League One fan wins five-figure prize in half-time crossbar challenge

A Leyton Orient supporter managed to win £15,000 during half-time of their latest League One match.

Orient hosted Cardiff City on Saturday afternoon, and the score was 1-1 at the end of the first half in east London.

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There is a wide variety of half-time entertainment at the football and one of the most popular displays is the crossbar challenge.

It’s very simple – if a fan manages to kick the ball against the top of the woodwork, they win themselves a prize.

This season at Orient, the prize pot started at £3,000 and has risen by £1,000 whenever the bar hasn’t been hit.

However, one lucky fan has pocketed a five-figure sum having taken to the pitch and found the target.

One shot, one massive Orient prize

Graham Pringle took his opportunity and, unsurprisingly, delivered a wild celebration after banking £15,000.

“OH MY WORD! THE CROSSBAR HAS BEEN HIT!” the Orient X account posted moments after.

Fans are initially given one chance to hit the bar from the edge of the D but can earn another if they’re lucky.

Should they miss their first attempt, they will pick one of three cards.

Two of the cards reward a consolation prize, whilst the other offers a second go.

It’s unclear as to whether or not Pringle managed to win the £15,000 at the first time of asking.

Shutterstock Editorial

Shutterstock Editorial

However, as per the challenge’s rules, he is not allowed the enter for the rest of the 2025/26 season.

Also the prize fund has dropped down to £1,000 and will be available for their next home match against Reading on January 17.

The match at the BetWright Stadium later resumed, but it looks as though the crossbar challenge was the last memorable moment.

Orient earned themselves a solid point against the league leaders and are now two points clear of the League One relegation zone.

Cardiff have a four-point gap between them and second-placed Lincoln City at the summit.

However, they have been placed under a transfer embargo after they failed to submit their annual accounts.