Charlton vs Leyton Orient LIVE: League One play-off result, latest updates and reaction after Addicks promoted

Addicks secure promotion back to the Championship
Ben Whitley/PA Wire

A free-kick from Macaulay Gillesphey gave Charlton victory over Leyton Orient in the League One play-off final and secured promotion to the Championship. The Addicks are back in the second tier after five seasons in the third tier.

Both clubs came into the game in red-hot form. Richie Wellens’ Orient had won their last six matches to pip Reading to the final top-six spot and then beat Stockport on penalties in their play-off semi-final. Charlton stormed into the play-offs with a brilliant season half of the season under Nathan Jones, and then saw off Wycombe.

It was more Wembley disappoint for Orient, who hit the bar in the second half. But Charlton can look forward to a shot at the Championship next season under Jones. Follow the game LIVE below with our dedicated match blog, featuring expert insight and analysis from Dom Smith at Wembley.

League One play-off final latest

Live updates

25 May 2025

Jones: This is the best day of my footballing life

Charlton boss Nathan Jones has described today as “the best day of my footballing life”.

25 May 2025

Gillesphey: I fancied the free-kick as soon as it come up

Charlton match-winner Macaulay Gillesphey to Sky Sports: "I fancied it as soon as it come up and when it went in, buzzing.

"A free-kick at Wembley to win, unbelievable.

"The squad's class. I'm sure the gaffer will make it even better next season.

"It's one big effort and we've done it."

25 May 2025

Jones: Euphoria for Charlton, now we kick on

Charlton manager Nathan Jones to Sky Sports: "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."

25 May 2025

Full-time: Charlton 1-0 Leyton Orient

Charlton are promoted to the Championship!

25 May 2025

Charlton 1-0 Leyton Orient

90+10 mins: Orient work the ball well, but then another delivery is poor and Mannion gathers again.

25 May 2025

Charlton 1-0 Leyton Orient

90+9 mins: A cross into the Charlton box finds Happe but his header is straight at Mannion. Time is running out for Orient.

25 May 2025

Charlton 1-0 Leyton Orient

90+8 mins: Straight at Mannion, who produces a routine catch and collapses to the turf. Poor from Donley. Orient needed a better delivery there with everyone forward.

25 May 2025

Charlton 1-0 Leyton Orient

90+7 mins: Orient win a free-kick. Crossing position from the left. Donley over it, can he find a quality delivery?

25 May 2025

Charlton 1-0 Leyton Orient

90+5 mins: There’s been little in the way of attacking from Orient so far in added time.

25 May 2025

Charlton 1-0 Leyton Orient

90+3 mins: Orient still have time to rescue this, but Charlton have seen off the first three minutes of added time.

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