Tough to take for Slade

Russell Slade admits Leyton Orient's penalty shootout defeat to Rotherham at Wembley was one of his toughest moments as a manager.

Moses Odubajo had fired Orient in front after 34 minutes with a superb volley from the edge of the penalty area and the Londoners seemed in total control five minutes later when Dean Cox tapped in Odubajo's low cross. But Alex Revell's double meant a place in the Championship was decided on spot-kicks. And, despite leading during the shootout as Jamie Jones saved Rotherham's second penalty from Lee Frecklington, Adam Collin's saves from Mathieu Baudry and Chris Dagnall left Orient heartbroken. And defeat was hard to take for Orient boss Slade, whose side led the table for the best part of six months only to fall short on the home straight. Chairman Barry Hearn has still promised to fly the squad to Las Vegas as a reward for reaching the play-offs, but the cocktails will not taste quite as sweet as they might have. "It doesn't feel too good," admitted Slade. "It's one of my toughest moments as a manager and it's tough for my players who have given everything, yet again. "It's cruel, it's not like we haven't practiced penalties, but it's all about the moment. You need that little bit of fortune which Rotherham got. "I'm very proud of the season and the players can be very proud of what they've done. "Yes, I'm going to Las Vegas. It doesn't feel like it at the moment but it might just be the tonic the group needs."