On this day in 1987, the name of Peter Shirtliff was written into the Charlton history books.
The defender's extra-time brace saw the Addicks come from behind to claim a 2-1 win against Leeds United in the Second Division play-off final replay to preserve the club's top-flight status and send Charlton fans into raptures.
It was a remarkable turnaround which came after John Sheridan’s opener, and one that Shirtliff still enjoys watching back.
“I cannot believe I did that,” he reminisced. “This was the goal; this was the better one. Colin Walsh! He was a good player, Walshy, wasn’t he? Some good players, you know. We had some good players at the time, for sure.”
The match came a year after Shirtliff’s move from Sheffield Wednesday.
“It was strange. I had been used to having a headquarters throughout all my career. The headquarters at Charlton was a training ground. The home games were played at Selhurst Park. There was horrendous traffic sometimes and getting to the ground was difficult.”
Despite the traffic, Shirtliff spoke fondly about his time at Charlton in which he made 103 appearances, scored seven goals from centre-back and remained at the club for three seasons.
“I loved it. I had a really good time,” he said. “People don’t expect lads from the north to adapt as well as they can do. I love the area, I love the people, I met some good friends.
“The players were great; the management was great and the responsibility that Lennie [Lawrence] gave me as captain made me a better player. I have great affection for the three years I had at Charlton.”
CharltonTV subscribers can watch extended highlights of the Addicks' play-off win below. Click here to purchase a CharltonTV subscription.
(Article by Noah Shulman-Miller)
