Leyton Orient’s Boxing Day triumph over Crawley Town extended their unbeaten run to six matches, but it was Richie Wellens who chose to single out Jamie Donley for praise after a standout performance.
Leyton Orient delivered a footballing masterclass on Boxing Day, sweeping aside Crawley Town in a convincing 3-0 victory.
The result marked their sixth consecutive match without conceding a goal, underscoring the defensive solidity and attacking prowess that have propelled the O’s in recent weeks.
The match began with promise as the home side orchestrated a slick three-man move in the 33rd minute. Tottenham loanee Jamie Donley, whose performance drew significant attention, played a perfectly weighted pass that sliced through Crawley’s defence, setting Ollie O’Neill free on the flank.
O’Neill’s pinpoint cross found Charlie Kelman, who converted with composure to claim his ninth goal of the campaign.
The second half saw Leyton Orient shift gears, with Jack Currie marauding down the left wing and setting up Dan Agyei for his 10th goal just five minutes after the restart.
Moments later, an ill-fated clearance from a Donley set-piece ricocheted off Omar Beckles, sealing a dominant victory. Throughout, Crawley struggled to mount any significant response, their efforts stifled by a commanding Orient display.
Following the emphatic win, Richie Wellens singled out Jamie Donley for praise, emphasising the Tottenham loanee’s rapid development and growing influence on the pitch.
The 18-year-old’s display against Crawley was a testament to his evolving game, blending technical skill with a maturity that belies his age.
Speaking post-match, Wellens said as relayed by Lilywhite Rose: “I am a big believer in watching people and mannerisms, and I look at Jamie Donley now and he is just growing.
“He is turning from a young boy into a developing, into a man. I have to say his performances in recent weeks—forget the passing, forget that—and I spoke to this about Jamie, forget that.
“I have watched him in the 21s, and I have seen him play slide-in balls, I have seen him get goals, I have seen him get countless assists.
“His position on the pitch, his second balls, when to hook it on, when to head it, when to bring it down, when to play one and two-touch. His decision-making is coming on.”
On the prospect of making Donley’s loan permanent, Wellens admitted it was unlikely: “I would like to swap contracts with Jamie Donley, so I doubt it.
“I would like to swap contracts with Sonny Perkins, so I doubt it. No, in those two cases there, the parent clubs would have a bit lead off, and Tottenham have trusted us with the first stages of their development in terms of the professional game.”
Jamie Donley’s Boxing Day statistics further illustrate why he is a talent to watch, despite not finding the net himself.
With an impressive FotMob rating of 8.4, the Tottenham loanee played the full 90 minutes and recorded four shots. He created four chances and completed 80% of his passes.
His defensive contribution was equally notable, winning 50% of his tackles and engaging in seven defensive actions. Donley also excelled in duels, winning 64% of his ground battles.
As Leyton Orient look to maintain their impressive form, Donley’s continued growth will be pivotal. While Tottenham are unlikely to relinquish their claim on the young talent, his performances under Wellens have undoubtedly accelerated his journey towards becoming a Premier League-calibre player.
The post Spurs fans will love what Leyton Orient boss is saying about Jamie Donley appeared first on Spurs Web.
