Charlie Kelman’s third goal of the season gets Leyton Orient up and running

Posted Sunday, September 15, 2024 by PA

Leyton Orient secured their first Sky Bet League One points this season, at the fifth attempt, after a hard-earned yet deserved 1-0 win at Reading.

Orient made the decisive breakthrough in the 27th minute through Charlie Kelman’s third goal of the campaign, after an error by rookie home goalkeeper Coniah Boyce-Clarke.

Although Reading threatened sporadically in an even second half, the visitors defended resolutely to end their league blank.

The hosts, who had won both of their opening home league games, enjoyed the better of the early possession, with Orient keeper Zach Hemming doing well to tip over a fierce free-kick effort from Lewis Wing.

But Orient gradually improved, with Boyce-Clarke superbly saving an attempt from Kelman before making his fateful mistake soon after.

Kelman again tried from distance and the keeper, making only his second league start, allowed the shot to squirm under his grasp.

Orient maintained their momentum after the interval, with Ethan Galbraith firing narrowly wide on the break.

Reading eventually upped their tempo and Michael Craig went close to finding an equaliser when his angled drive struck the angle of post and crossbar.

However, the visitors held on relatively smoothly towards the end and were good value for their victory.