Nathan Jones left on his knees in tears after Charlton's late play-off drama

Matty Godden scored his 22nd goal of the season to break Wycombe hearts at the end of a gruelling tie and send Charlton into a Wembley final against Leyton Orient

CHARLTON will battle Leyton Orient at Wembley on Sunday week for a place in the Championship after Matty Godden’s late goal shattered Wycombe hearts.

It took 171 minutes for the deadlock to be broken and none of Godden’s 22 goals this season were as scrappy.

But it was also the sweetest after Nathan Jones’ well-organised team nullified their visitors' threat completely.

And former Southampton boss Nathan Jones said he was overcome by a cocktail of “relief, euphoria and pride” after dropping to his knees in tears at full-time of a tense semi-final.

"I’m a very religious man, trusting in the Lord," Jones said of his celebrations. "The Lord has seen me through really difficult times.

"I had times at a Premier League club where people thought I didn’t deserve to be there regardless of how much I’d earned the right and gone through divisions and coached at the highest level.

"All those things you remember. There was a bit of emotion with that. There was pride and relief at that but I wanted to thank my God publicly because he’s been very good to me."

Wanderers will rue the fact that their last attempt on target in the tie came 22 minutes into Sunday’s initial meeting – although Garath McCleary, on his 38th birthday, and Xavier Simons had big chances blocked by Kayne Ramsay not long before Godden’s decider.

“I felt it was two well organised teams that cancelled each other out,” Chairboys boss Mike Dodds said. “I knew it would be decided by a moment. Unfortunately for me I’m the one who hasn’t had the moment.”

It was not for the lack of trying, just a combination of resilient defending and poor finishing.

Charlton enjoyed more territory throughout without really looking like testing Franco Ravizzoli, the Wycombe goalkeeper recalled for a first appearance since February 1 because Will Norris took ill yesterday morning.

And in a match of so few chances the sight of Lloyd Jones heading a Godden cross wide from six yards approaching the interval left the Addicks fearing the worst.

But just as minds began turning towards the prospect of extra-time, Godden’s moment arrived.

A long ball was sent into the penalty area and it was met by defender Jones and ricocheted off Ravizzoli. But only into the path of Godden as he closed in quickly to scramble home from close range.

“It was a bit of an outer body experience when it went in,” he said. “It will stay with me forever.”

Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.