'Tense, draining and unforgettable at The Valley'

[BBC]

The relief at full-time was overwhelming.

After the anger and frustration of defeat by Ipswich Town - and the feeling that Charlton Athletic had let a huge chance slip through their fingers - this was a day to savour.

It was tense, draining and, ultimately, unforgettable.

This was not a straightforward afternoon.

With Amari'i Bell, Kayne Ramsay and Matty Godden missing, and Hull City carrying threats through the pace of ex Charlton loanee Liam Millar plus the goals of Oli McBurnie and Joe Gelhardt, Charlton knew they would need both discipline and patience.

Hull were flat for long spells, but they did improve after the break, buoyed by an equaliser on the stroke of half-time.

Before that though, Charlton had struck the kind of goal that can define a season.

I had noted before kick-off that Semi Ajayi's perceived weakness in agility might be exploited, and Charlie Kelman did exactly that. He held him off superbly before bending a magnificent finish into the top corner to put Charlton ahead.

After the recent frustration of not taking chances at The Valley, it was ironic - and fitting - that safety would be set on the road by such a brilliant strike.

Conor Coady deserves real credit for that opening goal. His assist for Kelman was perfectly weighted and showed exactly why his influence has been so valuable.

Later, Jayden Fevrier delivered the second goal, the one that finally sealed Championship survival and sent The Valley into full celebration mode.

That second strike mattered even more because of what had gone before. After Hull levelled, there was a period of real tension, and Charlton had to show resolve as well as quality. But the Addicks held firm, and the support from the stands never dropped.

The Valley faithful stayed with the team throughout and that backing helped carry them over the line.

Nathan Jones has now guided Charlton from the brink of League Two to Championship survival in quick time.

The next stage has to be about evolution: better quality, greater depth and a genuine push forward rather than another season of survival anxiety.