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Leyton Orient opened the scoring in their dramatic League One play-off semi-final clash against Stockport County with a contentious goal. Charlie Kelman, who is on loan from Championship side Queens Park Rangers, found the bottom corner with a low finish in the 2-2 draw. The goal was his 26th of an outstanding season, but replays showed that he was standing in an offside position before scoring. Kelman was ahead of the Stockport defensive line when running onto the end of Omar Beckles' headed ball into the area. Orient's goal was allowed to stand, and talk SPORT commentator Ian Danter told listeners: "According to our production staff back at talk SPORT towers, replays show that Kelman was not just offside but miles offside. "That's the phrase I'm hearing. We are in a VAR-free zone here in the EFL, that goal stands. " At half-time, Stockport expressed their frustrations at the decision when heading down the tunnel at Brisbane Road. Manager Dave Challinor appeared to have a stern word with referee Ben Speedie, with the tunnel manager standing close by. Former Hull City manager Phil Brown told BBC Radio Manchester: "It's clearly two or three yards offside. "Dear me, it's a horrendous decision. Having started the game so well, Stockport County find themselves a goal down. " Brown later added: "I know we should move on from the goal but it has changed the atmosphere in the stadium. "The work that Stockport County have put in this first half is not worthy of the score but they have to put it to bed and go after Leyton Orient again in the second half. " After the match, Beckles told Sky Sports: "He's [Kellyman] been class. I mentioned on Sky earlier that half of his goals have been offside. I think it's arguable that first goal was offside. " Stockport fought back in the second half though as Oliver Norwood scored from the penalty spot to make it 1-1. Orient defender Rarmani Edmonds-Green was penalised for a flailing arm inside the area and referee Speedie awarded the spot-kick. The visitors swiftly completed the turnaround in the first leg when Fraser Horsfall headed in at the back post. Another moment of controversy followed though as Kelman went down in the area under Norwood's challenge, but nothing was given for Orient. But Kelman made it 2-2 with two minutes left on the clock by scoring the game's second penalty. Both sides made a late surge for a winner but had to settle for a draw ahead of the second leg on Wednesday. Stockport, who are chasing an incredible fourth promotion in seven seasons, finished third in League One whilst Orient were sixth. Wycombe Wanderers and Charlton Athletic contest the other League One play-off semi-final first leg on Sunday, live on talk SPORT 2. © 2025 talk SPORT Limited

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