Charlie Kelman’s 12th-minute goal helped Leyton Orient earn a 1-0 home victory over Stevenage to reignite the club’s Sky Bet League One play-off push.
The O’s top-six ambitions had stalled after a superb run of winter form, but Kelman’s early header proved enough for Richie Wellens’ team to register back-to-back wins to move within two points of sixth-placed Huddersfield.
Stevenage pushed for a second-half leveller, but a late double save by Orient goalkeeper Josh Keeley earned him a 14th clean sheet of the campaign.
Orient had snapped a five-match losing streak with a 2-1 win at Blackpool on March 15 and needed only 12 minutes to take the lead when Kelman headed home Sean Clare’s cross.
It was just reward for a strong start by the hosts, but Stevenage improved and Dan Kemp had a first-half shot blocked against his old club before his dangerous ball failed to pick out Jamie Reid.
Keeley had largely been untroubled until he produced two fine saves in quick succession to deny substitute Harvey White and Kemp in the 90th minute to help Orient move up to eighth.
