Josh Keeley Shines in Leyton Orient’s Playoff Thriller
Ireland’s Josh Keeley had the perfect way to celebrate his recent international call-up-by becoming the hero for Leyton Orient in a dramatic penalty shootout win over Stockport. Keeley, who recently earned a spot in Heimir Hallgrimsson’s squad for Ireland’s upcoming June friendlies against Senegal and Luxembourg, played a key role in helping Orient reach the League One play-off final, keeping their dreams of Championship football alive.
A Dramatic Night at Edgeley Park
The second leg of the semi-final was packed with intensity and ended in a 1-1 draw, making it 3-3 on aggregate after both legs. The game kicked off with early excitement as Ollie O’Neill gave Leyton Orient the lead just three minutes in. But Stockport battled back, and Isaac Olaofe leveled the score with a clever flick 16 minutes before the end of regular time.
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Despite several opportunities to grab a late winner, Stockport couldn’t make their dominance count. Olaofe missed a clear-cut chance in the final moments, and Odin Bailey’s shot rattled the post deep into extra time.
Keeley Delivers When It Matters Most
With the game still deadlocked after extra time, it all came down to penalties. And that’s when Keeley stepped up. He denied Jack Diamond with a strong save, while Ryan Rydel watched in agony as his spot-kick struck the post. Leyton Orient, on the other hand, were clinical from the spot—converting all four of their penalties with precision and confidence.
Stockport had a couple of golden chances during extra time. Fraser Horsfall nearly scored with a glancing header, but Keeley made a brilliant save to keep it out. Moments later, Keeley denied Horsfall again with a diving stop, and Bailey came inches away from sealing it for Stockport, only to hit the post yet again.
Wembley Awaits for Leyton Orient
In the end, those missed opportunities proved costly for Stockport. Leyton Orient held their nerve, executed their penalties perfectly, and booked their place at Wembley. They’ll now face either Charlton or Wycombe in the final, with a place in the Championship on the line.
Josh Keeley’s night couldn’t have gone better—an international call-up and a match-winning performance to remember.
