Nathan Jones gets the job done just 12 months after their worst league finish in 98 years. A defensive masterclass from Charlton.

Orient had their chances and the better of the play – but could not find a way past Charlton. Nonetheless, Orient can hold their head up high the season they’ve had.

It was a physical start from the Addicks, but Leyton Orient started the better in the opening 5 minutes.

Shortly after, there was a slight concern for Orient with captain Omar Beckles clattered to the ground after going up for a header with Tyreece Campbell, and took a knock, only to then get back on his feet.

The first shot of the game came on 13 minutes, Ethan Galbraith sent a shot wide from the angle. Then Charlton’s captain Greg Docherty was caught in the face by Brown, held his cheek, Charlton won a free kick. Then the game enter a quieter spell.

On the 20th minute, a good Orient break, but Thierry Small was there to make the block. While Richie Wellens’ side looked lively going forward, showing early promising signs, they lacked with the final product.

Very little between the two sides by the half hour mark, but then came a free kick in a good spot for Charlton after Campbell was fouled by Edmonds-Green.

Macaulay Gillesphey stopped up and a left-footed went nicely around the wall and past Josh Keeley’s outstretched hands to put Charlton ahead.

Lee Hendrie on Sky Sports Football: “Josh Keeley will be so disappointed there. He’s got his fingertips on it. I think he can do better. But what a start for Charlton and Nathan Jones. This was what it’s been waiting for. I would say it’s a fantastic free-kick but I’m not so sure it is. I think Josh Keeley will look back at this. He’s left an awful lot of space for him (Gillesphy) to execute it.”

Curtis Davies on Sky Sports Football: “He hits it well but it’s not right in the corner.”

Paul Mortimer (Former Charlton midfielder on BBC Radio London): “Josh Keeley should be doing better, the keeper has got both hands to it. He hasn’t moved his feet quick enough. The next five minutes and the game management will be what matters to Charlton now.”

Macaulay Gillesphey has just curled in a BEAUTIFUL free kick to give Charlton the lead at Wembley 💥👏 pic.twitter.com/Kcp5HDKk5r

— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) May 25, 2025

On the 51st minute, Orient’s Ethan Galbraith received the ball on the right-hand side and sent a low shot from a tight angle, but an easy collection for Mannion.

It was the first real chance from Kelman in the 57th minute, running in behind to pick up a long kick, won a corner for Orient but nothing came of it.

Two huge chances for Orient with around 30 minutes of normal time remaining. Currie with a shot which took a huge deflection – but went just wide of the post. Then Orient take the corner short, Brown sent it just inches past the post.

Orient then came close again. Charlie Kelman with his right-foot in the box, took a small knock from a Charlton defender and the ball came back off the bar.

On 64 minutes, a free kick just outside the box, inside the ‘D’, after Gilbert took out Donley. Charlton called a handball from the Orient man just before, nothing given. Gilbert arguably lucky not to be booked. Free kick saw ball go into the wall and scrambled clear.

Shortly after, Keeley kept out a deflected strike from range by Doherty.

Ramsay then poked the ball wide inside a packed box as Charlton put on the pressure from a corner.

On 78 minutes, an injury concern for Charlton with Campbell going down after chasing down the ball.

The game was held up with a communication issue between the officials. Orient wanted to play on, chasing for an equaliser. The referee went down the tunnel, corrected his communication equipment.

Then Wellens went down the tunnel now before. te referee is back out from the tunnel. 11 minutes added on at the end of the 90.

Charlton held on for the win!

Charlton Athletic are Championship bound 🏆👏 pic.twitter.com/fjEZ8VqpQN

— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) May 25, 2025

The scenes as the whistle blew and Charlton secured promotion 🎉📈 pic.twitter.com/czFiCOkFA6

— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) May 25, 2025

“It’s the best feeling ever, I can’t describe it man!” 😆

Charlton’s match winner Macaulay Gillesphey speaks after sending his side to the Championship 📊 pic.twitter.com/LO7CDJfc1d

— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) May 25, 2025

“This is euphoria. We’ve had to battle, we didn’t play well. We just defended really well. To win a game here and keep a clean sheet, I’m so, so happy.

“There’s also a bit of relief, but the majority is euphoria and pride. This is a good Orient side and they’ve hardly had a chance on goal. And that’s down to our side.

“I wanted to build something. That’s why I cam here. It’s the first step. Now we kick on.”