Richie Wellens delivered a blistering assessment of Leyton Orient’s performance after they were outclassed 3-0 by Doncaster Rovers, describing his side as “shocking” and admitting he was “embarrassed” by what their supporters had to watch.
Doncaster produced one of their most controlled League One displays of the season at the Eco-Power Stadium, gaining revenge for October’s 4-0 reverse in east London and never allowing Orient to establish any rhythm. Owen Bailey scored either side of half-time, while Luke Molyneux converted from the spot in first-half stoppage time to complete a result that was effectively settled before the hour.
Bailey opened the scoring on 34 minutes, sweeping home Hakeeb Adelakun’s low cross from close range after Doncaster’s early pressure had already forced Orient into a series of hurried clearances and loose passes. The hosts doubled their advantage deep into added time when Molyneux struck a penalty following a foul on Frankie Okoronkwo, and any chance of a response disappeared on 49 minutes as Bailey pounced on a spill from Killian Cahill to make it 3-0.
Orient did have a rare opening when Demetri Mitchell struck the post from close range, but it was a fleeting moment in a first half dominated by Doncaster, who looked sharper in the duels, quicker to second balls, and far more coherent in their shape. They then managed the second period with comfort, mindful of their weekend wobble against Wigan, and this time saw the game out without allowing the contest to become chaotic.
Wellens explodes on familiar turf
Wellens, returning to a stadium where he previously managed, did not attempt to dress up what he had seen. He pointed to Doncaster’s system causing immediate problems, suggested his own side lacked the personnel to correct it on the pitch, and questioned the basics of their work-rate.
“Shocking. Poor. From the first whistle their system dictated what we did. Their right-back had a field day in the first 20 minutes… The system caused us problems and we didn’t have the personnel on the pitch.
“Forget talent. Forget imagination. Forget skill. Forget all the good bits about football. If you don’t turn up and you don’t work hard, I’m embarrassed for our supporters to watch that.”
“We’ve had a problem with our goalkeeper all season. He keeps making mistake after mistake. We need a man… I need a man that is going to come for crosses, organise the defence, that’s vocal, that has character and personality.” ”
I’m not blaming anyone, these are just the facts of what’s happened tonight.”
Those comments also carried a wider edge, with Wellens appearing to nudge towards recruitment shortcomings in key areas, particularly in goal, while still stressing that Doncaster deserved credit for the way they played. He also highlighted moments that swung the game, including a needless free-kick before the second goal and the concession of the penalty that made it 2-0 at the break.
Big response for Rovers
From Doncaster’s perspective, this was exactly the type of response Grant McCann would have wanted after surrendering a three-goal lead against Wigan at the weekend. There was no drama here, just control, intensity, and a ruthless streak in both boxes, with Bailey’s double underlining the hosts’ confidence in attacking areas.
Sadly for the visitors, it is the tone as much as the result that will draw attention across League One. Managers do not speak that plainly unless frustration has been building, and this defeat, combined with the public nature of the criticism, adds extra pressure to their next response. The gap between the two teams is now two points, but crucially, Rovers have a game in hand, meaning Orient are firmly in the midst of a relegation battle.