Leyton Orient produced a controlled and clinical display to beat Blackpool 2-0 at Brisbane Road in EFL League One on Saturday 17 October 2026, with Charlie Kelman and Ethan Galbraith scoring in a victory that strengthened the O’s push for the upper reaches of the table.

Match overview

Orient set the tone early, pressing Blackpool high and forcing the visitors into a series of hurried clearances. The home side’s midfield trio kept the ball moving quickly, and the reward arrived midway through the first half when Kelman finished calmly after a sharp move down the right. Blackpool responded with a spell of possession before the break, but clear chances were scarce against a well-drilled Orient back line.

Key moments

• 23rd minute: Kelman opened the scoring, converting from close range after Jordan Brown’s low cross caused confusion in the Blackpool box.
• 41st minute: Blackpool thought they had levelled through Kyle Joseph, but the forward was flagged offside after a quick break.
• 67th minute: Galbraith doubled the lead with a composed finish from the edge of the area after Orient won the ball back high up the pitch.
• 84th minute: Orient goalkeeper Josh Keeley made a smart save to deny CJ Hamilton a late consolation.

Tactical story

Richie Wellens’ side were organised without the ball and adventurous with it. Orient’s wide players stretched Blackpool’s back four, while Galbraith and Jordan Brown controlled the central areas. Blackpool tried to build through the thirds, but they were often forced sideways and struggled to find pockets of space between Orient’s midfield and defence. When the visitors did break forward, the home side’s recovery runs were excellent.

Standout players

Kelman led the line with intelligence, holding the ball up and linking play before taking his goal well. Galbraith was the game’s most influential midfielder, combining energy with quality on the ball. At the back, Omar Beckles produced a commanding display, winning headers and stepping out to snuff out danger before it developed.

League impact

The three points lifted Leyton Orient into the play-off places and added momentum to a promising run of form. For Blackpool, it was a frustrating evening in which they lacked the final pass in the attacking third. The Seasiders remain capable of climbing the table, but they will need more penetration in away matches if they are to challenge consistently.