Richie Wellens hails Leyton Orient's response to Huddersfield defeat

Glasgow Times

09-08-2025

An own goal by Steven Sessegnon, who later saw red, and a strike from the impressive Josh Koroma gave the east-London outfit a deserved three points.
After coming off not only play-off final disappointment against Charlton in May, but also a three-goal reversal at Huddersfield last week, it was a welcome return to form for the hosts.
Wellens said: 'It's important when it's the first game of the season after a poor performance, that the new lads feel right in the environment.
'It was a good day for us. Wigan are a team that has won 3-1 and they've got some good players. I really like their front two and they've got a good manager who has managed higher.
'To limit them to the point that our goalkeeper Tommy Simkin didn't make a save was good. I thought we were really good in possession today.
'We worked hard this week in terms of being in the right areas, and our front three set the tone for us today.
'You win games when you have your front players firing. Two goals at home, clean sheet and a good atmosphere is very pleasing.'
Wigan's day started off badly when James Carragher hobbled off after just five minutes.
It got even worse for the visitors when Sessegnon chested the ball into his own net after a Koroma cross in the 18th minute.
Orient doubled their lead on the hour mark when Koroma picked up a through-ball and fired straight past the outstretched Sam Tickle.
Wigan offered little and Sessegnon's nightmare afternoon was completed when he saw red after a professional foul.
Substitute Joe White nearly added a third, but Tickle pulled off a great save from his free-kick.
Wigan manager Ryan Lowe could not hide his disappointment at his side putting in a lacklustre display.
'We beat ourselves, we didn't compete enough – we'll address it Monday morning,' he said.
'The fact of the matter is, when you don't compete you're not going to win. Last week we competed.
'It was a big blow losing James Carragher, then the own goal becomes a sucker punch. Overall, I'm disappointed with the players.
'They need to own it, and they do, because they've let us down and they've let over 700 travelling fans down.
'That was old Wigan Athletic today. I told the players if they play like that then they're out of the team.
'Leyton Orient wanted it more than us today, and that's the most disappointing thing.'