On May 29th, 1987, Peter Shirtliff’s name was written into the Charlton history books.
The defender's extra-time brace completed a remarkable comeback as the Addicks beat Leeds United 2-1 in the Second Division play-off final replay at St Andrew's to preserve the club’s top-flight status in unforgettable fashion.
Against all odds, Lennie Lawrence had guided his side to promotion in the 1985/86 season, despite the club's move away from The Valley.
The play-offs were introduced to the Football League in the 1986/87 season, with Charlton amongst the first clubs involved after finishing third from bottom in the top flight. Their opponents were Leeds with the Addicks' battling to preserve their place in the top tier of English football.
The match came a year after Shirtliff’s move from Sheffield Wednesday and the former defender hailed the profound impact that Lawrence had on his career.
“He had a really big impact on my career," he explained.
"I came to Charlton, and I was desperate for a bit of responsibility. He gave me the captaincy after about five months, I think. I thrived on it.
“He was excellent in terms of his management style; he was absolutely perfect for the situation that the club was in.
“For me, joining a club that had just been promoted there was a bit of momentum about it. I have to say it was very strange to have to play at Selhurst Park. The fans’ engagement there was difficult and I really did feel for them. We made a front of it, and I don’t think there is another person that could have guided that club into a period of sustainability in that old first division, nobody could have done it better than Lennie.”
The Second Division play-off final went to a replay at St Andrew's after the two sides could not be separated across the initial two legs.
“I think at the time, that play-off game epitomised the club,” said Shirtliff.
“It was difficult - backs to the wall really; we never had the advantage of home support because we were at Selhurst Park. It was a real tough gig, and we came through it.”
The defender was hardly known for his goalscoring prowess, but he emerged as the unlikely hero by netting twice in extra time to secure Charlton’s status as a First Division side.
The winning goal came from a set-piece, which Shirtliff admitted came straight from the training ground.
“It had been practiced!" he said.
"We practiced it prior to the game, and it just worked perfectly on the night. It was a rehearsed situation.”
“I don’t think Lennie said that much after the game," Shirtliff added.
"It was just the euphoria of achieving what we achieved as a group, and that is the endearing thought that I have from the time. The resilience we had, they were a great bunch of lads, gave 100% every time.
“The players were great, the spirit of the players and the togetherness of the squad, it wasn’t a massive team like they are today. There was 15, 16 of us maybe, it was that togetherness of the squad that got us through.”
“It was not just the players, and the coaching staff, it was the full entirety of everyone behind the scenes all pulling in the same direction. That is how it was.”
“I totally enjoyed every minute that I played for Charlton.”
