Darren Moore urges Port Vale to keep fighting after late Leyton Orient loss

Port Vale boss Darren Moore says his side must keep fighting after their cruel 3-2 defeat at home to Leyton Orient.

The promoted Valiants are still searching for a first League One win of the season after Orient took the points thanks to Charlie Wellens’ stoppage-time winner.

Struggling Vale had led through Ryan Croasdale before goals from Aaron Connolly and Dom Ballard put the visitors in control at the break.

Devante Cole levelled for Vale early in the second half before they were hit on the break while pushing for a winner.

“I feel for the players because they put so much into the game,” said Moore.

“Everyone was trying to be the hero to win the game and we have left the back door open. It is that concentration that we have spoken about.

“Whilst we can accept they are trying to win the game, we have still got to do it off the ball as well. It’s just a lapse of concentration.

“We had a fantastic start and real impetus and then the goal took the edge of us a bit for whatever reason.

“We reset at half-time and we saw the commitment and endeavour we are used to.

“We had more energy in the second half and we had them penned in. We were just looking for that goal.

“Everything that we are doing wrong is getting punished. We have got to keep going. We have a week to work and I’m glad we don’t have a midweek game.

“It is self-inflicted, which is frustrating. We should have got something today.”

Leyton Orient head coach Richie Wellens felt his side had come through a stiff test.

“It was a weird game, a game of two halves and one they will probably say they should have won,” he said.

“In the first half we had total control and could have been leading by more. They are a physically strong side and we had to defend a lot of long throws and balls into the box.

“Port Vale were used to winning last season and I warned at half-time they would give it a go.

“It was a good winner. Charlie can score goals and it is a brilliant moment for him. He is doing a lot of good work but he needs to continue that. He looks quicker and stronger than when I saw him play for Reading last year.

“Forget that he is my son, that can have an influence on other players, I don’t like it. I just want him to concentrate on training and his next game.

“He is trying to forge a career of his own and I don’t want it being brought up every two minutes, it is not good for him.”