Richie Wellens praised the attitude of his players and supporters after Leyton Orient moved into the play-off places in League One following a thrilling 4-3 win over Barnsley at Brisbane Road.
Stephen Humphrys had given the visitors a two-goal lead in eight first-half minutes and although Ethan Galbraith reduced the deficit shortly after the interval, Barnsley’s leading scorer Davis Keillor-Dunn grabbed his 16th goal of the campaign to restore the two-goal advantage.
But Charlie Kelman scored his 20th league goal of the season to start an incredible comeback before goals from Sean Clare and Omar Beckles settled the issue.
“This was an extremely tough game but the character and the resilience was really pleasing,” Wellens said.
“The atmosphere was brilliant today 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 felt the match typified his team’s campaign.
“If there’s one game to sum up the season then it’s probably today,” he stated. “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.”
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