- Orient scoring an incredible goal from near the halfway line to take the lead
- It led to a steward reacting in shock, joy and disbelief after the O’s went 1-0 up
- LISTEN NOW: It’s All Kicking Off! Does the Premier League REALLY need to look at goal celebrations?
This is the moment that a steward reacted in joy and disbelief to Leyton Orient scoring an incredible goal from near the halfway line to take the lead in their FA Cup tie at home to Manchester City on Saturday afternoon.
He can be seen holding his hands on his head, open-mouthed in celebration of forward Jamie Donley’s strike, which bounced in off of Citizens goalkeeper Stefan Ortega to give the hosts a shock lead.
The goal was scored in the 16th minute, with Orient, who play in League One, taking the lead against last season’s Premier League champions City.
It was a great moment for 20-year-old Donley, who has made four senior appearances for Tottenham.
There was further frustration for City as new signing Nico Gonzalez had to be substituted after just 22 minutes as he suffered an injury on his debut.
While the O’s maintained their 1-0 advantage until the interval, second half goals from Abdukodir Khusanov and substitute Kevin De Bruyne earned Pep Guardiola‘s side the victory.
This is the moment that a steward reacted in joy and disbelief to Leyton Orient scoring an incredible goal from near the halfway line to take the lead in their FA Cup tie at home to Manchester City
It spared City’s blushes, and earnt them a place in the fifth round of the competition, with the draw taking place on Monday night.
Speaking about his goal after the game, Donley, 20, told BBC Sport: ‘We knew it would be a tough game but we made a good account of ourselves. I’m proud of all the boys.
‘I knew I hit it well and it had a good chance! It fell for me nicely and I saw him off the line. Disappointed we lost but it’s a good moment.’
While City managed to come from behind to ensure they were not victims of a giant-killing, they had to survive an almighty scare thanks to Donley’s remarkable opener.
However, their superior quality told in the end as De Bruyne netted the winner 11 minutes from time after being summoned from the bench.
There was a final scare for City, as the home side wasted a glorious chance to force extra-time when Dan Happe volleyed wide from a free-kick.
While they will be disappointed to not come out on the winning side, Orient have enjoyed an eventful run in the FA Cup this season.
Richie Wellens’ side beat Boreham Wood on penalties in the first round before overcoming Oldham Athletic in extra-time in the second round, with goalkeeper Josh Keeley having scored a late equaliser in normal time.
They then required penalties to get the better of Derby County.
Donley was making his 31st appearance of his loan spell at Orient as he scored his sixth goal for the club. He has also provided six assists this season.
Following their game against Orient, City will turn their attention to next week’s Champions League play-off round clash at home to Real Madrid.
