Leyton Orient head coach Richie Wellens praised his side for their never-say-die attitude after a last-gasp 2-2 draw at Northampton Town.

Rob Hunt fired O's in front at Sixfields, but the hosts hit back with a quickfire Sam Hoskins double after the interval.

However, the Cobblers were then reduced to 10 men when Kieron Bowie was shown a straight red card and O's salvaged a point in stoppage time thanks to Shaq Forde.

And Wellens told the club website: "The last 18 months or so we've never give up. It's something I'd never expect from the group of players I've got.

"Every single one of them are professional, determined and work hard.

"We started really poorly against a team that are desperate for the points. But then we dominated, scored a great goal. Then we had a wacky five minutes.

"This group excite me but we also have to understand these are young players making their way in the game and they are going to make mistakes.
We have to ride with it.

"The game has turned on its head and obviously when they went down to 10 men we totally dominated.

"Our decision-making has to get better. I'm really disappointed because I think we deserved three points but a wacky five minutes has cost us.

"We need to score more goals to get to where we want to get to."

After coming under early pressure, O's saw Hunt claim his first goal for the club on 14 minutes.

And Idris El Mizouni and Jordan Graham forced saves from Lee Burge before half-time as O's looked to extend their lead.

Hoskins levelled when a deflected effort looped over Sol Brynn, then put his side ahead from the spot moments later.

Bowie was given his marching orders just before the hour, though, and O's made their extra man count in the sixth minute of injury time as Forde finished from close range.

"We're sorry we didn't get the three points. I want to get to the top end of this league, but we're young," added Wellens.

"Look at the Portsmouths and Boltons, they would've won that game by little decision making.

"We've got players that are going to improve and develop over a period of time and I have to hold back. I'm old now. I've seen those pictures. I know.

"We'll keep working with them, keep getting better and I'm pleased with the reaction after losing the first three games of the season.

"We're on a really good run, they're a joy to work with every day and they're so coachable and want to learn, so we'll keep getting better."