Goalkeeper Josh Keeley enjoyed a night to remember as Leyton Orient booked their place in the FA Cup third round on Saturday.
After arriving at Brisbane Road on loan from Tottenham this summer, the 21-year-old has quickly established himself as Richie Wellens’ No 1.
Facing off against National League side Oldham, The Os looked set for a shock exit from the competition after Manny Monthe had given the visitors the lead early in the second half.
With the seconds ticking down, Keeley raced forward into the opposition box as Tom James prepared to whip in a free kick from the edge of the penalty box in the ninth minute of stoppage time.
The Republic of Ireland youth international leapt high to meet the ensuing cross, beating his marker and heading the ball past his opposite number to send the home supporters into pandemonium and the tie into extra time.
The late drama didn’t end there though. With the game seemingly destined for a penalty shootout, Daniel Agyei won it for the hosts in added time at the end of the extra 30 minutes.
Goalkeeper Josh Keeley scored a remarkable equaliser in Leyton Orient’s clash with Oldham
Tottenham loanee headed home in the ninth minute of stoppage time to keep his side in the game
The hosts then netted at the end of extra-time to progress on to the FA Cup third round
Orient will now progress to the next round of the competition, where 44 Premier League and Championship teams will enter the draw.
Speaking following the game, Wellens hailed Keely’s character and compared the moment to another famous goalkeeper goal.
‘I think this will go down – not the game, but the moment in the game – will go down in (history),’ he said on the club’s X account.
‘I remember when Carlisle scored in the last minute, when Jimmy Glass scored a goal to stay in the league.
‘Josh deserves this, he has character, he’s brave. You see the saves he made and you see him on the ball and I’m really pleased for him and for the whole team.’
The FA Cup third-round draw will take place on Tuesday from 7pm, with the ties played between January 10 and January 13.
