Nathan Jones praised his side’s resilience and quality after Charlton secured a dramatic late 1-0 victory at Sheffield United on Saturday afternoon.
Substitute Tanto Olaofe struck in stoppage time to seal all three points at Bramall Lane, sparking jubilant celebrations in front of the near 2,000 travelling Addicks who braved the pouring rain.
Speaking after the game, Jones said: “I’m really proud of that performance. Coming to Bramall Lane is always a difficult task in the Championship. They’re an excellent side at this level and then with Chris Wilder returning, it was an even greater challenge. But I thought we were excellent from start to finish.”
The Addicks created the better chances in the first half despite United enjoying more possession, and Jones felt his players carried that belief into the second period.
He explained: “We knew we had to start well and not give them anything, and we did exactly that. First half we were the better side and had the clearer opportunities. We didn’t quite show the quality to take the lead, but I felt we carried a real threat throughout.
“In the second half we looked the stronger team. The game changers we brought on had a real impact and gave us extra impetus. We looked the more likely to score and thankfully we got the goal we deserved.”
Olaofe’s winner came after excellent work from Miles Leaburn and Harvey Knibbs in the build-up, with James Bree delivering the decisive cross for the striker to convert.
“It’s very difficult not to lose your head when you score that late,” admitted Jones. “But we had to earn that. We defended brilliantly, we worked tirelessly, and to score in front of our fans at the end was a special moment.”
The match saw full debuts for James Bree and Reece Burke, both of whom impressed Jones with their discipline and quality: “They were absolutely outstanding, as were all of the back five. You need proper defenders when you come to a place like this, and they stood up to the challenge.”
Jones was also keen to highlight the contribution of his substitutes and backroom staff.
“The starters did their jobs brilliantly,” he explained. “Then the game changers came on and lifted us again. I always involve my staff in those decisions and their input was important today. I’m proud of them and of everyone at the club.”
The Addicks boss reserved special praise for the travelling supporters who backed the team from first whistle to last.
He said: “The fans were magnificent. To bring 2,000 supporters up here, in the rain, after all the travel difficulties – it shows their commitment. We could hear them all game and to celebrate with them at the end was brilliant.
“There’s a real rapport building between this team and the fans, and we’re proud of that. They’re a huge part of what we want to build here.”
The victory lifts Charlton up the Championship table ahead of next weekend’s clash with Blackburn Rovers at The Valley.
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