O's had 'heart and desire' in Wrexham win - Wellens

Richie Wellens' Leyton Orient side have won seven of their nine League One matches in 2025

Leyton Orient showed "heart and desire" as they fought back from a goal down to win 2-1 at League One automatic-promotion chasers Wrexham, head coach Richie Wellens said.

Ollie Rathbone's opener was cancelled out before half-time by Charlie Kelman before a stunner from Jamie Donley won it for the Londoners as they strengthened their claim for a spot in the play-offs.

The victory moved them three points clear of seventh-placed Charlton Athletic in the table.

"We showed quality - it was two great finishes and then the desire from several people at the end to put their bodies on the line and block shots," Wellens told BBC Radio London.

"Football is about being tactically OK, having talent, speed, technique and all of that.

"But sometimes at the end of the day you need heart, desire and grit and the last 10 minutes, we were really good at that."

Charlie Kelman and Jamie Donley have scored 20 goals between them for Leyton Orient this season

The O's have been on an incredible run since the turn of the year, winning seven of their nine matches in League One.

The League One side also gave reigning Premier League champions Manchester City a scare in the FA Cup, taking the lead at Brisbane Road before eventually losing 2-1.

Kelman's strike against Wrexham was his 14th in all competitions since joining the club on loan from Queens Park Rangers in the summer.

"I thought Kelman was outstanding all night, ran channels, got hold of it, was a threat, great finish," Wellens said.

He added Donley's goal was "a sensational strike".

"A lot of players try and slash at that, it goes over the bar or they'll shank it into the ground, technically he's a superb footballer," Wellens said.