Leyton Orient 'stopped playing' because results went their way which meant they were promoted

Leyton Orient found out they'd won promotion from League Two DURING their game against Gillingham amid a power cut which temporarily halted the fixture.

The lights went out in Tuesday's league clash between Gillingham and Orient, but power was eventually restored as the game resumed.

But during the break, Orient found out they'd secured a spot in League One after Bradford City's 1-0 defeat at Swindon Town.

Bradford's loss meant the O's are guaranteed promotion, sparking wild scenes on the pitch whilst their game was delayed.

Players and staff ran onto the field and celebrated winning promotion before resuming their game at the Priestfield Stadium.

Leyton Orient found out they’d been promoted whilst their game against Gillingham was still going on, after hearing other results had gone their way. The players and staff wasted no time to start celebrations…

The Gillingham players were fuming… 🤣pic.twitter.com/chF4qUMHTq

— Football Away Days (@FBAwayDays) April 19, 2023

Once the game restarted, Orient 'stopped playing' as they watched Gillingham play the ball around their defence, with the visiting team just watching on.

Orient gained promotion to League One despite 2-0 losing to Gillingham, with Alex MacDonald and Cheye Alexander getting on the score-sheet.

The club's manager Richie Wellens spoke of his delight after his side's promotion was confirmed.

"I'm absolutely buzzing for the supporters that made the trip, the supporters at home and hopefully on Saturday we'll make a real special day of it," he told BBC Radio London.

Absolutely extraordinary scenes in England where both teams with 10 mins to go don't want the scoreline to change. At full time, Leyton Orient get promoted from League 2 and Gillingham stay up! pic.twitter.com/5L3YA61NzC

— World Soccer Talk (@worldsoccertalk) April 18, 2023

"But I apologise to our supporters in that Leyton Orient never make it easy - even the lights tried to fail us.

"They were fantastic scenes at the end - I'm gutted that we lost the game because I thought we were superb, but to get it done, that was the main aim."

Wellens added: "On Saturday I want every single supporter to bring a red and white scarf, we've got four games to go and these occasions don't happen very often, so let's make these next three weeks really, really memorable.

"Let's make memories that can last a lifetime and let's try and get the ultimate goal, which is the league title."