Charlton Secure Championship Return With 1-0 Wembley Win Over Leyton Orient

Charlton Athletic secured promotion to the Championship with a 1-0 victory over Leyton Orient in the League One play-off final at Wembley, thanks to Macaulay Gillesphey's free-kick. Leyton Orient, playing in front of their largest-ever crowd and aiming for a return to the second tier after 43 years, were unable to find an equalizer despite efforts, including a woodwork hit by Charlie Kelman. Both teams were preparing intensely for the high-stakes match, with Leyton Orient manager Richie Wellens urging fans to enjoy the occasion without worry. Former EFL star Sam Parkin had warned that Leyton Orient's in-form strikers posed a real threat to Charlton, but Charlton's resilience and tactical setup prevailed. The match kickoff was delayed by one minute as part of the EFL's 'Every Minute Matters' campaign to raise CPR awareness, highlighting the importance of lifesaving skills in football and beyond. The victory marks a significant achievement for Charlton, who had a strong season recovery and now return to the Championship for the first time since the 2019-20 season.