Football Review | Leyton Orient 1 - 1 Blackpool

Ten-man Leyton Orient were forced to settle for a point.

It took a stoppage-time equaliser from Blackpool for the away side to get a perhaps undeserved draw.

Author | Ajay

Stadium | Brisbane Road

Aaron Connolly had put Orient in front and the home side appeared in control until Tayo Adaramola was shown a second yellow two minutes into the second half, reducing them to ten men.

Despite the setback, Orient defended resolutely and seemed on course for all three points until Ashley Fletcher tapped in from close range in the dying moments. Orient’s players were left frustrated by the decision and other calls throughout the game, but the goal stood, leaving the points shared in E10.

A closer analysis of what happened

Connolly had put Orient ahead in the 23rd minute with a low finish from outside the box that proved too much for Bailey Peacock-Farrell. It was the main moment of note in a first half marked by energy but few clear chances.

The east London side had been reduced to ten men in the 47th minute when Tayo Adaramola was dismissed for a second yellow card.

Just two minutes after the interval, Adaramola’s dismissal left Orient a man short. Keeper Killian Cahill was called into action immediately, saving a close-range effort from Fletcher as Blackpool sought a response. 

Orient held firm at the back for the remainder of the half and had a chance to extend their lead. Substitute Alfie Lloyd broke forward on the right and cut the ball across for Charlie Wellens, whose shot was comfortably gathered by Bailey Peacock-Farrell.

El Mizouni was forced off three minutes from time with a serious-looking injury, and the referee added seven minutes of stoppage time. In the fourth minute of added time, Fletcher capitalised on a loose ball inside the box to score from close range. The goal was a cruel blow for the East London side, who had defended with remarkable resilience under challenging circumstances.