hated it as we were way off it and started slowly. I knew with their quality they could hurt us because I think they’re a really good side with players who can create moments.
“Their second goal, which I thought was offside, knocked us a little bit but we got a foothold in the game and we got on the front foot and then became dominant in the game.
“We kept doing the right things and it was all about energy and speed. We have quick players and if teams want to press us that’s fine because we can win races.
“The second half was a fantastic game of football for the supporters.
“I didn’t feel comfortable even when we got the fourth goal, so I brought on Brandon Cooper to shore us up at the back and I was really pleased with all our subs.”
Barnsley manager Conor Hourihane, who hours before the game was appointed on a permanent basis: “If there’s one game to sum up the season then it’s probably this. I thought we were outstanding for the first 25 minutes.
“We controlled the ball, played most of it in their half and created chances.
“Then, as I’ve just told the players in the dressing room, I hated the rest of it. I hated the way the team looked. We didn’t string passes together. It became scrappy and we created lots of transitions for them which they’re good at and we didn’t compete.
“At 3-1 I still felt really uncomfortable and the players had lost their way in the game. We gave the ball away a couple of times, so it was from our own downfall why they won the game.
“We need to be braver. I want us to play aggressively but when it became scrappy, I really didn’t like what I saw.
“We need some fresh new faces around the place for next season.”
Conor Hourihane on this afternoon’s game at Leyton Orient 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/SzCVV8wwsc
— Barnsley FC (@BarnsleyFC) April 18, 2025
Twitter users gave their reaction after seeing Leyton Orient score 3 times in 6 minutes to win 4-3 against Barnsley and boost their League One playoff hopes on Good Friday….
@Boatzy: Unbelievable scenes. This group just doesn’t know when it’s beat.
@connoralmond02: my absolute favourites to go up through the play offs you lot this year. 3-1 down with 25 to play and you just don’t know when to quit, sign of a strong strong team with real heart. we were great for first 65 but you turned up a gear and we just collapsed. all the best 👍🏻
@ScottG19912019: Days like today is what it’s all about ❤️ 2nd half performance for the ages. Absolutely destroyed a very good team – brilliant. Done the club proud ❤️
@Sian_Skinner: Great game, amazing comeback, phenomenal atmosphere cmon you ooooo’s
@BrisbaneRdPaul: Wow, just wow! Bloody love this club and they’ll be the death of me!!! THE O’s go marching ON ON ON!!
@oli_sonenfield: Honestly, maybe it’s the post-win excitement but I think today may be in my top 10 games ever. Absolute rollercoaster of emotions. Donley and Galbraith are an absolute joy. Both destined for the highest level. #lofc
@andrewconquest: If you’ve never experienced a moment like that Omar Beckles winner then you have no idea of the joy life can bring. Up the fucking O’s. #LOFC
@Jameslee_f: Fuck me 😂 We love to make hard work of things
@twm01303: Fucking Humphrys again. They were class for half hour. But oh my God what a turnround. Galbraith has to be in Prem next season along with Mr Assist Donley. We were terrific 2nd half. What a start to Easter.
@jaggsy1979: Can’t shake this feeling that we will somehow make it to Wembley only to get done by Charlton for the third time this season but on the flip side how good would it be to get revenge for that late defeat at our ground? #lofc
@lofc99: Best game of the season, absolutely love this club. Will never ever forget this game. ❤️ #lofc
@OrientOutlook
@SarahRyan82: Anyone else woken up feeling a bit groggy? 😵💫 Too much screaming at the game and too much celebrating after!🥂🍻 Can’t believe what happened in that 2nd half! So looking forward to going Cambridge 🙌 #lofc
HAVE YOUR SAY –
Do you see Leyton Orient finishing in the playoffs come the end of the season? Let us know your thoughts in the comments or tweet us @fan_banter
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