Leyton Orient boss Richie Wellens: Charlton’s reaction at full-time was one of relief – Addicks are top four contenders

Leyton Orient manager Richie Wellens reckons Charlton’s celebrations after their opening day win showed the Addicks were “relieved” with the result.

George Dobson’s first half strike was enough for the South Londoners to edge the newly promoted O’s by a solitary goal at The Valley.

Charlton boss Dean Holden lead his charges in a group celebration in front of the Covered End after the game.

Wellens said: “I like Dean, but I saw his reaction at the end of the game, and I think that’s the biggest compliment we can take. I think they’re relieved. Congratulations to them, it’s a really good result for them. Opening day at home you want to get off to a win. But I think if they’re honest, they’ll say: ’You know what, we’re really pleased with that win because they’re a good team.’ We can take a lot of confidence from that going forward.

“If Charlton aren’t in the top four, something will be wrong. When you look at the size of the club, it’s a huge club. They’ve invested very heavily. For us to come away and it be a 50-50 game, we can take massive confidence from it.

“All our problems came from when we gave the ball away in dangerous areas. Apart from Blackett-Taylor, they never really cut us open. Alfie May was the best striker in the league last year, they invested heavily in him. We kept him quiet.”