Charlton supporter Paul Sullivan on the Addicks' hard-fought win over Oxford United.
On the morning of the game against Oxford United, I'll admit I was a little nervous. This felt like a six-pointer, even though we're not yet halfway through our first season back in the Championship.
Five points separated Charlton and Oxford near the foot of the table. Stretch that gap to eight, and Addicks fans could start to look forward to Christmas with a touch of cheer.
That eight-point cushion duly arrived, courtesy of a lovely right-footed strike from the returning Charlie Kelman. We've missed him badly, even when he wasn't fully fit, but he now looks every bit the player Charlton hoped for. The quality of his finish said it all.
Before that much-welcomed winner, though, you could have forgiven a neutral walking into The Valley for wondering if this was League One. It had all the hallmarks of a scrappy, hard-fought battle - and that's exactly what it turned into.
Among the standout performers, captain-for-the-day Lloyd Jones was immense at the back - our colossus in defence.
Rob Apter also returned to the side and put in a solid shift at left wing-back, a position that's caused us real problems with injuries. He impressed at both ends, delivering quality crosses and corners - a basic skill, though one not always as common as it should be.
Up front, Miles Leaburn caught the eye too, winning aerial duels and contributing tirelessly throughout.
Nathan Jones likes to call his substitutes "game-changers", and on this evidence, he's spot on. Kelman certainly was one, but so too was Tyreece Campbell, whose clever assist created the decisive goal.
Next up are two tricky away fixtures against improving sides in and around us - Norwich City and Portsmouth.
Yet with this win and a dogged draw at Birmingham fresh in the memory, belief is building nicely before the festive games. A few more returning players could make all the difference.
Saturday's match marked our final outing of 2025 at The Valley, and what a memorable year it's been in SE7.
Our Welsh warrior at the helm has us in good nick - 27 points at this stage feels quietly satisfying.
Merry Christmas, everyone.
Category: General Sports
