Leyton Orient captain extremely proud of effort in defeat

O’s fell behind to a Joe Low goal on the quarter-hour mark, but were back on terms when Ruel Sotiriou netted their first goal of the 2023-24 campaign.

Their hopes were hit when Dan Happe was sent off for a professional foul soon after the restart, with Low restoring Wycombe’s lead midway through the second half.

Dale Taylor made it 3-1 and Sotiriou’s second proved only a consolation, with Beckles telling the club website: “Extremely proud of the chaps, the effort, team togetherness, even when we went a goal behind, we showed great character to come back.

“We looked more and more like ourselves, there was a bit of intent. I can only be proud. 

“Disappointed ultimately that the result has gone against us, but we’re playing with 10 men and still dominating possession, looking to create chances.

“Credit to the boys, they were brave, they were bold, and if you’re going to lose you’re going to want to do it in such a manner.

“Things haven’t been going our way due to injuries, decisions, but I can only be really proud of the boys and the performance they put in.”

It meant a third successive defeat in League One for Richie Wellens’ side, who were also beaten by Championship side Plymouth in the Carabao Cup.

And Beckles agreed it had been a tough start, but added some context.

“It’s definitely been tough. We’re having to adjust, to adapt, it’s a new league so we’re up against better opposition and we’ve also made a lot of changes to our team,” he added.

“We’re having to find our feet and we’re doing so with people that are not quite fit yet.

“We’re still getting Jordan Graham, Joe Pigott up to scratch. They didn’t have the full pre-season with us.

“And we’ve also got the injuries. A lot of lads who could be in contention starting games, could be involved, and even illnesses as well.

“I think we’re extremely unfortunate with regards to where we’re at, the position we’re in, but we are well aware we have to address our defensive structure, making sure we can get back to keeping clean sheets in the record we set last season, because I truly believe we can.

“It will come, when we get that momentum, it will come.”

O’s head north to Blackpool this weekend and Beckles is hoping their team spirit can help them end their losing run.

“We can only look on. The games come thick and fast so it allows us to move on, which is great,” he said.

“We’re desperate to get a win. I think it shows. We’re not a team that is going to fold and just let it happen.

“We had 10 men, it was still spirited. You’re only going to see that from us as the season goes on as we continue to get fitter.

“I’m sure we’re going to have a few more players back as well, which will be good. We’re going to do our best to go and get some points on the board at Blackpool.”