Leyton Orient vs Bradford City - Carabao Cup Third Round

Wellens explains selection decisions after cup exit:

Richie Wellens felt Orient were the better side for the opening 60 minutes and believed Bradford’s goal came somewhat out of the blue, before admitting his side became increasingly disjointed as the game progressed.

The Orient boss explained that the team had effectively been thrown together based on a number of physical “red flags” within the squad and restrictions over how many minutes certain players could safely play. The substitutions were therefore planned, with Will Forrester among those only scheduled to feature for 45 minutes.

Wellens stressed that he could have fielded a stronger side in an attempt to progress, but doing so would have risked key players picking up injuries ahead of important League One fixtures. The league remains the priority, with the aim of having a fully-fit squad available following the international break.

Despite the cup exit, one major positive was that Orient came through the evening without any fresh injuries.

"Dovin out with ankle injury"

Wellens revealed that Oliver Dovin had been expected to make his Orient debut against Bradford City, but a minor ankle sprain ruled the goalkeeper out of the Carabao Cup tie.

The Orient boss explained that the goalkeeping staff were informed by the physio on Monday night, meaning Noah Phillips was instead handed another opportunity between the sticks.

Wellens was pleased with Phillips’ performance. While acknowledging that his kicking still needs improvement and describing the evening as another learning curve, he highlighted the progress the goalkeeper has made over the last two or three weeks and said he was very happy with him overall.

Scarlett’s fitness being carefully managed

Deadline-day arrival Dane Scarlett is another player whose workload will need to be carefully managed.

Wellens admitted Orient do not yet know exactly where the striker is in terms of fitness and are determined not to push him too hard, too soon.

With another Saturday-Tuesday schedule awaiting the O’s next week, managing the squad and getting players back to full fitness remains at the forefront of Wellens’ thinking.

Attention turns to Wycombe

Looking ahead to Saturday’s game against Wycombe Wanderers, Wellens admitted Orient’s preparations could depend on developments at Adams Park.

Should Wycombe appoint a new manager before the weekend, the O’s will look closely at his previous results and approach before planning accordingly.

Stay tuned as I'll be reporting live after Richie Wellens speaks to us at his post-match interview.

Orient crash out of the Carabao Cup at the third stage. Bradford deserved their win, they actually scored all four.

They're a strong team and will be right up there this season. Orient were poor and didn't look like scoring in the second-half.

Attentions turn to the league as Orient welcome Wycombe Wanderers this coming Saturday.

Akhamrich has a shot from the edge of the box but it's easily claimed by the Bradford keeper.

Orient have a corner and Charlie Wellens has two slices of the cherry but can't get a clean strike on the ball.

It's taken Orient going 1-3 down for them to start playing.

The ball falls twice to him in quick succession - one is blocked and the other is wide.

Nick Powell scores. He should've scored just a moment ago after a great stop from Phillips.

This time, there is no mistake. He controls the ball in the box from a corner and smashes home.

He loses the ball in the box as he runs through and in a desperate attempt to win a pen he throws himself to the floor.

Orient combine well the ref plays on, but their are a few cheeky challenges from Bradford going unclaimed.

The ref finally gives a decision to Orient- The fans cheer sarcastically.

It's a frustrated pull back that goes uncarded. Bradford have another corner and Phillips claims well.

The triple subs have seemed to make Orient worse, Bradford look the more likely as a shot from outside the box is just tipped round the post from Phillips!

Nick Powell is on and leading the line now. Bradford have a corner and hit the post! A defender rises high with a header at the back stick and shatters the woodwork.

Bradford then play it round the Orient box and Jackson gets a shot away which Phillips does well to turn round the post. The last corner comes to nothing.